What Is CanSkate?

If you want to learn to skate for fun, go into figure skating or hockey, speed skating or ringette, then this is the program you want to get the skating skills you need.

CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. The program is set up in seven stages. The CanSkate program emphasizes fun and continuous movement and is taught in a group lesson format; CanSkate is taught by professional Skate Canada professional coaches and assisted by trained Program Assistants. Awards and incentives are used to motivate skaters to achieve and develop their skills as well as to keep interest high! CanSkate is a feeder program to all other Skate Canada programs.

• Skaters receive instruction ONLY by PROFESSIONAL COACHES.
• Each group receives instruction by the same two PROFESSIONAL COACHES each session. Why 2 coaches? Each coach has a slightly different approach to teaching skills just as each skater learns differently as well. This structure maximizes the learning opportunities for the skaters.
• Each 45 minute session will be structured as follows:
  • 8 minutes of warm-up activities and full arena skating
  • 15 minutes of group instruction by a PROFESSIONAL COACH
  • 2 minutes of full arena skating 15 minutes of group instruction by a PROFESSIONAL COACH
  • 5 minutes of cool down (Chicken Dance, etc.)
• Groups have a ratio of 1 coach to a maximum of 10 skaters.
• Program Assistants are an important part of our CanSkate program do not provide instruction to skaters, although they do assist the professional coaches.

Objectives of the Program

• To provide basic skating instruction in a group format
• To introduce skaters to the principles of Jumping, "Figure Skating", Speed, Challenge, Performance, Safety
• To introduce skaters to the five fundamental movements of skating
• To encourage and identify "Talented Skaters" so that they are fast-tracked through Skate Canada system of training
• To promote all skaters through Skate Canada system of training in a seamless manner

Goals of the CanSkate Program

The CanSkate program:

• is taught by Skate Canada professional coaches
• is assisted by trained Program Assistants as required
• keeps the ratio of skaters to coach or program assistant manageable to foster learning and individual attention
• ensures continuous movement - skaters should be moving approximately 90% of the time
• ensures faster progression from one level to the next. Skaters need to move to the next level as soon as they are ready
• teaches fundamental skills - expose skaters to many different skills but require the basics to progress to the next level
• incorporates challenge and speed - providing constant challenge to skaters will help improve their skating as well as keep them interested. Talented skaters may also be identified
• is fun - a vital part of keeping a skater active in the sport is to provide an interesting variety of activities with lots of awards and incentives, upbeat music and enthusiasm

Who can Teach CanSkate?

CanSkate is taught by Skate Canada professional coaches and assisted, as required, by Program Assistants who have been trained by Skate Canada professional coach in the club.

Skate Canada Professional Coaches

Skate Canada professional coaches who teach CanSkate must be a registered Skate Canada professional coaching member, NCCP Level 1 certified or higher and have a valid first aid certificate. They also must be responsible for updating themselves on the CanSkate program (revised July 1, 1998) through either the CanSkate Coaches' Self-Study package or by attending an optional CanSkate Coaches' Update Clinic.

The main role of the Skate Canada professional coach is to:

• prepare fun, challenging and safe lessons for the appropriate age level
• teach skills and teaching progressions
• plan skill circuits, drills, exercises, etc.
• direct the program
• group and re-group skaters
• train, supervise, assess and evaluate Program Assistants
• assess skaters
• select music for the program
• keep efficient records for the program
• ensure the progress of all skaters
• plan effective ice usage
• organize and lead parent orientation sessions throughout the program season
• provide advice on skating matters - i.e. equipment, progression to other programs, etc.
• act as a CanSkate information source / educator for club members and volunteers

Program Assistants

The Program Assistant helps deliver the CanSkate program under the direction of Skate Canada professional coach. The role of the Program Assistant will vary from club to club depending upon the number of Skate Canada professional coaches and volunteers involved in the CanSkate program. Program Assistants may perform a wide variety of duties including those outlined below: 

Program Structure, Awards and Incentives

The CanSkate program consists of six fundamental movements: GO forward, GO backwards, STOP, TURN, SPIN and JUMP organized in six stages of learning, with an optional 7th level for skaters wishing to progress into figure skating. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has a primary focus. Once the skills on each stage are mastered, a badge is awarded. The names of the badges are: Balance, Glide Forward, Glide Backward, Edges, Power, Speed and Pre-Preliminary.

Other Learn To Skate Options

Skaters with some basic skating skills that are keen on figure skating, should also consider our Early Figure Skating Program. Entrance to this program is by audition or invitation by one of our professional coaches. Early Figure Skating will teach skaters the fundamentals of skating in a more figure skating like environment. All instruction is provided by our NCCP professional coaches. 

Where Can My Skater Go From Here?

Anywhere they like! What exactly does that mean? Read on:

Canskate is the place to start for all skaters regardless of whether they choose to be figure skaters, hockey players, ringette players or recreational skaters.

Once skaters have acquired some skills (about the first two levels of Canskate) they have several options:

1. Stay In Canskate: skaters will continue to expand and refine their skating skills. All these skills are beneficial to all disciplines.
2. Audition For Early Figure Skating Academy: this program is for keen skaters wanting to further their skill development in a more figure skating like environment with instruction provided solely by our professional coaches. Read more about Early Figure Skating Academy.
3. Transfer Into our Hockey Skating Programs: Develop your powerskating skills with our Pre-Powerskating hockey classes for skaters 8 and under or our Power Skating programs. These programs are developed and taught by Master Canpowerskating Instructor, Bruno Delmaestro.

My Skater has completed the Canskate Program and they would like to continue skating. What can we do?

1. If they are interested in figure skating, they are ready for the Skate Canada Star Skate Program. This program allows skaters to further develop skating skills in the disciplines of Skating Skills, Freeskate (jumps and spins etc.) and Ice Dancing.
2. If they are keen about refining and developing hockey skills, they are ready for the Power Skating Program.