What is Learn to Skate and Canskate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. It centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
NCCP-Trained Professional Coaches, assisted by Trained Program Assistants.
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of 1:5. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. At the end of each session a report card with badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters' progress.
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills are taught in stages of learning pertaining to figure skating, hockey, ringette and speed skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
Pre-Power is designed for young skaters, approximately four to six years of age who have completed stage 2 CanSkate or who can skate forward, backward and stop proficiently. Pre-Power helps develop basic skating abilities in a power skating-specific environment, including balance skills, forward and backward skating, stopping, turning and agility skills. The curriculum is presented in two progressive levels, complete with its own awards to encourage participation and motivate skaters. Pre-Power has been designed to run concurrently with CanSkate sessions.
Jr. Star and Intro to Figure Skating are designed for the skaters who have achieved stage 4 or higher in the CanSkate program and wish to continue to develop their skills in figure skating. Intro to Figure Skating has been designed to run concurrently with CanSkate sessions.
The "STARSkate" program consists of skating skills in four areas: Skating Skills, Ice Dance, Free Skate and Interpretive. Each area is divided into the following levels:
- Skating Skills: Star 1-5, Junior Bronze
- Free Skating: Star 1-5, Junior Bronze
- Dance: Star 1-5, Junior Bronze
- Interpretive: Introductory
Best of Curriculum
- A complete series of balance, control and agility skills that will prepare skaters for any ice skating sport or recreational skating.
- Nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success.
- Designed for maximum movement so skaters learn in an active and fun group setting.
Best of Coaches
- Nationally certified coaches trained specifically in teaching the mechanics and proper technique of skating.
- Coaches are assisted by trained program assistants.
- Ensures a 1:5 coach-to-skater ratio.
The Best Start
- Provides kids with the best foundation for figure skating, hockey, speed skating and ringette.
- Introduces a healthy, lifelong activity at an early age.
- Promotes fun, fitness and participation.
CanSkate Graduates
Some of the best skaters in the world learned to skate with CanSkate. Here are just a few:
- Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, Olympic and World ice dance champions.
- Patrick Chan, Olympic medalist and World men's figure skating champion.
- Ivanie Blondin, Olympic and World long track speed skater.
- Matt Duchene, NHL Colorado Avalanche and Olympic hockey team gold medalist.
- Jeff Skinner, NHL Carolina Hurricane, NHL Rookie of the Year and former Canadian juvenile men's figure skating medalist.
Parent & Tot Program: This is a 45-minute session is intended help ease our skaters ages 2 - 3 who have never been on the ice before or have had limited experience with skating. It allows for our youngest skaters to begin their "Learn to Skate" journey with their parent or trusted adult (18 years or older), while learning the basics of balance and control. Adults accompanying the children MUST to be proficient skaters. A hockey helmet is mandatory for the adult participant. Parent must pay the Skate Canada Membership.
Adult/Teen Program: Skaters First is pleased to offer the Adult/Teen Learn to Skate Program. This is a 45 minute session for participants 13+ years of age or older who would like to “Learn to Skate” or for those who would like to improved on their skating skills and technique. A hockey helmet is mandatory for this class.
Exciting News: Learn to skate even better
Our improved learn to skate program follows the new Skate Canada CanSkate program which is based on Sport Canada's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles. Exciting new features include a fresh new look, new awards, great tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. But there's more! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating. The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport.