CanSkate is the best Learn to Skate program.  The program is a fun, recreational learn-to-skate program designed for children who are at least 4 years of age by the end of December of the current year.  The goal of the program is to help skaters develop balance and coordination on ice.  The program is designed for all children, those who have never skated as well as those who have some skating experience.  The basic skills taught in the CanSkate program are a benefit to all children regardless of which ice sport they prefer to progress into:  figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating and recreational skating.

Skate Canada professional coaches teach this 50-minute program, with the help of program assistants.  Children are separated into colour-coded groups based on their ability. Skaters have fun at various stations while working on the skills needed for the different badge levels. CanSkate lessons include a group warm up and cool down using the full arena.

 Each Canskate session runs as follows:

 The first 10 minutes consists of a warm-up for all skaters lead by a program assistant or coach. The skaters are then separated into their groups.

• Skaters, in their groups, proceed through three “zones”, each zone for 10 minutes, each with a different coach.
• The three zones are the Agility Zone, the Balance Zone, the Control Zone and going around the outside is the Fast Track.  The fundamental movements are covered in all of these zones with fun and energetic teaching methods.
• The session ends with a 10 minute cool down led by a program assistant or coach.
• Each child’s skill level is reviewed and evaluated during every group lesson with the professional coaches and badges are awarded as quickly as these skills can be mastered.

 The CanSkate program curriculum is organized into three Fundamental Areas, divided into six stages of learning.

 The Fundamental Areas are:

• Balance: Concentrating on most forward skills, pushing technique and edges.
• Control:  Concentrating on most backwards skills, stopping and speed elements.
• Agility:    Concentrating on most turning and jumping skills.

 The awards consist of:

• Three Fundamental Area ribbons for each Stage
• Six stage badges

 To receive a stage badge, skaters must achieve all Fundamental Area ribbons (Balance, Control and Agility) from the corresponding stage.

Clothing Information

 Skaters should dress warmly for our sessions: however, some items such as long drawstrings, scarves, dangling coat belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided if possible. Active wear is best.  Jeans can be cold and restrictive. Layering works well as snow suits can be bulky to move in. Nylon material track pants and gloves are great for those skaters just starting out. We recommend wearing mittens or gloves each session, avoid using the furry/fuzzy kind as they tend to stick to the ice and leave hazardous pieces behind. We often use teaching aids which the skaters pick-up which can be a challenge in hockey gloves.

Helmet Information

• Skate Canada requires all registered CanSkate participants, up to and including Stage 5 to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.
• The use of CSA approved hockey helmets is a mandatory Skate Canada policy and must be adhered to by all Clubs operating Skate Canada programs.  If your child does not have a CSA approved hockey helmet they will not be allowed on the ice.
• Skaters must provide their own skates, skating helmets and gloves. Rentals are not available.
• Bicycle, multi-sport and snowboarding/skiing helmets are not permitted as this helmet does not provide the proper protection.
• Please make sure the helmet is not too tight or too loose with all straps fastened and long hair kept away from the face.

Skate Information

• Make sure skates fit comfortably
• There is room for toes to wiggle slightly
• Heels do not lift inside the skate more than ¼ inch
• We strongly recommend lace-up skates, as they provide the best support and promote proper movement.
• Excess laces are tucked or tied up so that they do not hang loose or drag on the ice.
• Double over hooks or double knot for longer laces to avoid wrapping laces around the ankle.
• The skater should be able to stand and walk on their skates keeping their ankle straight.
• Skate guards are mandatory. All skaters must have skate guards on their blades when not on the ice. Guards protect and keep blades sharp; dull blades prevent skaters from moving and stopping correctly.
• Guards should be placed on the name tag table.  In the event of an emergency the skaters will need their guards on their skates.  Please ensure their names are on the guards. Guards should not left in change rooms or with the parent/guardian.

Equipment Care

• To protect skate blades, skate guards should be worn in any area that is not protected by rubber mats.
•  At the end of every session the blades should be wiped with a dry cloth to prevent rusting.
• After wiping the blade do not store the skates in wet guards.
• Skate Sharpening should be done periodically.

Important Information – City of Brampton By-Law

• Children under 10 years of age must be under the constant supervision of a parent/guardian 16 years of age or older. Do not leave your children unattended at the rink.
• Please ensure your children enter and exit the ice only from the designated gate/door.
• Parents are asked to watch from the stands upstairs to allow our coaches to have the children’s full attention during the session.
• Please do not stand inside the arena/rink as this is a distraction to the skaters.

 

Thank you for your interest in CanSkate.  SCBC is excited to have you aboard this season!  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in person at the arena, by phone 905-450-5581 or email canskate@skatescbc.ca and we will gladly answer your questions.  

All fees are in Canadian dollars.