What is is CanSkate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
Who’s it for?
For beginners age 3 and up as well as those wishing to improve their basic skating skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
Who teaches it?
National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure 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.
What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. 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. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
What do you need to participate?
Canskaters are required to have their own skates and their own CSA-approved hockey helmet as rentals of ice skates and helmets are NOT available from Hillcrest Centre during Riley Park Canskate Lessons.
Skaters are also required to wear mittens or gloves for warmth and protection and recommended to dress warmly and wear long pants and a sweater and/or jacket.
How do you register for lessons?
Click here to find out how to register. For the our current lesson schedule, go to Program Schedules.
Note to Canskate Parents and Caregivers
Parents and Caregivers are required to remain in the vicinity of the rink for the duration of each lesson so that they are able to meet their skater at the rink entrance to provide assistance when they come off the ice.
Click here to find out what to expect during the first week of CanSkate Lessons