CanSkate Program
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development.
About CanSkate
Who is it for?
For beginners age 3 and up and for those wishing to improve their skating skills whether their focus be figure skating, hockey, speed skating, ringette, speed skating or just skating for fun.
What will your skater learn?
Canskate centers on developing physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreation activity. This includes a complete series of Balance, Control and Agility skills taught in six stages of learning.
How are skaters grouped?
During the first week of lessons, coaches asses skaters to group them with others at a similar skill level. This allows coaches to provide activities that are appropriate for each group and support skaters as they progress at their own pace.
What happens during a lesson?
Lessons are given in a group format with a maximum coach-to-skater ratio of 1:10. Each lesson includes a warm-up, rotations through three skills circuits, a group activity and a cool down. The CanSkate curriculum uses upbeat music and a wide variety of activities to help skaters learn new skills, practice existing skills and build confidence on the ice.
What will my skater need?
Skaters are required to have their own skates and a CSA-approved hockey helmet. They must wear mittens or gloves for warmth and protection and dress warmly in clothing that allows free range of motion.
Rentals of ice skates and helmets are NOT available from Hillcrest Centre during Riley Park Figure Skating Club’s CanSkate Lessons.
How does my skater progress through CanSkate?
Skaters progress through CanSkate at their own pace as they develop fundamental skating skills. Coaches continuously assess skaters throughout the season and provide progress reports, with badges and ribbons to recognize achievements, at the end of each season.
Once skaters complete Stage 4, they are ready to transition to Junior Academy to begin their figure skating journey.
Note to parents and caregivers
Skaters must be able to participate independently in the lessons. Parents and caregivers are required to remain at the rink during their skater’s lesson so that they can meet their skater at the rink entrance when they come off the ice. This includes accompanying your skater to use the restroom as volunteers and coaches are not permitted in the washrooms with the skater.
There is no photography or filming during lessons. While we realize you want to capture your child’s progress on film, we are unable to monitor who is being filmed, by whom, and the children who are part of the video or picture being taken.