In order for a skater to be eligible for private lessons, they must be enrolled on the CanSkate session. The 50 minutes CanSkate sessions are broken down into different components, ending with a 10 minute cool-down period. During these last 10 minutes, coaches will be available to teach private lessons. Private lessons are a good option if your skater is having difficultly with a particular skill, or just needs to master a few more skills to move to the next level. The cool-down will be coach-led, so skaters not opting for private lessons will still get a full session of skating instruction. Private lessons may commence anytime after Thanksgiving. 

 

If you would like your child to have private lessons, you will need to contact a coach directly. You can find out more about Silver Blades' coaches online or on the Coaches’ Board at the arena. Coaches are as unique as the individuals they teach. Involve your skater in this decision. If you can, it's a good idea to observe the coaches during a session. This will give you a sense of their techniques/methods and their rapport with skaters. Coaches are as unique as the individuals they teach. Involve your skater in the decision. Shortlist your choices to one or two coaches, and then meet with them individually to assess their style/philosophy and also to understand their rates. It is important to find the right combination of expertise and personality in order for your young skater to enjoy his or her instruction and to work cooperatively with the coach to achieve goals. There are also practical considerations, such as coach availability and rates, that will impact your decision.

 

Typically, coaches teach 15-minute lessons, but this could vary depending on the needs of particular skaters or the length of time available for private coaching on a session. The coach, parent and skater should determine the frequency of lessons per week. Lessons start at about $14 for a 15-minute lesson and vary depending on the coaches’ qualifications and achievements. Some coaches offer semi-private lessons, a shared-cost arrangement that can help parents manage the price of coaching. It is important to acknowledge that the Silver Blades Board of Directors has no role in the private coaching arrangements or dealings between skaters, parents and coaches. This is a private matter between families and the coach of their choice.