CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada's learn-to-skate program and at Silver Blades is for children aged 4-12 years old. It offers great preparation for hockey and figure skating.
Skaters must be able to get up unaided after falling, shuffle forward unassisted and should be just starting to skate backwards.
Skaters are evaluated during the first class and grouped according to skill. The CanSkate program is organized into three FUNdamental areas:
- Balance: Focus on forward skills, pushing technique and edges.
- Control: Focus on backward skills, stopping and speed elements.
- Agility: Focus on turning and jumping skills.
There are 6 stages of learning the FUNdamentals. Once Stage 5 is fully achieved (agility, balance & control), they will be eligible for our Intro to Preliminary program.
Looking for more information? Check out our orientation package that will walk you through the program.
The average CanSkate group size is 10 skaters.
Helmets are mandatory for CanSkate. Minimum age requirement is 4 years of age by December 31 of the registration season. A Parent/Caregiver must remain at the rink while children under the age of 12 are on the ice.
To receive a CanSkate Badge, skaters must achieve all ribbons (Agility, Balance and Control) from the corresponding stage. The skill requirements for each FUNdamental area are indicated on the report card. Report Cards are given out twice a season with achieved badges attached.
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Session Format
Skate Canada professional coaches teach this 50 minute program, with the help of program assistants (PAs). 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 ice.
- The first 10 minutes consists of a warm-up for all skaters lead by our program assistants. The skaters are then separated into their groups.
- Skaters, in their groups, proceed through three FUNdamental areas, each for 10 minutes, each with a different coach.
- The three FUNdamental areas are Agility, Balance, and Control/Challenge Zone and going around the perimeter of the ice is called the Fast Track. The session ends with a 10 minute cool-down led by program assistants and coaches.
- Each child’s skill level is reviewed and evaluated during every group lesson with the professional coaches and ribbons are awarded as quickly as achieved.
