Learn To Skate

CanSkate
Pre-CanSkate
Caregiver & Tot

Content placed in this side section will only be visible on this page.

Pre-Canskate

Pre-CanSkate groups are a component of CanSkate. Participants who have never skated before or who are not confident with their balance on the ice are considered Pre-CanSkaters (age range is typically 4-6 years old).

Pre-CanSkaters work on the essentials needed to move safely and effectively on the ice, so that they can rotate to the different learning stations. There are 8 basic skills designed to ready them for CanSkate.

Helmets are mandatory for Pre-CanSkate. Click here for Helmet Policy. The minimum age is 4 years old 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.

First-Day Checklist
Helmet Policy
Buying Skates
CanSkate Private Lessons

First-Day Checklist

Thank you for choosing Silver Blades! We are looking forward to having your child take skating lessons with us. Here is a reminder about essential on-ice items:

Skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet—any other type of helmet is not sufficient
Skaters must wear gloves or mittens for safety
Sharpened skates (hockey skates or figure skates are equally fine at the CanSkate levels)

All of these items are required to be allowed on the ice.

Water-resistant bottoms such as snowpants are highly recommended for at least the first few sessions of PreCanSkate. Skaters should dress warmly for our sessions in layers; however, some items such as long drawstrings, scarves, dangling coat belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided. Please come prepared!

We use bingo dabber markers to draw circuits on the ice which may get on your children's clothing, but easily washes out.

Before the first class, please allow yourself 15 minutes to arrive, obtain your child's name label, and get ready for the session.

Helmet Policy

On July 1, 2011, Skate Canada implemented a Helmet Use policy. This policy was implemented as a proactive safety measure to help protect and prevent future injuries to members in the early stages of the CanSkate program who are learning how to skate. In the development of the policy, Skate Canada consulted various groups of individuals, including parents, and the policy was approved by the Skate Canada Board of Directors.

The helmet policy is not optional for clubs. Therefore, should a skater in the CanSkate program who has not achieved Stage 5 arrive at the rink and wish to go on the ice without a CSA-approved helmet, he/she must be refused entry onto the ice surface.

Skate Canada is proud of its CanSkate program, the best learn-to-skate program in Canada, and it will continue to develop policies and programming that create a better and safer learn-to-skate experience for skaters. If you would like more information on helmet use and injury prevention, we recommend you visit Think First.

How should the hockey helmet fit?

A hockey helmet should fit snugly to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened. For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of your head. Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort. All CSA-certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification.

Why only hockey helmets?

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on-ice, whether from a fall or a collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity. Are face masks required as well? Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.

Are used hockey helmets acceptable?

Hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If a CSA sticker is missing, throw the product away. Hockey helmets normally last for about three to five years. Hockey helmets must not be used if previously subjected to a major impact, if older than five years, if showing visible signs of damage, or if parts are missing. Hockey helmets must have labeling with the date of manufacturing and must have a chin strap. It is important that the helmet fit properly in order to ensure proper protection.

How can I identify a hockey helmet that is CSA-approved? Where will the logo appear on the hockey helmet?

The CSA-approved logo will be found on the back of the hockey helmet, affixed to the outer shell. For more information about CSA standards, visit www.csa-international.org.

Can a parent sign a waiver absolving the club from any liability and allow their child to participate without a helmet? No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a Skate Canada Policy, and all clubs and members must abide by it. Therefore, in order to participate in the CanSkate program, all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program, or who lack good balance and control, must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use?

Skaters who lack good control/balance when skating forward/backward, and who have difficulty stopping and manoeuvring around obstacles on the ice, are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age.

The CanSkate program has been developed to introduce basic skating skills to beginners in a safe and sequential manner. The learning progressions leading into and included in Stage 5 allow skaters to gain the necessary skills (balance, agility and control) required to safely participate on the ice. While it may be likely that many Stage 5 skaters can skate reasonably well, ice surfaces can be very unpredictable, and there is always a risk of falling, no matter what stage a skater is at. CanSkaters participate in a group environment with other skaters on the ice of different levels who may fall and cause other skaters to fall.

Buying Skates

The first decision to be made before going to the store is what style of skates—figure or hockey—is more appropriate. If you are registering at a Preliminary, Junior, Intermediate or Senior level, figure skates are required. PreCanSkate and CanSkate skaters may wear either hockey or figure skates. Figure skates do not have much of a rocker on the blade, so beginner skaters may find them easier to learn on. If you are interested in figure skating, getting figure skates right at the beginning will speed the skater’s progress.

The most important factor is the quality and support of the boot. Skates should provide firm support around the ankles. If you are buying used skates, check for support at the ankles as this can be worn down from use or abuse. When skates are laced up snuggly, the ankles should be straight so that the skate becomes a natural extension of the leg. If ankles lean inward or outward, the skater will have difficultly balancing (particularly on one foot). Molded plastic skates are not recommended because they cannot be “broken in,” thus preventing the boot from flexing properly to allow a range of motion. Plastic skates with buckles instead of laces are convenient to put on, but they can loosen, which leaves the skater with no support.

How a figure skate should fit

Skates should fit more snugly than regular shoes. A properly fitted skate should have not more than half an inch of space at the toe. Skaters should be able to wiggle their toes, but their heel should not move. There should be no more room than one finger space between the back of the foot and the skate. Proper positioning of the arch is important. The ball of the foot should be just ahead of where the sole cuts in for the arch. You should be able to pull the laces tight in the front and the tongue of the skate should be wide enough to prevent the laces from touching the foot.

If skates are too small, they are uncomfortable, and feet will tend to get cold faster. When skates are too big, the foot moves around in the skate, which could cause injuries and blisters. Only one pair of thin socks should be worn with skates. Thick socks, or more than one pair of socks, puts extra pressure on the boot. So when the skater exerts pressure on the boot, the socks compress and this prevents the skate from providing the needed support. Never buy skates hoping they will last more than one season.

Skates should be laced fairly loosely at the toe and front of the foot, but snugly around the ankle. Laces should be tied in a double knot with the excess tucked in. Never wrap laces around the ankle of the boot before tying.

If you are more comfortable having an expert advise on fit, figure skating stores like Figure Skating Boutique and Esta have staff who understand the proper fit of a figure skate.

Sharpening

New skates do not come sharpened. Skates should be sharpened after roughly 40 hours of ice time. The use of skate guards, not walking on cement, and wiping blades clean after each skate can make your sharpening last longer. Do not store your skates with guards on as rust can form on the bottom of the blades.

Sporting goods stores and arena pro shops are fine for sharpening hockey skates but should not be used for figure skates. They put a “rocker” on the blade that changes the balance significantly. A few places that sharpen figure skates in this area are the Figure Skating Boutique (Richmond Hill), Jake’s Figure Skate Sharpening (Thornhill) and Esta (Oakville)

CanSkate Private Lessons

How it works

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.

Where to start

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.

Coach fees

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.