CanSkate Learn to Skate

CanSkate

CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. When you sign your child up for CanSkate they will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Skaters earn badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP certified professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.

Program Structure

The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements organized in six stages of learning, with an optional 7th level for skaters who want to move into figure skating. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has a primary focus. Once the skills on each stage are mastered, a badge is awarded. The series of badges include Stage badges and Fundamental Movement badges.

The names of the STAGE badges are:

• Stage 1 - Balance
• Stage 2 - Glide Forward
• Stage 3 - Glide Backward
• Stage 4 - Edges
• Stage 5 - Power
• Stage 6 - Speed
• Stage 7 (optional) - Pre-Preliminary

The names of the FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT badges are:

• Go Forward
• Go Backward
• Stop
• Turn
• Spin
• Jump

Preschool Learn to Skate

Preschool CanSkate is designed for beginner level skaters aged 3 and up. The sessions are available on Tuesdays at the Kanata Recreation Centre from 10:00 to 10:50. The children enrolled in this program will receive skating instruction in small groups that are designed to develop the child's skating skills. Skaters should wear warm comfortable clothing that will allow them to move freely.

It is mandatory that a well-fitted CSA approved hockey/ski helmet be worn and each skater must have a responsible person present in the arena during all sessions.

CanSkate 1

CanSkate 1 is designed for beginner level skaters aged 4 and up or badges 1-4. This program is offered one or two days a week. The children enrolled in this program will receive skating instruction in groups that are designed to develop the child's skating skills. On ice, skaters have a 10-minute group warm-up, them move into smaller groups for a 30-minute lesson. The skaters participate in skills and games based on Canskate skills.

It is mandatory that a well-fitted CSA approved hockey/ski helmet be worn and each skater must have a responsible person present in the arena during all sessions.

CanSkate 2

For more information on CanSkate and Preschool CanSkate please contact canskate@marchkanataskatingclub.com