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LEARN TO SKATE - CANSKATE

CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada. Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice.

We offer CanSkate for school-aged participants and Pre-CanSkate for pre-schoolers. During lessons, children are assisted on ice by trained Program Assistants (PA’s). Parents are not allowed on the ice during these lessons unless they have received PA training have been registered with Skate Canada as an on-ice assistant. All children age 11 and ​under must have a parent or designated adult supervisor present in the building during lessons.

Learn more about CANSkate            Learn More about PreCanSkate


Is your child ready for skating lessons?


There is no minimum age requirement and each child is different. The Hazelridge Skating Club offers a one-week trial period to help you decide if your child is ready for the Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate program.

Readiness Criteria: Children should be able to:

  • Understand simple instructions and follow directions from a person other than a parent; 
  • “Separate” from a parent and remain on the ice for the duration of the skating session;
  • Walk on the floor with reasonably straight ankles while wearing skates that fit properly​.


CANSkate 


CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners (who can balance and move forward on skates without assistance). Skaters will receive a 1-hour lesson that is run along side the Pre-Can Parent & Tot session. Our CanSkate sessions are run by Skate Canada Certified NCCP Professional Coaches with assistance from trained Volunteer Program Assistants.

The program is designed to focus on fun, participation, and basic skill development. Skaters will earn ribbons and badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format where the Coach to Skater ratio is a maximum of 1:10. Coaches make sessions active and interesting thru use of music, circuits, teaching aids and vast activities that create a fun learning session.

Skaters advance at their own pace based on their individual skills achieved. 

CanSkate is the feeder program that prepares skaters to move on to the next level of Skate Canada Skating Programs which may include CanPowerSkate, Star 1-5 (Figure Skating), or Synchronized Skating. 

The program will be offered as:

  • 1-60-minute session per week or
  • 2-60 minute sessions per week.
  • Lessons will be held on Fridays and Sundays
  • Ice will be shared with other programs

Note: The ice will be shared by other skating programs.

CanSkaters are encouraged to participate in our once-a-month theme days, the end-of-year Ice Show, and the CanSkate Element Event if held by the club or region.


EQUIPMENT:
All participants are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet (cage optional) until they pass the Stage 5 badge and have coaches consent.

  • Mittens (hand covering required)
  • Snow pants, splash pants with sweatpants under, or just sweatpants and warm layers
  • Spring jacket with sweater under are suggested.
  • Make sure the clothing is warm and moveable (no jeans!)
  • Long hair needs to be pulled back via hair band or bandana under the helmet

Skates are the most important piece of equipment. Look for good ankle support and correct fit. Avoid the ski boot type of skate as they do not allow for bending of the ankle for development of power and speed. Adjustable size skates make balancing exceedingly difficult and frustrating for skaters.

Skates need to be sharpened before the first lesson.

CURRICULUM:

The CanSkate curriculum includes specific foundational skills that pertain to Hockey, Ringette, Speed Skating, and Figure Skating. 

There are 3 Fundamental Movement Stations where skills are grouped for easier acquisition:

  • BALANCE - forward strides, glides, edges, crosscuts
  • CONTROL - backwards skating skills, stopping
  • AGILITY - turning, spinning, jumping, challenge skills

There are 6 stage badges and 18 fundamental movement ribbons. When a skater completes the skills and receives ribbons for Balance 1, Control 1, and Agility 1, the skater will receive the Stage 1 badge.

At each on ice station, the skater will review skills, be introduced to current skill level and will be challenged with skills above their current level. At the Fun Zone, skaters will use their skills in creative fun ways, practice time drills, and try those challenging and extreme skills.

Skaters are eligible to enter the CanSkate Element event if held in the Eastman Region, Regional Competition, or Stony on Ice Competition.​

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