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). All children age 11 and under must have a parent or designated adult supervisor present in the building during lessons.
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.
Pre-CanSkate - Guardian & Tot
One person must register to join the skater on the ice.
Pre-CanSkate Gurdian & Tot is the "First Steps" to Skate Canada's flagship "Learn-To-Skate" program, designed for pre-schoolers and kindergarten children aged 3-6 years who have never skated before, just walking on skates or who cannot get up on the ice by themselves, needing to learn to balance and begin to move on the ice.
The program will be offered as: 1-45 minute session a week on Sunday 12:15-1:00pm.
NOTE: ice will be shared with CanSkate programs.
A parent/family member is always required to be on the ice assisting their skater. Parent/Family member will be hands on assisting your skater to stand and move threw the on-ice circuits enjoying this special time with your skater.
In their fun 45-minute group session skaters will learn to balance and move forward, to move backward and stop to jump & turn by our Skate Canada Certified NCCP Professional Coach with Trained Volunteer Program Assistants.
Skaters earn ribbons and other incentives as they learn the fundamental skating skills. Skaters advance at their own pace based on their induvial skills achieved. The program will help to prepare the young skater for the mainstream CANSkate program.
PRE-CAN skaters are encouraged to participate in our once-a-month theme days, Ice Show/Performance Day and CANSKATE Element Event if held by club or another club.
EQUIPMENT All participants are required to wear a CSA approve hockey helmet at this level we encourage skaters to wear a cage. Mittens, snow pants or splash pants with sweatpants under or sweatpants warm layers spring jacket with sweater under are suggested.
Skate are the most important piece of equipment. Look for good ankle support and correct fit. Avoid the ski boot type of skate they do not allow for the bending of the ankle for developing power and speed. Adjustable size skates make balancing exceedingly difficult and frustrating for skaters.
Long hair needs to be pulled back via hair band or bandana under the helmet -nothing more frustrating having hair fall into face under a helmet.
Skates need to be sharpened before the first lesson.
CanSkate & PRE PowerSkating
CANSkate & PRE CanPower is Skate Canada’s flagship mainstream learn-to-skate program, designed for beginner (who can balance and move forward on skates by them self with no assistance). Skaters wishing to enter the PowerSkating program must have previous skating experience that equates to Stage 4 in CanSkate or higher. Skaters will receive a 45- minute lesson that is run along side the PRE-CAN Guardian &Tot session. Our CANSkate session are run by our Skate Canada Certified NCCP Professional Coaches with assistance from trained Volunteer Program Assistants. The program is designed to focus on fun, participation, and basic skills development. Skaters will earn ribbons and badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in group format Coach to skater ratio is a maximum 1:10. Coaches make sessions active through 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 onto the next level to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs which may include CanPowerSkate, STARSkate (figure skating) or Synchronized skating.
The program will be offered as: 1- 45-minute session a week. on Sunday 12:15-1:00.
NOTE: ice will be shared with the Pre-Can Program
Skaters are encouraged to participate in our once -a -month Theme Days, Ice Show/Performance Day. Skaters are e eligible to enter the CANSkate Element event if held by the club or another.
EQUIPMENT All participants are required to wear a CSA approve hockey helmet (cage optional) until passing Stage 5 badge (Skate Canada rule). Mittens, snow pants or splash with sweatpants under with or just sweatpants and warm layers spring jacket with sweater under are suggested.
Skates are the most important piece of equipment. May wear hockey or figure skates. Look for good ankle support and correct fit. Avoid the ski boot type of skate they do not allow for the bending of the ankle for developing power and speed. Adjustable size skates make balancing exceedingly difficult and frustrating for skaters.
Long hair needs to be pulled back via hair band or bandana under the helmet -nothing more frustrating having hair fall into face under a helmet.
Skates need to be sharpened before the first lesson.
The CANSkate curriculum includes specific foundation skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating.
There are 3 Fundamental Movement Stations where skills are grouped for easier acquisition:
BALANACE (forward strides, glides, edges, crosscuts)
CONTROL (backwards skating skills, stopping)
AGLITY (turning, spinning, jumping, challenge)
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 challenge with skills above their current level. At the Challange Zone station skaters will use their skills in a creative ways practice time drills and try those challenging and extreme skills.