What is CanSkate?

CanSkate, Skate Canada's, learn to skate program, is one of the most sought after skating programs in the world. CanSkate was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner. Designed for beginners of all ages, the focus is on fun, participation and basic skill development.Participants earn ribbons and badges as skills are mastered.Skaters are taught in a group lesson format by a NCCP certified professional coach, assisted by trained program assistants. The coach/assistant to skater ratio is 1:10.

When you register your child for the CanSkate program at the Ice Edge Skating Club, they also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada.  Membership benefits in the CanSkate program can include:

• Badges and Ribbons
• Stickers
• Colouring sheets
• Parent information sheets
• Progress updates and report cards
• Special CanSkate events and club functions
• CanSkater of the Year award program
• Opportunity to be talent-scouted
• Opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle activity

Standards have been nationally developed and tested for success by experts and are a part of our CanSkate program.  On-ice activities require 90% movement – skaters are moving and learning using circuits and stations to practice skills; use teaching aids and music; use activities and games according to age groups and award CanSkate badges as skills are mastered.

Program Structure

Pre-CanSkate is a learn to skate program designed for skaters 3 to 5 years of age that have never skated before or have little skating experience.

The CanSkate program is for skaters 5 years and older and the curriculum is organized into three Fundamental Areas, divided into six stages of learning.  The Fundamental Areas are:

AGILITY: Concentrating on most turning and jumping skills

BALANCE: Concentrating on most forward skills, pushing technique and edges.

CONTROL: Concentrating on most backwards skills, stopping and speed elements.

These are the ABC's of the CanSkate Program.

The awards consist of:

• Three Fundamental Area ribbons for each Stage
• Six Stage Badges

To receive a stage badge, skaters must achieve all Fundamental Area ribbons (Balance, Control and Agility) from the corresponding stage. The skill requirements for each Fundamental are indicated on the report card.

EXAMPLE OF RIBBONS AND BADGES:

A CanSkate session consists of four main components:

• Warm-up
• Lesson time
• Group activity
• Cool down