Learn to Skate

The goal of the program is to help skaters develop balance and coordination on ice.

Skate Canada professional coaches teach this 50-minute program, with the help of program assistants.  Children are separated into colour-coded groups based on their ability. Skaters have fun at various stations while working on the skills needed for the different badge levels. CANSkate lessons include a group warm up and cool down using the full arena.

• When you arrive, pick up your skater’s name tag on the rink-side table and place it on their jacket. Your child has been supplied with a “Name Tag” that assists the coaches and PAs (Program Assistants) in placing them in their appropriate groups. The PAs will collect their name tags before they exit the ice. If they mistakenly take their “Name Tag” home, please bring it to the next session.
• The first 10 minutes consists of a warm-up for all skaters lead by a program assistant or coach. The skaters are then separated into their groups.
• Skaters, in their groups, proceed through three “zones”, each zone for 10 minutes, each with a different coach. The skaters will travel in their groups to their stations with their PA group leader.
• The three zones are the Agility Zone, the Balance Zone, the Control Zone and going around the outside is the Fast Track.  The fundamental movements are covered in all of these zones with fun and energetic teaching methods. Instruction at each fundamental movement station will be provided by a Skate Canada Professional Coach.
• The session ends with a 10-minute cool down led by a program assistant or coach.
• Each child’s skill level is reviewed and evaluated during every group lesson with the professional coaches and badges are awarded as quickly as these skills can be mastered.

CanSkate participants are able to work with a private coach for additional lessons, during the first or last 10 minutes of the session. If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Operations Coordinator Andrea Nesbitt at andrea@skatescbc.ca.

Clothing Information

• Skaters should dress warmly for our sessions: however, some items such as long drawstrings, scarves, dangling coat belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided if possible.
• Jeans can be cold and restrictive. Snow suits can be bulky to move in.
• Active wear is best. Layering is recommended. Nylon material track pants and gloves are great for those skaters just starting out.
• Mittens or gloves are required, but avoid using the furry/fuzzy kind as they tend to stick to the ice and leave hazardous pieces behind. We often use teaching aids which require the skater to hold or pick up an item, this can be a challenge in hockey gloves.

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Helmet Information  CANSkate Helmet Policy

• Skate Canada requires all registered CANSkate participants, up to and including Stage 5 to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.
• The use of CSA approved hockey helmets is a mandatory Skate Canada policy and must be adhered to by all Clubs operating Skate Canada programs.  If your child does not have a CSA approved hockey helmet they will not be allowed on the ice.
• Skaters must provide their own skates, skating helmets and gloves. Rentals are not available.
• Bicycle, multi-sport and snowboarding/skiing helmets are not permitted as this helmet does not provide the proper protection.
• Please make sure the helmet is not too tight or too loose with all straps fastened and long hair kept away from the face.

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Skate Information

The most important piece of skating equipment is your ice skates. The skates consist of a boot, which is usually leather, and a blade. Your boots must fit properly, which means that they should be snug yet relatively comfortable, and provide good support for your ankles. A good pair of used skates will always be better than a pair of poor quality new ones. Your coach is the best source of information on which skates are best for your child.

SCBC strongly recommends that figure skates be purchased through a figure skating specific store such as the following:

ESTA Canada

Figure Skating Boutique

Hockey skates may be purchased from a sporting goods store such as SportChek, Play it Again Sports or Canadian Tire.

**When purchasing skates, you will need to have your skater with you to be fitted properly as skating boot sizes differ from shoe sizes.

Before buying skates, check carefully for:

• • Proper fit
  • Good firm ankle support
  • Good quality leather
  • Correct blade placement

• Avoid buying larger skates to “grow into” as improperly fitting skates are a safety hazard
• Molded plastic skates are NOT recommended.
• Look for blades that are screwed on rather than riveted, so that the blade can be removed if necessary. If the blade is riveted, make sure it is straight and centered.
• The foot should not fall to one side.
• A leather boot is preferable to vinyl.
• Make sure the boot does not have any wrinkles.
• Make sure skates fit comfortably
• There is room for toes to wiggle slightly
• Heels do not lift inside the skate more than ¼ inch
• We strongly recommend lace-up skates, as they provide the best support and promote proper movement.
• Excess laces are tucked or tied up so that they do not hang loose or drag on the ice.
• Double over hooks or double knot for longer laces to avoid wrapping laces around the ankle.
• The skater should be able to stand and walk on their skates keeping their ankle straight.
• Skate guards are mandatory. All skaters must have skate guards on their blades when not on the ice. Guards protect and keep blades sharp; dull blades prevent skaters from moving and stopping correctly.
• Guards should be placed on the name tag table.  In the event of an emergency the skaters will need their guards on their skates.  Please ensure their names are on the guards. Guards should not left in change rooms or with the parent/guardian.

Skate Fitting: 

Wear only one pair of tight fitting socks or tights. (The same pair that will be worn when skating.)

1. Partially lace boots through instep.
2. Slide foot forward so toes can touch the front but are not cramped.
3. Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet.Bend knees.
4. The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil width.
5. Tie skates loosely over the toe and front of the boot and snugly over the ankle and instep.
6. Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement of the toes. There should be no looseness or creases in the boot.
7. The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place.
8. Walk around in the skates off the ice – the skates should feel comfortable.

 

Equipment Care

• To protect skate blades, skate guards should be worn in any area that is not protected by rubber mats.
•  At the end of every session the blades should be wiped with a dry cloth to prevent rusting.
• After wiping the blade do not store the skates in wet guards.
• Skate Sharpening should be done periodically – we recommend after 20 hours of skating that skates be sharpened by a professional figure skate sharpener.

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