CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. You will earn badges and other incentives as you 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. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10. 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. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs, and is presented by BMO Financial Group, reflecting their commitment to grassroots development.
Why sign up for CanSkate?
CanSkate is Canada's only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you 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
- stickers
- tattoos
- colouring sheets
- parent information sheets
- progress updates and report cards
- special CanSkate events and club functions
- BMO CanSkater of the Year award program
- opportunity to be talent-scouted
- opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle activity
These are some of the awards and incentives that have been developed to encourage athletes in CanSkate:
CanSkate 1
This is an introduction to skating, intended for the first time skater (typically 3 to 5 year olds). The goal is to build confidence in the young skater, encouraging them to go forwards and backwards independently. Awards and incentives are used to motivate and keep interest high! Instruction is through group lessons. Private lessons can be arranged depending on availability of a Coach.
CanSkate 2
CanSkate 2 teaches fundamental movements (forward, backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. The program is set up in seven stages. The CanSkate program emphasizes fun and continuous movement and is taught in a group lesson format. Private lessons can be arranged depending on availability of a Coach. Skaters are tested when they are ready – there are no specific test days for CanSkate skaters. Skaters receive badges as they progress through the skills.
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, Fundamental Movement badges and Fitness 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
The names of the FITNESS badges are:
Fitness I
Fitness II
The expectations for each of the 7 stages are shown in the CanSkate Progression Chart. Click HERE