General Information
Q. What kind of skating lessons does WRSSSC provide?
- Our Learn to Skate Program - CanSkate
- After Skaters reach Stages 5/6 in CanSkate they may be invited to join our STAR Academy Program
- After STAR Academy skaters may be invited to join our STARSkate [Junior/Intermediate/Senior] Figure Skating Programs
Q: My skater completed some lessons elsewhere, how do I know where he/she will fit into your program? Do they have to start at the beginning level?
A: New to WRSSSC Skaters coming from other Learn to Skate Programs will be placed into our CanSkate program where they will be assessed on the ice by our coaches and placed in the appropriate CanSkate levels. Our CanSkate program is a self paced program so skaters work through the various stages at their own pace.
Q. My skater has more advanced skating experience at another Skate Canada or equivalent skating club/school - do they still need to register in CanSkate?
A. If you have specific knowledge of what skills your skater is working on [see CanSkate page of our website and review the Progress Report there to determine which skills your child is working on] or know what Skate Canada level they are skating at, they might qualify to register in our STAR Academy [typically working on Stage 5/6 CanSkate skills] or STARSkate [STAR 1 and Up] programs. We can accommodate an assessment to find out where they might fit in best at WRSSSC. Or you can sign them up for CanSkate and ask for them to be assessed during their CanSkate session. The decision about which program will ultimately be at the discretion of our Coaching staff.
keep in mind that IF your child qualifies for our STAR Academy program that they are expected to skate 2 times per week or IF they qualify for our STARSkate Program that they will be required to skate 3 times per week including 1 morning session before school.
Q. Do you offer Private Lessons?
A. The Private Lessons that we provide are when a STARSkater works one-on-one (or in a duo or trio) with a Coach within one of their regularly scheduled sessions. We do NOT provide Private Lessons on their own or to CanSkaters or STAR Academy Skaters.
Q. When do lessons start?
A. The schedules page on our website is the best place to look for current information regarding schedules: https://www.wrsssc.com
Seasons are typically:
Fall-Winter - runs Sept to March [registration typically sometime in August]
Spring - runs April to June [registration typically sometime in February/March]
Summer - July & August [registration typically sometime in May/June]
Q. If the season has already started can I still register my child?
A. Depends if there is room on the session that you are interested in. Our classes tend to fill up fast - so you need to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Recently our 5 CanSkate classes were filled within an hour! Once the online registration window has closed - you will need to email our Administrator to help you; info@wrsssc.com
CANSKATE
Q. What is Canskate? Is it different from the local recreation programs?
A.Yes….Canskate is the only Nationally Recognized Learn to Skate Program. It was developed by professionals to teach the fundamentals of skating in a sequential manner. Our skate clubs "Skate Canada NCCP Certified coaches" make sure your child follows all the steps needed to learn the basics of skating for all types of ice sports as regulated by Skate Canada. Badges and certificates are awarded upon achieving certain goals and skills at various levels. We utilize special event days, themed days, parties, music and fun sessions.
Q. What level should I register my child in?
A. CanSkate is for all levels of learning to skate (3 and Up); skaters should at least be able to get up on their own and walk on the ice independently. STAR Academy is the next step after CanSkate and our beginning to figure skate program. Skaters for this category will have been invited from CanSkate or new members with advanced skills may audition for a coach.
Q. My child has never been on skates. What should I do?
A. Take them to public skating to have some fun and get used to being on the ice. This will also help you to figure out if they are ready for lessons.
Q: Are there age restrictions?
A: Anyone 3 years of age or older is welcome to register. *Children 3 years of age can be assessed by our coaches to determine their readiness.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: A CSA approved hockey helmet, skates and basic gloves or mittens are all that are required.
Q: What kind of helmet do I need?
A: Skate Canada mandates that the hockey helmet must be CSA approved. Bicycle or ski helmets are not suitable or safety rated and approved by Skate Canada for skating. For insurance purposes our Club must adhere to this policy, and any child without a CSA approved helmet will not be permitted to skate.
Q: Can I rent skates from you?
A: No, unfortunately we do not offer rental skates.
Q. What kind of skates should I buy?
A. Good skates are important for comfort and safety. All skaters must have their own skates, preferably fitted by a skate shop or by a qualified skate dealer. A good fit in a pair of quality used boots is better than a pair of low-quality new boots for skaters starting basic figure skating skills. Leather boots with firm support around the ankle and properly sharpened blades are essential. Molded boots are often too stiff and inflexible.
The boots should be fitted with one pair of socks/tights and there should to be room to move the toes, but the foot should not slip or slide around in the boot. Skates need to be laced fairly loosely over the toe and the front of the foot, but snuggly over the ankles. Laces should be tucked in and not wrapped around the top of the skate. The heel must fit firmly and should not be able to move up and down. The child stands up, bends their knees slightly and walks in the skate without the ankles dropping to either side. The skate should feel comfortable. Avoid buying a larger size for skater to grow into.
You can test the support of a skate by taking your two thumbs and, placing one on each side of the side of the boot, press down where the ankle bone would be. If the side of the boot is easy to push in, then there is little or no support in the boot. Likewise, if it is difficult to push the side of the boot in, then there is good support in the boot.
Probably the most important element in purchasing used skates is ensuring that there is enough support left in the skate. Many competitors attempt to offset the cost of skating by selling their old equipment. Many of these skates, while originally being of very good quality, are now at the end of their life span and have been broken down or are close to breaking down. A broken down boot is indicated by creases in the side of a boot that go to or past the ankle bone. Fit is essential in a skate. There should never be more than a tight finger behind the heel of the skater's foot when the skater's foot is pushed as far forward in the boot as possible (without crunching the toes). Also reference the CanSkate section of our website for further information.
Q. What clothing should my child wear on the ice in CanSkate lessons?
A.It is important to be warm so that skaters can enjoy their lesson, but also the clothing needs to allow for movement. Clothing should not be baggy for safety reasons so a closer pair of pants/jacket are a good idea and layers of clothing help keep you warm. Snow pants/ski suits can be good for tots just learning to skate but eventually they progress past this stage and need more freedom to move with their newly learned skills. Make sure clothing has no extra pieces or hanging parts that could get caught on skate blades.
Q. What is required of parents?
A.Parents are expected to remain on-site at the rink for the duration of each lesson. Children should not be left alone. If you must leave, you must provide another adult to be responsible for your child. There is always a risk of injury and it is imperative that a responsible adult be present at all times in case of an emergency. Parents should also assist their child/children with putting on their equipment. Please observe from the heated bleachers. Parents are not permitted to be in the players’ boxes or at the gates to the ice arena. This blocks access to the ice and it is also a distraction to the coaches and skaters during their lessons.
In the event of an emergency, it is imperative that a responsible adult be present at all times.
Q. Do I have to pay the membership fee?
A. Yes, all Club Skaters must pay a membership fee and this fee goes to Skate Canada to register and insure all skaters. As a Skate Canada sanctioned club, we are not able to waive this fee. Your membership fee is valid for an entire year from September 1 to August 31, and the current SC fee is $58.65.
Q. What do the ribbons and badges mean?
A. In CanSkate, skaters earn a ribbon when they have achieved all skills in a particular category – balance, control, or agility. Each category has a progression of levels from 1 to 6. When a child achieves all skills in all categories at a particular level, they receive that level badge (for example receiving level 1 balance, control and agility ribbons equals level 1 badge).
Q. When are badges and ribbons given out?
A. Badges and ribbons will be attached to your child’s name tag on the CanSkate table at any time through the lesson program, whenever they have achieved all skills in a particular category. Children may achieve these skills at a different pace from others. You may remove these ribbons or badges from their name tag before they go on the ice.
Q. What day did I register for?
A. Please check your receipt. It will have been emailed to you with your program details, or you can look up your receipt online by logging in to your registration account and clicking on the “Profile” tab.
Q. Should I register my child for more than one day per week?
A. We have mandatory requirements for all our programs so appropriate progress can be made in skating
- Canskate (2 times a week),
- STAR Academy (2 times a week - includes off-ice training) and
- STARSkate Junior & Intermediate (3 sessions with a mandatory morning - includes off-ice training and private lessons - depending on which sessions are selected),
- STARSkate Senior (3+ sessions with a mandatory morning - includes off-ice training and private lessons - depending on which sessions are selected).
Q. What is ‘uplifter’ and how does it work?
A. Uplifter is our Club’s online registration and payment platform. You must create an account and log in. Instructions and entry are through our club website at www.wrsssc.com
Q. Can I get a receipt?
A. If you registered online, you would have been emailed a receipt at the time of registration. You can also look up your receipt online by logging in to your registration account and clicking on the “Profile” tab.
Q. Are private lessons available for CanSkaters?
No. Skate Canada does not recommend private lessons for CanSkaters.
Q. If I have a question about my child’s progress who do I speak to?
A. All Canskate questions should be directed to Coach Caroline at CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
B. All STAR Academy questions should be directed to Coach Caroline at CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
STAR ACADEMY/STARSKATE
Q. What Happens After CanSkate?
A. The STAR ACADEMY Program is intended as an introduction to developmental figure skating. The program is the next stage of development for skaters approximately 9 yrs of age and younger with the desire to pursue figure skating as a sport. Team coaching, jump technique, spins, off-ice, specialized dance classes, games and prizes are all part of the Program. It combines a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere to learn the basic skills of figure skating at a young age.
The STAR Academy program is designed to be a bridge between the CanSkate program and the Skate Canada StarSkate program. Skaters may choose to complete all levels of the Program before transferring to the StarSkate Program or they may be invited to transfer part way. For further details please contact one of our Coaches or our Administrator.
After STAR Academy comes StarSkate. This program allows skaters to further develop skating skills in the disciplines of Skating Skills, Freeskate (jumps and spins etc.) and Ice Dancing in either semi-private or private lesson format. Skaters may take tests against a national standard and/or start competing.
Skaters who have not yet achieved a CanSkate level 6 report card must register in CanSkate, or STAR Academy with coach recommendation. Adults without tests may skate on Junior, Intermediate or Senior ice only.
Q: Where can I get my skates sharpened?
WRSSSC periodically brings in a figure skate sharpening specialist to sharpen figure skates.
A: Figure skates should be sharpened at specialty skating stores, such as:
Cyclone Taylor - 1005 W. 49th. Ave Vancouver, BC (604) 264-9261
Skaters Edge Skate Shop - 10-145 Schoolhouse Street Coquitlam, BC (604) 521-5550
We recommend a more professional figure skate sharpening for skaters in STAR Academy and up.
Ask your coach where to get skate blades sharpened. They should be sharpened when new and after every 20-30 hours (approx) of skating for CanSkate and 15-20 for StarSkate. The blades need to be kept clean and free of any rust and debris. Plastic skate guards protect the skate blade from dulling and the skate guard should be worn while walking on all surfaces other than ice. Skate guards should be worn off ice. NB:. Please remember to remove skate guards just before you step onto the ice. Blades should be cleaned and dried after each usage and stored covered with cloth blade covers. This should prevent rusting. Air out boots after use and remove skate guards for storage. Leaving skate guards on may allow blades to rust.
Q. What is Off-Ice? What do I need for Off-Ice Class?
A. These sessions are an important component of figure skating training. They help to improve on ice performance and to reduce injury risk. The sessions are taught by our team of Club Coaches and are designed to teach skaters the basics of warm-up, cool-down, stretching, & strengthening as well as balance and technique for jumps and spins, and creative expression.
Q. What is ‘uplifter’ and how does it work?
A. Uplifter is our Club’s online registration and payment platform. You must create an account and log in. Instructions and entry are through our club website at www.wrsssc.com
Q. How do I request a coach and private lessons?
A. Our Club has a Team Coaching approach, and our Coaching staff has the discretion to make the final decision regarding private lesson assignments. Although you are welcome to discuss your preferences with your Skater Representative (Coach). At this time Private lessons are included with certain classes. If there are any extras available for purchase - we will advise you.
Q. What is a Skater Representative?
A. A Skater Representative is one of our highly qualified Coaches who is responsible for over-seeing your skater’s development. This is the person you can ask questions to or if you have any feedback/issues regarding your skater.
CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
CoachLinda@wrsssc.com
CoachMargaret@wrsssc.com
CoachJessi@wrsssc.com
CoachChristina@wrsssc.com
Q. If my child missed a lesson can I get a refund?
A. Please refer to our Club policy (on the website) when booking lessons for season.
Q. If I have a question about my child’s progress who do I speak to:
A. Star Academy questions are to be emailed to Caroline. CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
All StarSkate questions are to be emailed to your Skater Representative (Coach):
CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
CoachLinda@wrsssc.com
CoachMargaret@wrsssc.com
CoachJessi@wrsssc.com
CoachChristina@wrsssc.com
Q. If my child is going to miss a lesson should I tell his coach?
A. StarSkaters are asked to inform their Skater Representative or our Administrator of any days you may not be attending due to illness, holiday or other function. Please email as early as possible to let us know of an absence at:
CoachCaroline@wrsssc.com
CoachLinda@wrsssc.com
CoachMargaret@wrsssc.com
CoachJessi@wrsssc.com
CoachChristina@wrsssc.com
Administrator - info@wrsssc.com
Q. How many days per week should my child skate?
A. StarSkate Junior is 3 sessions with a mandatory morning; Intermediate is 3 sessions with a mandatory morning and Senior is a minimum of 3 sessions with a mandatory morning.
Q. How do I know if I should register my child for a competition?
A. PLEASE check with your Skater Representative BEFORE registering for any competitions. Once you have some direction from your Skater Representative it is the parent’s responsibility to sign up/register for a competition. Instructions will be sent. You will need to know your child’s Skate Canada number so please keep it in a safe place for easy access. This can also be found in your Uplifter Account via our website when you click on SKATER <your child’s name>
Q. How do I know if my child is ready to be tested?
A. Star 1-5 Skate Canada Tests are conducted on an ongoing basis on regular skating sessions. The cost for these tests is $15 per test. Generally you will be invoiced for these tests after they have been attempted - however we are considering pre-payment in the future. We request payment upon receipt of such an invoice. Skate Canada charges a fee for these tests and the test results will become part of your skater’s permanent achievement record.
For tests at the STAR 6+ or Senior Bronze level and above, the coach will inform the skater/parent. These tests are done at Centennial or South Surrey Arena at our own Club Test Days OR off site at Centralized/Region Test Days (run by the Skate Canada BC Coast Region). Centralized/Regional Test Days are held 4 times per year. Skaters may also register for some tests at Competitions (some Freeskate and Interpretive tests - please talk to your coach). Tests done at Regional Test Days or Competitions must be registered for and paid through COAST REGISTRY (there is a link from our website to Coast Registry). CLUB test days do NOT require registration through Coast Registry. The Coaches will advise our Administrator to invoice you for payment and will submit a list of skaters who will test at a Club Test Day to the Club’s Test Chair. These club tests are $20 per test.
Q. What Should StarSkaters Wear?
A. GIRLS: a skating dress or skirt with warm tights, or stretch leggings or warm-up pants. Long hair needs to be tied back.
BOYS: straight-legged stretch pants and sweater. This enables the coach to see proper body positions.
No loose fitting clothing or heavy winter coats. Form fitting athletic sweaters/jackets preferred. Warm gloves are preferred over mitts.
OFF ICE: Athletic shoes (runners), stretch activewear clothing. Please bring a water bottle.
Q: I am an adult, can I learn to skate too?
A. Definitely! Adults are welcome to skate with us in our STARSkate Programs (Intermediate or Senior) Adults, without previous skating experience, may also register in the Junior Program. Check the club website for details and/or email info@wrsssc.com for more information.
Online Payments
You can pay for any outstanding balance online through our website. Please follow these steps:
1) Login
2) Click on MY ACCOUNT or on Member’s First Name from the home page
2a) Click ACCOUNT
2b) Click ACCOUNT STATUS
3) Click on UPDATE PAYMENT METHOD
4) Check off any invoice number that needs to be paid
5) Select PAYMENT METHOD from drop down menu
6) Select CREDIT CARD & fill in details
7) Click UPDATE
We hope you find this information helpful.
If you have any other questions please direct them to info@wrsssc.com so that we can continue to build this list of FAQ’s
