STAR Recreational Figure Skating

You must be INVITED to join STAR Rec FS or already skating at this level.

STAR Recreational Figure Skating is an invitation only program for skaters who have participated in the CanSkate program, and who show interest and ability beyond the CanSkate level. STAR Rec FS Skaters are typically over 9 years of age and have completed CanSkate Stage 5/6 and show an interest in our STARSkate Figure Skating Program.

STAR Rec FS is a twice a week skating program with NO off-ice training. If space permits, and Coaches approve, your skater may pick up an additional STARSkate Junior [STAR 1-3] session to supplement their STAR skating progression.

Through a combination of coached lessons and individual practice time, the STAR Rec FS program teaches skaters to train effectively while beginning their transition from CanSkate to figure skating tests and competitions. Skaters must be assessed and approved prior to their participation in the program. Optional Synchronized (Synchro) skating participation.

Skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet until they have passed CanSkate Stage 5.

All lesson costs are included in the price of the program.

Equipment for STAR Rec FS

Skaters joining our STAR Rec FS program should have the following equipment:

1.  IF not yet passed Stage 5 of the CanSkate Program you MUST have a CSA Approved Helmet (see guidelines below)

2.  Proper fitting Figure Skates.  NO Plastic or Adjustable Skates (see guidelines below)

3.  Proper clothing - see dress code below.

4.  Gloves or Mittens

Dress code for STAR Rec Figure Skating is the same as STAR Academy:

Proper Athletic clothing - layers are best. Yoga pants and top are perfect, layered with tights, shirts, sweaters. Skating dresses. Long hair must be tied back.

What kind of skates do I need?

Fitted figure skates are required for STAR Academy.  Leather, lace up skates are preferable to vinyl.  Hockey Skates are NOT suitable for STAR Rec FS. Molded plastic skates with velcro closures are not recommended.  BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.

 

Appropriate

Figure Skates

Appropriate

Boys Skates

NO Hockey

Skates

How to Purchase Skates

Wearing the proper skates is very important for your child's success in skating.  Skaters in STAR Rec FS should wear fitted figure skates. We recommend that you purchase skates that have laces and not clips or dials to tighten.  Skates with laces allow for the skate to be better adjusted to fit the child's growing foot.  We also DO NOT recommend that you purchase adjustable skates.  While this may seem like a cost saving option with a young child that is growing rapidly it is really detrimental to their progress.  As you enlarge these type of skates the blade becomes too short for the boot and it causes difficulty for the skater to maintain proper balance and technique. 

Do I have to wear a helmet?

A CSA approved hockey helmet is required for all skaters who have not yet completed Stage 5 of our CanSkate Program.  

Helmet Guidelines

 CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory for ALL skaters who have not yet completed Stage 5 of CanSkate.

  • The helmet fit should be snug

  • Hair should not be in a ponytail under the helmet...this interferes with the proper fit

  • Face Masks/Cages are optional but recommended for 1st time skaters. They can be removed as the skater becomes more comfortable on the ice and able to control their fall.

  • Both the strap and the helmet should be adjustable

  • Stickers should not be put on the helmet

Bike, Ski and other types of helmet are NOT acceptable. Skaters will be prohibited from joining classes until proper protective gear is worn. This symbol is mandatory on the back of the helmets.

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

At WRSSSC, we support and conform with Skate Canada's policies. Click here to read the official Skate Canada guidelines related to safe sport and helmets.

STAR Rec FS Volunteering

STAR Rec FS families are expected to complete 5 Volunteer Credits

throughout the skating year [Sept through August]


Questions about Volunteering?

Please email: volunteer@wrsssc.com

SYNCHRONIZED SKATING AT WRSSSC

Synchronized Skating [also known as Synchro] is one of the five disciplines within the STAR 1-5 program. At WRSSSC we have decided to incorporate Synchro into our Recreational Figure Skating program on Tues & Thurs evenings.


The benefits of synchronized skating include camaraderie, team work, sense of community and increased confidence. Synchronized skating provides skaters the opportunity to enhance their fundamental skating skills in a fun, inclusive, group/team environment.

 

 
 

Screenshot above from: skatinginbc.com/synchronized-skating

 

Synchro is a TEAM Sport:

As such attendance to practices are VERY IMPORTANT to the Team’s development.  Missing Synchro practices disrupts the entire Team.  Please do your best to attend ALL Synchro practices or advise if you will be missing practice (due to illness or injury) as soon as possible.  Please advise Coach Jessi if you are unable to attend.  Attendance may affect who is chosen to be spare at a competition.

Attendance the 2 weeks prior to a competition is MANDATORY.

 

A Note about Synchro Spares:

Spares on a Synchro Team are like the under-study of a character in a play.  SPARES ARE VERY IMPORTANT in a Team environment! They fill in when someone else can not be there.  In Synchro, Spares can change from competition to competition, based on availability or if someone gets sick or injured.  If you are selected to be a spare, please don’t take it personally, and plan to attend the competition and be prepared to compete – in case your team needs you.

Questions about Synchro? Coach Jessi CoachJessi@wrsssc.com or info@wrsssc.com