CANSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. (Ages 3 & Up) CanSkate Programs focus on FUN PARTICIPATION and basic skill development. Coaches make sessions active using visual aids and music to create a fun, stimulating and welcoming environment. Report cards, ribbons and badges are received in the program as kids progress through the various stages. CanSkate is a Twice a Week Program. Ideally skaters will come to the arena on 2 different days of the week - this method is preferred to skating twice in one day.
Skaters are expected to be able to participate in the session without parents or guardians on the ice.
Coaches - Lessons are given in a group format and are led by NCCP Certified Professional Coaches. Coaches are also assisted by trained Program Assistants.
Session Format:
5 minutes - Set up (no skaters on the ice)
5 minutes - Warm up in a large group with music.
30 minutes - Designated Groups taught by Coaches (Groups are divided by Level and Age)
5 minutes - Cool down in a large group to music.
Evaluation - is done throughout the 30 minutes of group time. Skaters will receive a report card at the end of the program.
Please Note: that our CanSkate 1 ,2 or 3 (A, B, C) are simply distinctions between preferred time slot, not particularly for a certain level. There are approximately 3 x 6 stages to work through within the CanSkate Program and this is done on an independent basis as each child masters their own skills. Once on the ice children will be grouped with other children at approximately the same level. Any changes are at the Coach’s discretion.
To view the CanSkate Progress Report in Uplifter - follow these steps:
Go to our website: www.wrsssc.com
Login to your Account
Then on the TOP RIGHT you click on the drop down arrow by the <Account Holder's Name>
Then click on MY ACCOUNT
Once you are on the MY ACCOUNT Screen:
Click on SKATER
Click on <Your Skaters Name>
Click on EVALUATIONS
Once on the EVALUATIONS Screen:
Click on drop down SELECT AN EVALUATION
Choose SUMMARIZED BY PROGRAM>
Choose the PROGRAM that your skater is registered in. For example <CanSkate Wed 4:15-5PM>
Then you will see how your skater did in each one of the skills categories; BALANCE, CONTROL, AGILITY
A Skater must achieve ALL 3 Skills within a STAGE in order for the entire STAGE to be PASSED
CanSkate 1 BALANCE - there will be skills that have been checked off as achieved or attempted
CanSkate 2 BALANCE
CanSkate 3 BALANCE
CanSkate 4 BALANCE
CanSkate 5 BALANCE
CanSkate 6 BALANCE
CanSkate BALANCE - COMMENTS (where there might be a comment from the skater's Coach)
If there is a STAR at the bottom of a certain Stage - then your skater has passed that BALANCE Stage
CanSkate 1 CONTROL - there will be skills that have been checked off as achieved or attempted
CanSkate 2 CONTROL
CanSkate 3 CONTROL
CanSkate 4 CONTROL
CanSkate 5 CONTROL
CanSkate 6 CONTROL
CanSkate CONTROL - COMMENTS (where there might be a comment from the skater's Coach)
If there is a STAR at the bottom of a certain Stage - then your skater has passed that CONTROL Stage
CanSkate 1 AGILITY - there will be skills that have been checked off as achieved or attempted
CanSkate 2 AGILITY
CanSkate 3 AGILITY
CanSkate 4 AGILITY
CanSkate 5 AGILITY
CanSkate 6 AGILITY
CanSkate AGILITY - COMMENTS (where there might be a comment from the skater's Coach)
If there is a STAR at the bottom of a certain Stage - then your skater has passed that AGILITY Stage
For your reference here's a copy of the Paper Progress Report - to help it make sense:
What is CanSkate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
Who’s it for?
For beginners of all ages, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating or just skating for fun.
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
What will I learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
What can I expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
Equipment for CanSkate
Skaters joining our CanSkate programs should have the following equipment:
1. CSA Approved Helmet (see guidelines below)
2. Proper fitting Figure or Hockey Skates. NO Plastic or Adjustable Skates (see guidelines below)
3. Proper clothing - layers are best. We do not recommend snow suits. Consider Long Johns with Jogging Pants and a light waterproof pants over top and a thermal shirt with a long sleeved t-shirt and sweater for the top.
4. Gloves or Mittens
5. Skate Guards (see pic below)
What kind of skates do I need?
Both fitted figure skates and hockey style skates are fine for CanSkate. Leather, lace up skates are preferable to vinyl. Molded plastic skates with velcro closures are not recommended. BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.
Appropriate Figure Skates
Appropriate Hockey Skates
Do NOT Use
Do NOT Use
How to Purchase Skates
Wearing the proper skates is very important for your child's success in skating. Skaters in CanSkate can wear either hockey style skates or 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 in CanSkate.
Helmet Guidlines
CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory for ALL CanSkaters
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.
How do I register my child for the right level?
If you have already skated with us we have a record of levels achieved last session. If a skater is new to us, we will place them in the appropriate level during the first several weeks. There is no age difference between CanSkate 1 and 2; skaters will be grouped according to skating level.
How do I register for CanSkate?
Click the link below!