CanSkate 

What is CanSkate? 

Our CanSkate program is the next exciting step for skaters ages 4 and up who have completed Pre-CanSkate. This learn-to-skate program helps skaters build a strong foundation through a progressive approach that develops skills step-by-step, all while keeping things fun and engaging.

Designed for beginners of all ages, CanSkate focuses on fun, participation, confidence, and skill development. As skaters progress and master new skills, they’ll earn ribbons and badges along the way—giving them plenty of reasons to celebrate their accomplishments and stay motivated as they continue their skating journey!

 

Did you Know: CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program Did you know that our CanSkate program has been recognized by Skate Ontario with an Exceeded Standard designation through the CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program? This recognition highlights clubs and skating schools that deliver CanSkate at or above the national delivery standards established by Skate Canada. CanSkate is Skate Canada’s official Learn to Skate program, designed to develop strong fundamental skating skills in a fun, engaging environment. Earning the Exceeded Standard recognition reflects our commitment to delivering a high-quality CanSkate experience and following best practices in program delivery. We’re proud to provide a CanSkate experience where skaters can learn, build confidence, and have fun on the ice!

 

Where and When Does it Run?

The CanSkate Sessions are 50 minutes long and run at the Wasaga Stars Arena. The program runs on Thursday nights from 5:30pm - 6:20pm. 

 

What Will Your Skater Learn?

CanSkate is designed to help skaters build their skills step-by-step through six progressive stages of learning. Each stage is divided into three Fundamental Areas—Agility, Balance, and Control—so skaters can develop a well-rounded foundation while working toward new skills and challenges.

Agility focuses on turning and jumping skills, helping skaters become more comfortable moving and changing direction on the ice.

Balance focuses on forward skating, pushing technique, and edges, helping skaters develop stability and strong skating fundamentals.

Control focuses on backward skating, stopping, and speed elements, helping skaters gain confidence and control as they move around the ice.

As skaters work through each stage, they’ll earn a ribbon for each Fundamental Area they complete. Once all three Fundamental Area ribbons for a stage have been earned, they’ll receive a completion badge to celebrate reaching that stage.

Throughout the season, skaters will also receive a report card showing the skills and elements they have successfully completed, making it easy to see their progress and celebrate their accomplishments along the way.

Want to see what skills are included at each stage? Learn more about the CanSkate badge levels and the skills your skater will work toward here.

 

Who Teaches The Program?    

The CanSkate program is led by our Professional Club Coaches and supported by trained Program Assistants—often experienced, older skaters who love sharing their passion for skating with our youngest participants! Together, they create a fun, encouraging, and welcoming environment where little skaters can build confidence, learn new skills, and fall in love with being on the ice.

Want to get to know the friendly faces on the ice? Learn more about our coaches here!

 

What Does a Typical Session Look Like? 

Every CanSkate session is filled with movement, learning, and plenty of fun! Our sessions are structured to give skaters opportunities to learn new skills, practise what they’ve already learned, and build confidence on the ice.

Each session begins with a warm-up around the rink, getting skaters moving and ready to learn. Skaters then break into their groups for structured group lessons, rotating through a variety of stations and circuits. These activities focus on introducing new skills while giving skaters plenty of opportunities to practise and build on the skills they’ve already learned.

Once skaters have completed each station, everyone comes together for a fun group activity before finishing the session with a cool-down.

Our CanSkate sessions are designed to keep skaters moving, engaged, and learning from start to finish. And remember—falling is all part of learning to skate! With plenty of encouragement and practice, every session is another opportunity to grow in confidence and skill.

 

What Should My Skater Wear?

The right clothing and equipment can help your skater feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun on the ice! For Pre-CanSkate, we recommend dressing your skater warmly and in layers so they can move comfortably throughout their session.

Clothing:

• Warm layers: Dress your skater in comfortable layers that allow them to move freely. A coat or thick sweater paired with warm pants and splash pants is a great option.

• Mittens or gloves: These are required for all skaters. We recommend thicker mittens to keep little hands warm while they learn.

• Hair: Long or loose hair should be pulled back and kept out of the skater’s face so they can see clearly while skating.

 

Helmet Safety:

A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for all Pre-CanSkate skaters and must not be expired. A properly fitted helmet should:

• Sit no more than 1 inch above the brow line

• Have straps that form a V around the ears

• Have no more than one finger of space under the chin

Be sure your skater can see clearly while wearing their helmet, and check the fit regularly as they grow.

Make sure your skaters' helmet is packed for every session! The club does not have any extra helmets that are available for borrowing. 

 

Choosing and Caring for Skates:

Well-fitting skates are an important part of helping your skater learn safely and comfortably. Skates should provide good ankle support and fit snugly without being too tight.

When checking the fit:

• Have your skater push their toes all the way to the front of the boot. There should be no more than one finger’s width of space behind the heel.

• The skate should fit snugly around the ankle, while the top of the boot should allow enough room for the ankle to bend.

• Any extra laces should be securely tied or tucked away so they don’t become a tripping hazard.

• Skates should be sharpened before their first use and regularly maintained, generally every few months depending on use.

• Use skate guards whenever walking off the ice to protect the blades.

• After skating, wipe away any snow and moisture from the blades and store the skates on a soft towel.

• Never store skates with guards on, as trapped moisture can cause the blades to rust.

 

A little preparation goes a long way! Making sure your skater is warm, comfortable, and properly equipped will help them feel ready to enjoy their time on the ice. 

Learn more about Proper Equipment from Skate Canada

 

What's After CanSkate?

Once your skater has completed Stage 5 of CanSkate, they’re ready to take the next exciting step in their figure skating journey!

Skaters will move into our Junior StarSkate Program, where they’ll continue building their skating skills, confidence, and independence while learning new skills along the way. From here, this is where skaters will work towards testing, competing or just having fun out on the ice!

Ready to keep the fun going? Visit our StarSkate Webpage to learn more about the program and what your skater can look forward to!

 

Interested in registering your skater?

 

Register here