According to Skate Canada: "CanSkate is the learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages and is tailored to each user-group (e.g. pre-school, youth, adult). Participants earn badges while they learn fundamental skating skills. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs. Participants are generally taught in a group lesson format by a 3M NCCP certified professional coach. Carefully trained Program Assistants (Test or Competitive Program skaters) also work with CanSkate members. One of the key delivery standards of the CanSkate program is to ensure that participants are moving 90% of their time on the ice."

"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. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using tools that create a fun environment and promote learning."

CanSkate badges and standards are the same for all Skate Canada clubs which makes it easy for a skater to move between skating clubs.

What are badges and stickers for?
The CanSkate program involves seven stages, each comprised of twelve to fifteen skills. When a skater demonstrates all of the skills at each stage, they receive a badge and move on to the next stage.

Badges are one of the incentives that are used to reward [and track] a skater's performance. A sticker is typically given to skaters at the end of each lesson. It is a little reward for effort.

What kind of clothing is best?
Clothing should keep the skater warm but not restrict their ability to move. Typically the more active a skater is, the less they need to wear.

As a general rule, layers work better than bulk. Fleece for insulation and nylon for moisture resistance is a perfect combination. Bulky snow suits are often a problem because they make it too difficult for skaters to get up after a fall.

Jeans are not a good choice. The cotton in them absorbs and holds moisture. Cold and wet is uncomfortable.

What about skates?
Canskate skills can be done on either figure skates or hockey skates. Some are easier on one or the other, but the expectation is adjusted accordingly.

Occasionally, a misguided salesperson will suggest grinding off the bottom toe pick for a beginner skater. Don't do it! The toe picks are important for maintaining proper balance and posture.

For more information on buying and caring for skates, click here.

And helmets . . .
The Club's policy is that CSA approved helmets are mandatory for all pre-school, CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 [see registration form for exceptions]. They are also mandatory for beginner skaters of all ages. For more information click here .

How are groups organized?
Based on registration form information, skaters are grouped by badge level. Fitting new skaters into groups is done by coaches at the beginning of first session. Some adjustments in the first few weeks are to be expected.

Often a skater who excels will be moved up to a higher group where they will be more challenged. Likewise, a skater who falls behind may be moved to a group where they will fit better.

My child is faster than others in the group, why isn't he/she moved up?

This situation usually happens because, even though the child is performing well at some skills (eg forward skating), they have not yet sufficiently mastered other skills at their level (backward skating, stopping, etc). Failure to learn all of the skills at any stage will catch up and cause problems at the next level.

Aside from the motivational factor, this should not impede learning. Coaches normally work on several badge levels in the same lesson. They review skills from previous stages, refine skills at the present stage, and introduce skills at the next stage.

What happens at the end of CanSkate?
After completing the CanSkate program, skaters will have all of the recreational skating skills to pave the way for a lifetime of enjoyment on ice.

Skaters who choose to continue can move on to other Skate Canada programs including Star Skate [the figure skating test program] or CanPower Skate [hockey skills].