CanSkate is Skate Canada's Learn to Skate program that teaches skating basics for all ice sports. 

 CanSkate focuses on skill development in three areas:

• Balance - forward skating skills
• Agility - turns, jumps and spin
• Control - backward skating skills and stopping

The ice surface will be divided into thirds with each teaching/learning area having its own space on the ice. 

The CanSkate session follows a very clear structure:

• Warm-up 

• Learning Station #1 

• Learning Station #2

• Learning Station #3

• Group Activity 

• Cool Down

Musical cues guide the session so everyone knows when it is time to move to the next activity. Skaters will transition from station to station using the "Fast Track" around the circumference of the rink. 

When skaters arrive, they will find their name tag set out on a table.  Each name tag has a coloured shape which indicates their group.  Typically, but not always as it is dependent on the registration for a particular session, the colours represent the following:

• Yellow - PreCanSkate
• Green - CanSkate (low stages)
• Blue - CanSkate (middle stages)
• Red - CanSkate (high stages)
• Orange - PASS or CanPower

The colour is more for us to know where on the ice the skaters will begin their rotation than a representation of their level.  If a skater switched days and went from blue to green it does not mean they are with a lower level group, it just means that the distribution of skaters on that session is different. 

Skaters will be assigned to a group according to their level and where possible, age and size.  As they progress, they may move to another group that better suits their current skill level. 

Skaters will move through SIX STAGES of development and must demonstrate the balance, control and agility skills in each stage to earn the badge.  Skaters will receive a ribbon for each skill area and when all three have been earned for the same stage, the badge will be given to them.  Awards are handed to the skaters on the ice as they are earned.  Participants will also receive a written report card at the end of each skating season documenting their progress.

Skaters who are interested in Figure Skating or Hockey can choose from specialized programs as they build their skills.

• Aspiring Figure Skaters can join our PreSTAR program once they have completed STAGE 4.
  
• Hockey Skaters can choose a CanPower or Hockey Skills group once they have completed at least STAGE 2.

For full details on the proper equipment for CanSkate, check out this VIDEO from Skate Canada

HELMETS
All participants must be wearing skates and CSA approved hockey helmets.  If a skater does not have an appropriate helmet, they will not be permitted to take the ice.  Bike and ski helmets are NOT allowed.  Helmets are required until a skater has passed CanSkate STAGE 5.  A helmet with a face cage is not required but does provide increased protection for skaters in the PreCanSkate group who spend more time on the ice around other skaters' blades.

SKATES
When skaters are starting out, it doesn't matter if they are wearing hockey skates or figure skates.  If the child wants to figure skate or play hockey, then it is best to start in the appropriate skates, but for those just wanting to begin their skating journey, either type is fine.  While young skaters' feet are constantly growing, we do NOT recommend the adjustable type of skates.  They do not provide adequate ankle support and the blade length is often inappropriate for the foot size.  Skates with plastic buckle (rollerblade) type closures are also NOT recommended. The best skates are well-fitted and sturdy enough to support the child's ankle.  If their feet cave in while standing, the skates are either not sturdy enough, not the right size or not tied properly.  

CLOTHING
While skating is an ice sport, skaters do get warm moving around the rink.  We recommend skaters wear layers but should be able to move freely.  Snow pants are helpful for beginners but softer is better so they can bend their knees and move their hips.  As skaters spend less time falling, they may prefer splash pants to keep them dry but increase their mobility.  A well-fitting jacket or warm sweater is recommended on top.  Skaters also must wear gloves or mittens.  This is for warmth and to protect their fingers on the ice.

If you have any questions about our Learn to Skate programs, please feel free to reach out to our CanSkate Director, Bryna Kligman at canskate@fhfsc.ca