Exciting news: CanSkate is even better!

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Introducing our revamped CanSkate program, crafted in alignment with Sport Canada's long term athlete development (LTAD) principles. With a fresh look and exciting new awards, we've equipped coaches with innovative tools to enhance the learning experience. Our proven and delivery methods ensure that skaters build strong foundational skills efficiently. Plus, with specific skills tailored for, ringette, speed skating, and figure skating, our dynamic program prepares skaters for excellence in every ice sport!

Skate Canada is also proud to have all its programs taught by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). 
 

Join the excitement and become part of a Skate Canada club today with CanSkate This flagship learn-to-skate program is perfect for beginners of all ages and emphasizes fun, participation, and essential skill development. As you progress, you'll earn badges and incentives, all while learning fundamental skating skills in a group setting led by certified professional coaches. With a maximum coach-to-student ratio of 1:10, you'll enjoy engaging sessions filled with teaching aids, music, and various activities that make learning to skate an enjoyable experience! Please see our Beginner Equipment Guide on helpful tips. Figure skates are typically sized one to one-and-a-half sizes smaller than regular street shoes. This difference is due to the snug fit needed for stability and performance on the ice. While some sources suggest going 1.5 sizes down, others, especially for younger skaters or those with wider feet, recommend only a half size down. It's best to measure your feet and consult with a shop technician for a proper fit. Here is another figure skating chart that is helpful to choose the right figure skates. Don't forget your gloves!

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Why sign up for CanSkate?
 

​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. When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada. Membership benefits in the CanSkate program can include:
 

• badges

• stickers

• tattoos

• colouring sheets

• parent information sheets

• progress updates and report cards

• special CanSkate events and club functions

• CanSkater of the Year award program

• opportunity to be talent-scouted

• opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle activity

Program Structure

The CanSkate program is designed to nurture skaters through six fundamental movements, structured across six progressive stages of learning. For those aspiring to take their skills further, an optional 7th level is available, perfect for transitioning into figure skating. Each stage emphasizes key skills, moving from simple to more complex techniques. Upon mastering the skills at each stage, skaters earn a badge, including Stage badges, Fundamental Movement badges, and Fitness badges to celebrate their achievements.

The names of the STAGE badges are:

Stage 1 - Balance 
Stage 2 - Glide Forward 
Stage 3 - Glide Backward 
Stage 4 - Edges 
Stage 5 - Power 
Stage 6 - Speed 
Stage 7 (optional) - Pre-Preliminary 

The names of the FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT badges are:
Go Forward
Go Backward
Stop
Turn
Spin
Jump 

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The names of the FITNESS badges are:
Fitness I
Fitness II 

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Remember to bring your own skates and come try us out for free.
Bring your friends along for a free session too!