PreCanSkate

PreCanSkate is a learn-to-skate program geared towards beginner skaters aged 3 to 6 and is designed to give them the basics of skating in a fun environment. This program is perfect for skaters with little or no skating experience. For skaters over the age 6 who have never skated, please contact the CanSkate Coordinator at canskatecoordinator@figure8skating.ca for advice on what program to register your child.

We will be offering a French PreCanSkate class starting in January 2023 on Tuesday! Check the schedule for more details!

Class Format

The instruction time includes a 15 minute off ice warm up followed by a half hour group lesson on the ice. Children are placed into groups according to ability and are taught by a Professional Skating Coach and assisted by qualified CanSkate Program Assistants. The focus of this program is to make skating fun and keep the skaters interested in learning! Skating skills taught include learning to stand and balance, skating forwards and skating backwards. Skaters will learn educational concepts while learning to skate at the same time. It is “Playschool on Ice.”

Skaters receive report cards at the end of each session. The CanSkate Coordinator will let parents know when their child is ready to move onto the CanSkate program.

Skating Equipment

Skates – Skaters who are in PreCanSkate, CanSkate or Adult CanSkate may use hockey or figure skates. We advise the purchase of skates with laces, not molded plastic skates with buckles. Skates should be tied snugly with laces tucked away. At the end of every skating session, please wipe skater blades dry. Please also ensure that skates are sharpened regularly, at least once per season. You can also help your skater by ensuring their skates are comfortable and fit properly. Toes should be able to wiggle slightly and the heels should be able to lift only slightly as well. We would recommend purchasing skates and helmets from United Cycle or Sport Chek. When purchasing skates, please ensure the skates are sharpened.

hockeyhelmet

Hockey vs Figure Skates? Either option is fine and there is no one option that is more difficult to first learn on. However, switching from hockey to figure can be a hard transition. So, if your skater is interested in figure skating, they should start with figure skates!

Helmet – All skaters in our learn to skate programs are required to have a CSA approved helmet that is no more than 5 years old. Please refer to the sticker on the back of the helmet to see when the helmet expires. Skaters are required to wear CSA approved helmets until they have earned Stage 5.

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Registration