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PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Updated information
​PreCan:
While this is primarily for 3 - 5 year olds with no skating skills, older new skaters are welcome to participate.
This learn to skate program is designed for the youngest and/or newest beginners who may be trying out skating for the very first time and are unsteady on their skates.  The program focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. The participants will earn badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills.
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CanSkate:
CanSkate is where steadier skaters gain speed and confidence in skills learned either independently or in PreCan. Typically skaters are 5 before entering this level but younger skaters may participate.
CanSkate is a continuation of Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. Our program focuses on extending the basic skills relevant to hockey, figure, and speed skating. The participants will earn badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills.
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© Stephanie Hagenaars (Clearwater Times)
 NOVICE:
​For the skater who would like to pursue the sport of Figure Skating. This class is geared towards learning the foundational skills of essential footwork, pushing technique and body positioning that is needed to progress in the sport. It is this class that children develop an understanding for independent success. Ice awareness and safety on the ice is a top priority in this class. Hardwork, self drive, and focus paired with repetition and practice of skills will increase the chance of success. Introduction to basic spins, jumps and field moves are a main focus in this class. Coaches are looking for skater confidence, precise skill presentation, paired with an understanding of progression.

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Photo by Earth In Bloom Photography
INTERMEDIATE:
For the skater who has a strong level of skill development regarding footwork, forward and backward spins, as well as basic jumps. This class focuses on increasing challenges. Advanced spins, jumps and footwork are the primary focus- and children should be willing to work independently to succeed. Coaches will encourage children to work hard, progress and excel in the sport- but will also respect the child’s level of growth. Ice awareness must be respected in this class, due to the technical difficulty and higher level of skills being practiced. Intermediate skaters will build strong foundations in freeskate, skills, dance, etc.. Children in this group have the option to compete at the Skate Canada Competitions.

ADVANCED:
For the skater who is looking to excel and thrive in the sport of Figure Skating. This class focuses on perfecting skills to a high demand. It is meant for the skater who would like to progress at a fast pace. The skater needs to show proof of hardwork, focus and be successful at staying on task independently. Working on advancement of skills like double jumps, flying jumps, combo spins as well as progression in footwork are the core lessons in this group. Advanced skaters will use their strong basics to push their abilities further, learning more difficult variations of the basics. Children in this group have the option to compete at Skate Canada Competitions.
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© Earth In Bloom
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Sr Star © Stephanie Hagenaars (Clearwater Times)
 Equipment Required:
Please watch this helpful video from SkateCanada.

Helmets: It is mandatory for all CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 to wear a CSA approved Hockey helmet while on the ice. Children will not be allowed on ice with any other type of helmet.

Please dress your child warmly. Don’t forget mitts! For younger skaters, snow pants keep them warm and soften the blow when they fall.

StarSkate skaters should be dressed in close fitting garments that allow the coaches to assess and correct skaters' position as well as maintain safety. Garments would include dresses and tights or close fitting pants and a hip length (or shorter) fitted jacket or sweater. Please do not wear bulky or baggy sweatshirts, or sweatpants. Please do not wear jeans/woven jeggings or pants that are loose at the ankle.

StarSkate skaters not wearing helmets should have their hair tied back with a hair elastic. Hair movement can affect balance, and we also want to present a tidy appearance.
Caregiver Participation:
  • Caregivers are expected to participate, or appoint someone to participate on their behalf, in a required informational session the first week of September. This session is ensure all persons involved have the knowledge to promote their skater's enjoyment and growth on the ice.
  • Caregivers are not insured to be on the ice, therefore we cannot allow them on the ice except in the event of an emergency.  If a caregiver of a young child would like to be on the ice, they can purchase a Skate Canada membership for $58, which includes insurance. If the coach feels that caregivers involvement on the ice is negatively impacting the skater or class progress, they have the right to ask the parent to leave the ice.
  • All caregivers of skaters in CanSkate and PreCan must have someone available at all times at the arena for the child to go to in the event they need assistance (i.e. the need to use the bathroom, they are injured etc.).
  • Caregivers of STARskaters are reminded that skaters are only supervised while they are on the ice.  STARskaters are expected to not loiter at the arena and once they are at the arena, they are expected to be skating.  Please make arrangements for your child to be dropped off no more than 15 minutes before their skate times and picked up immediately following.  If your child is going to be at the arena outside of their skate times, it would be appreciated if a caregiver is present to supervise them so that the coach does not have to leave the ice if problems arise.
Not sure which level to register for?
Contact our coaches