CanSkate
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CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, delivered by NCCP coaches at clubs and skating schools across Canada. Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program.
Geared to beginners, CanSkate is intended for skaters 5 years and up who are eager to begin mastering their first skating skills. The program is conducted in a fun, friendly environment, introducing skaters to a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum. At Goulbourn Skating Club we offer CanSkate sessions from October through March with registration opening in early August every year. |
*NEW*
This year we are offering Pre-CanSkate sessions for 3-4 year-olds on Saturdays at our Richmond location. Pre-CanSkate is tailored specially to suit this age group and is all about having fun! Please reach out to the CanSkate Director with any questions.
Pre-CanSkate
This is an energetic and enjoyable ice skating program for children aged 3-4. (Children as young as 2 are allowed to join if they are turning 3 before December 31st.)
Sessions are 30 minutes in length. The goal is to develop stronger basic skills: balance, stopping, turning, jumping, forward and backward skating. Incentives will be utilized. Program is taught by Skate Canada's NCCP Certified and trained Professional Coaches. This program is to encourage a lifelong participation in skating while promoting physical fitness at a very young age. The number one goal is to have fun and develop the many different skating skills to advance to the CanSkate program.
Pre-CanSkate sessions are broken down the following way:
CSA approved Hockey helmet with a full-face mask is mandatory.
Sessions are 30 minutes in length. The goal is to develop stronger basic skills: balance, stopping, turning, jumping, forward and backward skating. Incentives will be utilized. Program is taught by Skate Canada's NCCP Certified and trained Professional Coaches. This program is to encourage a lifelong participation in skating while promoting physical fitness at a very young age. The number one goal is to have fun and develop the many different skating skills to advance to the CanSkate program.
Pre-CanSkate sessions are broken down the following way:
- 5 minutes warm-up activities this may be off-ice as well.
- 20 minutes smaller group instruction, theme day activities.
- 5 minutes cool down activities in 1 large group.
- 40 –60 Skaters per session
CSA approved Hockey helmet with a full-face mask is mandatory.
Quick Facts
What age of child can participate in CanSkate?
CanSkate is open for children ages 5 and up. Children aged 3-4 should register for Pre-CanSkate.
What equipment do I need?
Participants need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting skates (hockey, recreational or figure skates), and a CSA-certified Hockey Helmet. For first-time skaters, we recommend a winter jacket and snow pants or snow suit with mitts, ensuring that the skater is comfortable and has free mobility. As skaters progress beyond basic movement, lighter jackets and splash pants are more suitable. Our coaches are happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
What is the Helmet Policy?
Skate Canada has mandated that all skaters up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA-certified multi-impact hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski or snowboard helmets are not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. For more information, you can read Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
When is CanSkate offered?
CanSkate runs from October through March as part of our Fall/Winter season. Registration opens on or around August 1st every year.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters are placed into groups with a maximum skater-to-coach ratio of 10:1 to learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts, etc., through 6 progressive stages. Skaters progress at their own speed and coaches evaluate them on a continual basis. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals: Balance, Control, and Agility and skaters can earn up to 6 stage badges with 3 area ribbons for each stage.
What's after CanSkate?
Who do I ask for more info?
Please see our FAQ page, or send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any other questions you have.
CanSkate is open for children ages 5 and up. Children aged 3-4 should register for Pre-CanSkate.
What equipment do I need?
Participants need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting skates (hockey, recreational or figure skates), and a CSA-certified Hockey Helmet. For first-time skaters, we recommend a winter jacket and snow pants or snow suit with mitts, ensuring that the skater is comfortable and has free mobility. As skaters progress beyond basic movement, lighter jackets and splash pants are more suitable. Our coaches are happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
What is the Helmet Policy?
Skate Canada has mandated that all skaters up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA-certified multi-impact hockey helmet. Bicycle, ski or snowboard helmets are not allowed. There are no exceptions to this rule. For more information, you can read Skate Canada's Helmet Policy FAQ.
When is CanSkate offered?
CanSkate runs from October through March as part of our Fall/Winter season. Registration opens on or around August 1st every year.
What can I expect?
CanSkaters are placed into groups with a maximum skater-to-coach ratio of 10:1 to learn the fundamentals of forward and backward skating, stopping, balance, turning, forward and backward cross-cuts, etc., through 6 progressive stages. Skaters progress at their own speed and coaches evaluate them on a continual basis. Each stage is broken down into 3 fundamentals: Balance, Control, and Agility and skaters can earn up to 6 stage badges with 3 area ribbons for each stage.
What's after CanSkate?
- Upon completion of Stage 3, skaters may choose to:
- Continue through Stage 6 in CanSkate.
- Continue working through the stages in CanSkate while skating once per week on a Junior STARSkate session. For this option, families are are encouraged to inquire about our Rising STAR program, which is for skaters who show an interest and aptitude for figure skating (available by invitation only).
- Upon completion of Stage 6, skaters may choose to:
- Move up to Junior STARSkate (STAR 1-2) and hire a STARSkate Coach for figure skating.
- Enroll in our PowerSkate program for hockey or ringette skills development.
Who do I ask for more info?
Please see our FAQ page, or send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any other questions you have.
Goulbourn Skating Club is committed to running our CanSkate programs at the Skate Canada delivery standard or above. Our club is engaged!