What is CanSkate?
This program is designed for skaters 5 years of age and older or younger skaters who have completed Intro to CanSkate and have coach permission to move on to the CanSkate program.
The focus is on having fun, participating in activities and developing basic skating skills in this program. Our certified Skate Canada coaches deliver lesson instruction in a group format. Skaters have the opportunity to progress through a 6-stage badge system.
Each CanSkate class is 50 minutes to 1 hour in length and includes:
- 5 to 10 minutes to warm up
- 40 minutes to rotate through stations (each station will focus on skill development)
- 5 to 10 minutes to cool down
What equipment do skaters require?
- Skates: we recommend either hockey or figure skates (not adjustable skates). Please take the time to have your skater fitted properly and ensure new skates have been sharpened before your 1st session. Stability attachments on blades are not permitted, nor are chairs or other skating aids.
- A CSA approved hockey helmet is mandatory. Bicycle or skiing helmets are not acceptable. Your skater can wear a hockey helmet with or without a cage.
- Clothing appropriate for the cold. When skaters are first starting out, they do spend some time on the ice learning to get up, so snow pants or splash pants with layers underneath are recommended. Waterproof mittens or gloves as well as a jacket or sweater will keep your skater warm as they learn to skate. As skaters become more experienced, they may find that they will require clothing/layers that allow them to move more freely.
Who is on the ice with the skaters?
Our CanSkate program is taught by coaches certified with Skate Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada. They are also First Aid certified. We also have program assistants on the ice to assist the coaches and skaters. Program assistants are experienced skaters who volunteer their time to help with our Learn to Skate programs.
The CanSkate program has a coach to skater ratio of 1:10, meaning there will be a minimum of 1 coach or program assistant for every 10 skaters.
How are skaters separated on the ice?
Skaters are grouped according to age and ability. Assessments occur daily and skaters may be moved from one group to another at any time.
What is the Skate Canada membership fee?
All skaters must be registered with Skate Canada prior to taking to the ice. The annual membership fee for the 2023/2024 season will be $58.65. This annual Skate Canada membership and insurance is valid from September 1st 2023 to August 31st 2024. This fee is 100% non-refundable.
Who do I contact for more information?
For questions regarding programming, please contact our Program Coordinator at info@georginaskatingclub.org
For questions regarding registration, please contact our Registrar at registerwithgsc@gmail.com