Skating Programs

KidSkate Program

This 30 minute group program is an introduction to skating for 2-4 year olds. Our Skating Coaches and their Program Assistants provide entertaining and fun lessons as they build the child's confidence and on-ice skating skills. Skaters will begin working on skill progressions that are part of the Skate Canada badge system and the focus of the CanSkate program. With a maximum skater to Skate Canada professional coach ratio of 10:1 per group and the assistance of Program Assistants a quality-learning environment is provided. After completion of the Kidskate program, the skater may advance to the CanSkate program.

IMPORTANT - please note that all skaters must wear CSA approved hockey helmets in order to skate in this program.

This 50 minute learn-to-skate group program is designed for children 4 and older. The basics of forward & backward skating, stopping, turning, spinning and jumping are taught. Skaters are grouped by ability and age and are evaluated regularly and progress through the 6 stages at their own pace. Successful completion at each stage results in a badge. Report cards are provided at the completion of the Fall and Winter session as well as mid-way through the Winter Session.

A quality learning environment is maintained by having a maximum skater to Skate Canada professional coach ratio of 10:1 and Program Assistants on the sessions. We encourage the participation of young hockey and ringette players in this program as well so that they can improve their skills and enhance their game. As skaters progress through the stages of the CanSkate program they may become eligible to move into the Skate Canada STARSkate or Competitive Skate programs through the Intermediate program.

Intermediate Program

The Intermediate program is an extension of the CanSkate program that builds on the fundamentals learned in CanSkate. This program is structured to emphasize all the components within the sport of figure skating. Through a group lesson format, the program introduces skaters to the Skate Canada STARSkate program which encompasses the disciplines of stroking, skills, dance and freeskate. Skills taught at this level include edges, turns, jumps, spins, and dance. It is at this time, that skaters within this program may start working with a private coach. The Intermediate program is designed to develop a child's figure skating skills to allow then to progress into a more advanced STARSkate program or into the Competitive Skate Program.

This 50 minute program is designed for skaters aged 6-12 who already have basic forward and backward skating skills and have the ability to stop on command without use of the boards. This program stresses balance, power, agility, speed and endurance skills, all of which are necessary for hockey and ringette. Strong skating skills and physical conditioning are provided through participation in this program. Assessments will be completed and provided.

Adult Skate

This popular group program is designed for adults of all ages wishing to learn to skate or upgrade their skills. Skaters will be given group instruction and individual feedback.

This program is designed for skaters who have accomplished the fundamentals of skating and are in a position to advance these skills with the aid of a professional coach. This program is structured similar to the Intermediate program but goes further to allow the skater time to practice their skills individually (without a coach) which they have been taught in their private lessons.

Lessons consist of private and/or semi-private lessons that encompass stroking, skills, freeskate and dance. The program is designed so that skaters can participate successfully in the Skate Canada STARSkate program by completing required tests and entering into competitions for which they have a routine to practice.

This program is divided into A and B sessions in order to ensure safety in the sessions and similar levels of expertise. Therefore, different qualifying criteria have been put in place to organize each session effectively.

Program Requirement : Skaters must be competing at an All-Ontario, WOS or Sectional level; must retain a professional coach affiliated with the Club; must be recommended by their Base Coach and approved by the Technical Consultant; must participate in a weekly off-ice fitness class and ballet class (times, locations and prices to be determined); must register for a minimum 3 day/week package. Program runs from Sept. 2007 through May 2008 (March-May ice schedule and fees to follow depending upon confirmation of Ice Show).. Maximum 15 skaters per session.