Program overview
CANSKATE
Skate Canada has developed a new CanSkate program based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles. Exciting new features include a fresh new look, new awards, great tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. But there’s more! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating. The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport.
Skate Canada is also proud to have all its programs taught by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
WHY SIGN UP FOR CANSKATE?
What is canSkate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
Who's it for?
For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
What do you need to participate?
All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
Our Club's Format
Our CanSkate 2 session (Stages 2 – 5) will include 10 minute warm-up, 10 minute group lesson circuit (group size generally about 10 children per group), a 10 minute review circuit , a 10 minute fun circuit and end with a 5 minute cool-down for each of the CanSkate Level 2 sessions.
Our CanSkate 1 session (PreSchool) is only 35 minutes and will have a 10 minute warm-up, 10 minute group lesson circuit, 10 minute fun circuit, 5 minute cool-down.
STarskate
Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about! STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, freeskate and interpretive skating. This program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system.IntroStarSkate Skaters participate in this program, which are at stage 6/7 or higher. These skaters start the Skate Canada Test Program which offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic to advanced skating skills in four different areas: Interpretive, Dance, Free Skating and Skating Skills. These skills are grouped into the following levels:
A candidate for a test must have passed all of the preceding tests in the same category in each of the disciplines.
OUR CLUB’S SESSION QUALIFICATIONS:
Intro STARSkate – passed CanSKATE STAGE 5 level and working up to/including STAR 2 tests. Group lessons available.
JUNIOR STARSkate – working at least on STAR 2 tests or recommended by a Coach. Private lessons only.
SENIOR STARSkate – passed Star 5 Skills,Dance,Freeskate OR be in High School.
COMPETITIVE STARSkate – competing at Sectionals at Pre-NOVICE level or Provincial Qualifying STAR event.
ICE IGNITE SYNCHRONIZED SKATING
Synchronized skating is a specialized branch of skating distinct from the other figure skating disciplines. It generally involves a group of 8 or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. 'Synchronized' refers to the importance of unison, the accuracy of the formations and the synchronization of the team. A well balanced synchronized skating program contains maneuvers such as circles, lines, blocks, wheels and intersections. The difficulty level of these maneuvers is enhanced by step sequences, free skating moves, holds and transitions incorporated into or between each of these maneuvers during the program.
OUR CLUB's SYNCHRO PROGRAM
Currently we have the following teams:
DEVELOPMENT TEAMS – Beginner , Elementary, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile
COMPETITIVE TEAMS – Novice, Junior
ADULT TEAMS – Adult 2
Try-outs for these teams are held in the Spring except the Adult team which is held in September.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
We are proud to be teamed up with Special Olympics London and offer skating lessons on Tuesday nights at Medway arena. We have trained figure skating coaches that teach the basics to competition-ready skills!
