CanSkate: Canada's Premier Learn-to-Skate Program

CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed to teach fundamental skating skills in a fun, progressive, and inclusive environment. Whether you’re a child, adult, or athlete with a disability, CanSkate provides the foundation for all ice sports, including figure skating, hockey, and ringette.

Program Overview

CanSkate is a dynamic, group-based program that focuses on three key areas:

Balance: Developing stability and control on the ice.
Agility: Enhancing movement and coordination.
Control: Mastering stopping, turning, and other essential skills.

The program is structured into six stages, each building upon the previous one, ensuring a clear progression for skaters. Skaters earn ribbons and badges as they master each stage, providing motivation and a sense of achievement.

Coaching and Instruction

All CanSkate sessions are led by certified Skate Canada coaches who are trained to deliver the program according to national standards. Coaches are supported by trained program assistants to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. The program emphasizes physical literacy and the development of fundamental movement skills, aligning with Sport Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles.

Pathways and Opportunities

CanSkate serves as the entry point to various skating disciplines:

STARSkate: For skaters interested in figure skating, offering opportunities to develop skills in free skate, ice dance, and skills.
CompetitiveSkate: For those aiming to compete at higher levels in figure skating.
CanPowerSkate: A program tailored for hockey and ringette players to enhance their skating skills.

Many skaters begin their journey in CanSkate and transition to these specialized programs as they progress.

STARSkate: Canada's Premier Figure Skating Program

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STARSkate is Skate Canada’s premier figure skating program, designed to help skaters of all ages develop fundamental skills in four key areas: Skating Skills, Free Skate, Ice Dance, and Artistic. This program offers a unique blend of group and private lessons, providing a comprehensive approach to figure skating.

Program Overview

The STARSkate program is divided into two main levels:

STAR 1-5: This foundational level introduces skaters to the essential elements of figure skating. Skaters are assessed in four areas: Skills, Free Skate, Dance, and Artistic. These assessments are coach-led and form the basis for progression in the sport.
STAR 6-Gold: At this advanced level, skaters focus on refining their skills and preparing for competitive opportunities. The program emphasizes the development of complex elements and performance quality.

** Skaters must have completed CanSkate Stage 6 or an equivalent program to enroll in STARSkate **

Pathways and Opportunities

STARSkate serves as a versatile platform for skaters, offering multiple pathways:

Testing: Skaters can pursue Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system, allowing them to track their progress and achieve recognized milestones.
Competitions: While continuing to work on their tests, skaters have the opportunity to participate in competitions, gaining experience and exposure in a competitive environment.

Specialized Disciplines: For those interested in specific areas, STARSkate provides pathways into synchronized skating, pairs skating, and interpretive skating, allowing skaters to specialize and develop expertise in their chosen discipline.

Coaching and Instruction

All STARSkate programs are led by NCCP-certified Skate Canada coaches, ensuring that skaters receive high-quality instruction. Coaches are responsible for guiding skaters through their training, providing feedback, and helping them set and achieve goals. The program emphasizes the development of good training habits and discipline, preparing skaters for future success in the sport.