CanSkate

Download your complete copy of the CanSkate Information Package - click here

The CanSkate Program: (Pre-school, School-age, Adult)

CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. You will earn badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP certified professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs.

Why sign up for CanSkate?

CanSkate is Canada's only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.

When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada. Membership benefits in the CanSkate program can include:

  • Badges
  • Stickers
  • Tattoos
  • Colouring sheets
  • Parent Information sheets
  • Progress updates and report cards
  • Special CanSkate events and club functions
  • BMO CanSkater of the Year award program
  • Opportunity to be talent-scouted
  • Opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle

Most importantly this is where most skaters do their first performance in Ice Shows or Galas. CanSkaters will have their own routine so their skills can be showcased to friends & family.

Whether you want to learn the basics of skating or begin a skating career, Skate Canada CanSkate is where it begins.

CanSkate Attire:

Helmets:
Helmets are mandatory for all CanSkaters (No bicycle helmets). – Please see Skate Canada's Helmet policy. For more information on helmet use, please click here.

Clothing:
Snowsuits are warm, but bulky, difficult to move in and very slippery when the skater falls and tries to get up. Coaches recommend wearing layers of warm, comfortable clothing such as tights, long johns, sweat pants, sweaters, jackets, mitts or gloves [no hockey gloves].

Skates:
Well fitting skates that provide firm support are crucial to the success of the CanSkater. Skates must fit the skaters feet properly. Good ankle support is very important. Many second hand skates are economical, but are usually "broken down" and do not have adequate support in the ankle area. Leather skates with good, firm support are best. Tie skates firmly around the ankle area and less tight around the foot and toe area. Tie laces in a firm bow, leaving two to three inches of tails. Laces must not drag on the ice. Blades need to be in good shape, with no nicks or rust. Blades should be sharpened by a professional sharpener. Always remember to dry your blades with a clean cloth after skating, every time you skate.

Guards:
There are two types of guards for blades, each for a very different purpose:

  1. Hard plastic or rubber guards that you put on blades (before you tie up your skates) to protect blades when walking on floors before you go on the ice.
  2. Soft, fabric guards that you put on your blades (after drying your blades when you come off the ice) to protect the blades when not skating and while being stored in your bag.

Registering for CanSkate:

By Mail: Send your registration form with cheque to:

Valleyview Skating Club
P.O. Box 582
Kamloops, BC V2C 5L7

In Person: The next registration date is Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Valleyview Arena 10:00am – 2:00 pm

CanSkate Schedules:

Valleyview Skating Club runs two 10 week sessions: September to December and January to March. Lessons are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at Valleyview Arena, and Sundays at Memorial Arena. Check the schedule for more information.

Parent Code of Conduct:

As in many other sports, there is a certain ettiquite parents must follow in the stands. Click here to download the Parents Code of Conduct.