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!

How do you sign up?

Be a part of the fun – join a Skate Canada club today and learn to skate with CanSkate!

STARSkate stands for Skills, Tests, Achievement and Recognition

The Skate Canada STAR consists of STAR assessments, STAR competition categories and supplementary events.

STAR 1-5

The STAR 1-5 program offers the best-in-class figure skating curriculum in Canada, targeting athletes looking for a future in the sport. Taught by Skate Canada NCCP coaches, the program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.

All skaters in this program must have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or equivalent. Skaters may be any age. Adaptive skaters who have the required skating ability welcome.

STAR 6- GOLD

STAR 6- Gold is an assessment and event structure for skaters who completed the STAR 1-5 Program. This structure builds on the skills acquired in STAR 1-5 and introduces skaters to more advanced figure skating elements.

STAR 1-5 are coach assessed and include Skills, Freeskate, Artistic and Dance.

STAR 6-Gold assessments for Skills may be coach assessed or Evaluator assessed.

STAR 6-Gold assessments for Freeskate, Dance and Artistic are Evaluator assessed.

For more details visit, https://info.skatecanada.ca/index.php/en-ca/rules-of-sport/65-guide-to-starskate.html

Disciplines

Figure skating has four disciplines that lead to a high performance pathway.

Singles: Single skating is a term used to describe the discipline of freeskate. Generally, this is the most recognized form of figure skating.

Pairs: Pair skating involves two individuals skating as a unit performing freeskating moves. Pair skating also includes lifts, death spirals and throws.

Ice Dance: Inspired by ballroom dancing, this discipline incorporates musicality, performances and athleticism to all your favourite rhythms.

Synchronized: Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow. Synchronized Skating categories  accommodate skaters at any age and skill level.