Skate Canada Programs: CanSkate
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. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10. 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, and is presented by BMO Financial Group, reflecting their commitment to grassroots development.
At Yarmouth Skating Club we accept children ages 4 years old and up into CanSkate.
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 activity
These are some of the awards and incentives that have been developed to encourage athletes in CanSkate:
CanSkate Badge - Stage 2 |
CanSkate Stickers |
CanSkate Badge - Jump |
Program Structure
The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements organized in six stages of learning, with an optional 7th level for skaters who want to move into figure skating. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Each stage has a primary focus. Once the skills on each stage are mastered, a badge is awarded. The series of badges include Stage badges, Fundamental Movement badges and Fitness badges.
The names of the STAGE badges are:
Stage 1 - Balance
Stage 2 - Glide Forward
Stage 3 - Glide Backward
Stage 4 - Edges
Stage 5 - Power
Stage 6 - Speed
Stage 7 (optional) - Pre-Preliminary
The names of the FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT badges are:
Go Forward
Go Backward
Stop
Turn
Spin
Jump
The names of the FITNESS badges are:
Fitness I
Fitness II
Skaters are tested by the Director of Programming (Lorelei Murphy) on a regular bases.She will ask them to show her a particular skill. once demonstarted successfully that skill will be checked off on the skaters progress sheet. Once all skills on a certain level are "checked off" the skater will receive the badge for that level. Please ensure your skater remains on the ice for the entire session as we woouldn't want them to miss their testing. But don't worry if they do miss a session due to illness or travel as Lorelei makes regular rounds through each group once per session.
All Skaters progress at their own level and in their own time. The most important thing is that the Skater is enjoying themselves and having fun 
Yarmouth Skating Club offers 4 CanSkate Sessions per year.
The Fall Session is 5 weeks long and usually starts the 1st week of September
The Winter Session is 20 weeks long and usually starts the same week as the Thanksgiving Holiday. The 1st 10 weeks are finished by the Christmas Holiday's then the next 10 weeks go from the beginning of January and end before March Break (storm cancellations may cause skating make up days to be scheduled after March Break)
The Spring Session is 6 weeks long and starts at the beginning of April and runs until mid May.
The Summer Session is in July and runs 2-3 weeks. The CanSkate program still gets 6 skating times but they are more condensed than Spring School. Skaters will have more than 1 session per week.
As brochures and schedules become available they will be posted on the website and in the brochure holder located on the bulletin board of Arena 1.
Skaters can wear hockey or figure skates. CSA Approved hockey helmets must be worn.No bicycle helmets. Facemask is optional but recommended. Skaters should wear a sweatshirt,sweatpants and mittens. It is not recommended for skaters to wear elbow or shinpads as these do often make it more difficult for the younger skaters to get up once they have fallen and are not necessary.
If you are interested in your child moving from CanSkate to STARSkate please note your child MUST have at least passed their Stage 4 badge and have the recommendation of the Head Coach.