Préscolaire • Preschool

PreCanSkate is our Learn-to-skate class for the absolute beginner. Skaters will be taught the basic skating fundamentals with a focus on continuous movement through fun activities to keep skaters interested in learning. PreCanSkate focuses on standing on the ice, learning how to get up and fall, balance, posture, skating forwards and backwards. This 30-minute group lesson is taught by our Professional Coaches, with assistance from our Club Program Assistants. This class is offered two times a week. For ages 3-5.

Skills 8 skills are required to pass in order to move on to Canskate. Skaters receives a Pre-Canskate Ribbon.

• Balance on 2 feet
• Fall down & get up
• Move forward, move backward
• March around on spot
• Make snow
• Jump on spot
• 2 foot twist on spot

CSA approved helmets are mandatory

CanSkate is Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all aged. 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 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 Skate Canada Skating Programs. 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.

CanSkate program objectives

• To provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming and inclusive first experience to the      sport of skating
• To develop skating and motor skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition,      retention/mastery)
• To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and      establish quality basic skating skills
• To foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and      recognition
• To evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating

Program Structure and awards

The CanSkate program curriculum is organized into six progressive stages of learning. Each stage is broken down into three Fundamental Areas:

• Balance: Concentrating on forward skills, pushing technique, and edges.
• Control: Concentrating on backwards skills, stopping and speed elements
• Agility: Concentrating on turning and jumping skills

The awards consist of:

• Three Fundamental Area ribbons for each stage
• Six stage badges

To pass a stage skaters must achieve all Fundamental Area ribbons (Balance, Agility, and Control) from the corresponding stage. The skill requirements for each Fundamental Area are indicated on the report card.

CSA approved helmets are mandatory

Jump start group lessons is the next stage of figure skating development after CanSkate, intended for skaters who demonstrate enhanced ability & potential to pursue competitive figure skating. Skaters have the opportunity to work with our Skate Canada certified coaches in a group setting.

Jump Start introduces skaters to the foundations of figure skating through on and off ice group classes. The on-ice session consists of a variety of on-ice development progression into figure skating During off-ice sessions, skaters do exercises to improve their strength & conditioning, dance & flexibility. Off-ice participation is mandatory.

Upon completion of the 6 canskate levels skaters are ready to move to the StarSkate program where they can take tests and enter competitions.

Equipment Requirements:

• Figure Skates - New or used      
• New: can be purchased at Maritime Sports Lewisville Road Moncton      506.858.8421 (also recommended for skate sharpening) Used: At club skate      sale at the beginning of each winter season
• Skate Guards and towel to wipe blades at the end of each skating day. Do not leave skate guards on      skates when not in use.

Attire:

• Girls: Skating dress or stretch exercise wear, tights, gloves, and sweater. No hoodies or baggie clothing.  Hair must be neatly tied
• Boys: Stretch pants, fitted shirts or sweater, gloves. No hoodies or baggie clothing.

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, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, 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. Skaters who have mastered figure skating skills in STARSkate may also choose to pursue synchronized skating or pairs skating.

Private lessons

In order to begin testing the disciplines, it is recommended that skaters obtain lessons from a coach. The number of private lessons per week will depend on each skater’s goals. Skaters also need to learn to work independently. Semi-private lessons (lessons where skaters of like ability share a private lesson) are good option as long as they are supplemented with a private lesson for each skater to work on their individual needs.

*** Contact our office for more information concerning obtaining a private coach**

Equipment Requirements: Figure Skates - New or used New: can be purchased at Maritime Sports Lewisville Road Moncton 506.858.8421 (also recommended for skate sharpening) Used: At club skate sale at the beginning of each winter season. Skate Guards and towel to wipe blades at the end of each skating day. Do not leave skate guards on skates when not in use.