CanSkate

CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program geared to beginners and returning skaters of all ages, and helps them to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, synchronized skating and recreational skating.  Sessions are provided in a group lesson format, taught by our Professional Skate Canada Certified Coaching Staff.  Skaters are grouped according to skill level, and progress through six stages of learning in a fun, friendly environment.

Ancaster Skating Club had the opportunity to have our CanSkate program evaluated by the CanSkate Excellence team with Skate Ontario in the 2022-2023 season. We are very proud to have attained the status of Exceeded Standard – the highest level! We applaud the hard work and dedication of our talented coaches and volunteers to consistently provide programs that exceed the National delivery standards set out by Skate Canada.

PreCanSkate

For skaters 3 to 5 years old, and/or who have never skated or passed a PreCanSkate program.
  • Program designed for children who have not skated before.
  • Taught in a group in a group lesson format, including a 10-min “off-ice” warm-up.
  • Teaches basic on-ice movement and prerequisite skills for CanSkate.

Required Equipment:

  • CSA Approved Hockey Helmet with full face mask; skaters with other types of helmets (bicycle, skiing, etc.) will NOT be permitted on the ice.
  • Helmet must be in good condition (straps and snaps working, helmet not damaged).
  • Gloves are mandatory and warm, waterproof layers are recommended.
  • HARD/Walking Skate guards are required, to ensure safe exit from the building in an emergency.

CanSkate

For skaters aged 4 or 5 (if passed PreCanSkate); or, aged 6 and up who have never skated, or are working on CanSkate Stages 1-6.

  • Taught in a group lesson format.
  • Skaters learn the fundamentals of balance, agility and control to prepare for figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, synchronized skating or recreational skating.

Required Equipment:

  • CSA Approved Hockey Helmet, optional full face mask; skaters with other types of helmets (bicycle, skiing, etc.) will NOT be permitted on the ice.
  • Helmet must be in good condition (straps and snaps working, helmet not damaged).
  • Gloves are mandatory and warm, waterproof layers are recommended.
  • HARD/Walking Skate guards are required, to ensure safe exit from the building in an emergency.

Advanced CanSkate

NOTE: Offered to skaters by coach recommendation/invite only
This program aims to encourage early acquisition of figure skating specific skills, such as jumps, spins, edges, turns and forwards and backwards crossovers. The goal of this program is to have skaters move more quickly through CanSkate by attaining these skills earlier in the skaters’ development, and to move on to the STARSkate program (figure skating). Group is divided based on skill level.

It is recommended that skaters in Advanced CanSkate also be registered in either a CanSkate session or a second Advanced CanSkate session (e.g., skate twice per week).

For skaters working toward completing CanSkate Stage 6, and includes introduction to figure skating skills.  Group is divided based on skill level.

Required Equipment:

  • Skaters MUST have figure skates.
  • CSA Approved Hockey Helmet.
  • Helmet must be in good condition (straps and snaps working, helmet not damaged).
  • Gloves are mandatory and warm, waterproof layers are recommended.
  • HARD/Walking Skate guards are required, to ensure safe exit from the building in an emergency.

Updated August 15, 2023