I would like to register my child for skating lessons, how does your CanSkate program work?

Pre-CanSkate:  This 30-minute class is designed for children 3 and 4 years of age who have little or no skating experience. Skaters are taught how to fall down and get up, skate forwards, make snow, walk backwards and feel comfortable on the ice. Skaters move on to the CanSkate session once they have received their Pre-CanSkate ribbon.

CanSkate This 50-minute class is designed for children 4/5 years of age and up.  New members need to have beginner level experience on the ice; returning members are working on Stages 1 to 6 of the CanSkate program. Skaters are taught the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance and Control in a series of six badges or ‘Stages’ that provide a progression from one badge to the next.

Intro to StarSkate:  This program is designed for skaters working on their Stage 4 badge and higher. Skaters are learning forward and backward crosscuts, edge and turn development. Once a skater has completed our Stage 6 badge, they are proficient in all fundamental skating skills!

The more time a skater spends on the ice, the more chance for progression! Skaters benefit from working together in a group environment. We do not offer private instruction to skaters at the CanSkate level.

My child is four and has never skated before.  How do I know if I should sign up for the Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate?

The biggest question you need to ask yourself is whether your child would suit a 30 minute or 50-minute class. The skills taught on both sessions are the same, the lesson time and group activities of the CanSkate class are longer. If your child is active and has been exposed to different group classes, they will probably do well in the CanSkate session. It is also a simple change if you or your child’s coach feels they would be better suited to another session once the program has started if space is available.

There seems to be different levels all on one session, how do you divide the groups?

Skaters are placed in groups according to skating ability and age. A portion of each class is the group lesson. The ice is divided up into groups and there may be as many as five different groups during one session.  It usually takes a few weeks to assess all of the groups and move skaters according to their ability, so please be patient, and we will check every child to make sure they are in the right group.

Do I go on the ice with my child?

No, parents are asked to watch their child from the stands. This allows our coaches to have the complete attention of the skaters. Our Skate Canada Certified Professional coaches have many years of experience coaching young skaters and are well equipped to take care of your child during their skating session.

How does my child move up to another Stage?

Coaches evaluate their skater’s skills on a continuous basis. Skaters in Pre-CanSkate will receive a ribbon once they have completed all of the skills in this level. Our CanSkate members will be working on skills for each of the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance and Control at each of the six Stages. Once they have completed all of the skills for the Stage, they will receive their badge. Sometimes this may mean changing groups, but they could also remain in the same group if the other skaters are progressing at the same rate.

How do I know how my child is progressing?

At our Christmas break and the end of each skating season, you will receive a report card with a record of their accomplishments.  If your child is absent on the last class, you may pick up their report card at our club office.  Skaters start right where they left off at the beginning of the next season.

Does my child need a helmet?

All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure ALL CANSKATE and ADULT CANSKATE participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET WHILE ON THE ICE. Bike and ski helmets will not be acceptable. Canadian Tire offers a complete line of CSA approved hockey helmets for purchase.

What kind of skates should I buy?

Skates are the most important tool a skater has on the ice. Skate Canada working in conjunction with national partner Canadian Tire have developed a program to help make your child’s CanSkate on ice experience both positive and fun. The Rideau Lakes Skating Club has teamed up with our local Canadian Tire store and you can find skates, CSA approved helmets, skate guards and Skate Canada skate bags to outfit your child for their first day of skating lessons.

Here are some things to take in to consideration when purchasing skates and CanSkate supplies for your child:

• Skates should fit snugly and provide support to the ankles. We recommend lace up skates (recreational, hockey or figure); we do not recommend any of the moulded/plastic skates.
• Canadian Tire offers a girls’ recreational lace up figure skates and their complete line of hockey skates that would all be suitable for CanSkate. Please ask your sales representative at your local Canadian Tire to see if they are ‘CanSkate Approved’
• Other items to consider include a skate bag and skate guards.

Providing your child with appropriate skating equipment will help them improve their skating skills more quickly and will make their on-ice experience more enjoyable.

Check out this video by Skate Canada on Proper CanSkate Equipment! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=WTQ2Yr5pdR0

What can we expect at skating lessons?

Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for young children. Our Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches are fun and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing quality skating programs for our members.  Please remember that ice is slippery and hard, not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. Our coaches are well-trained in alleviating skater’s fears, just be patient and your child will soon be gliding across the ice with a smile on their face!

What kind of special events can my child expect in the CanSkate program?

Our skaters enjoy fun theme days each month such as Sports Jersey Day, Halloween Day, Night before Christmas PJ Day, Canada Day in January, Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

What should my child wear to skating lessons?

Skaters need to wear clothing that is comfortable, warm, light and allows your child to move freely. Make sure to layer clothes so your child can remove or add a piece of clothing to suit changing temperatures and exertion levels. Heavy snow suits hinder skater’s ability to move or get back up after falling, which can cause frustration. The coaches will be using markers on the ice when drawing out the skater’s circuits. The marker may rub off the ice if your child falls, so please dress your child in dark clothing. We cannot guarantee the marker will come out in the wash.

How do I register my child for skating lessons?

Registration is available on-line on this website. Please follow the registration information on the home page of our website.  Having challenges? Email us at rideaulakesfsc@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you with registration.

My son/daughter plays hockey but needs help with his/her skating skills. Should I register for CanSkate?

CanSkate is a program developed by Skate Canada to teach the fundamentals of skating. The skills learned in CanSkate can help skaters interested in pursuing hockey, speed skating, ringette and figure skating. We encourage hockey/ringette players to come fully dressed in their gear, but please NO sticks.

My child wants to learn to figure skate, does he/she have to register for CanSkate first?

Skaters must learn the fundamentals of skating before they can start figure skating.  Every child must start in CanSkate and progress through the stages to prepare them for figure skating lessons.

Does every child have to pay the Skate Canada Membership Fee or is it one fee per family?

The Skate Canada membership and Safe Sport Fee must be paid for every skater registered with the Rideau Lakes Skating Club. The membership and safe sport fee provides insurance for each member providing our club and skaters a safe environment in which we can enjoy skating.  If you move away from the Rideau Lakes Club, you can register in any Skate Canada club in your new city and start at the badge level you left off at!

Will the sessions fill up quickly?

Yes! Our PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs are very popular and may reach the maximum number of skaters. We do start a waiting list when a session fills, but it is best to register early to guarantee a spot.

Are there credits/refunds for missed sessions due to sickness or vacation?  

Credits or refunds are issued when a medical certificate can be provided by the parent. Due to the size of our program, we are not able to provide make-up classes for sessions missed due to illness or vacation.

What if my child tries a few lessons but doesn’t like it, can I get my money back?  

Not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. It may take a few sessions before your child settles in to skating. If you find your child is still not happy after a few sessions, please talk to your coach and ask their advice. Rideau Lakes Skating Club will provide a pro-rated refund, less the $45 Skate Canada Fee prior to completion of the 4^th skating session. We encourage parents to bring their skater back the following year to try again.  

LATE REGISTRATIONS

We accept late registrations for any of our sessions. Please feel free to register for a session where space is available and contact us as your price will be pro-rated based on the number of sessions remaining in the season.

After 4 weeks of skating, our skating members are well integrated in their groups and moving on the ice. If you are registering late please contact the club to register and to set up a skater assessment. Our on-ice coaches will meet with you at the Boards to discuss your skater’s skills and spend a few minutes on the ice to observe your skaters’ skills. We will then discuss with you the group that is most appropriate for the Skater, where they can readily integrate with an existing group. Please have your Skater arrive with skates and a CSA approved hockey helmet on. 

More Questions?

If you have more questions, email us at Rideau Lakes rideaulakesfsc@gmail.com