Every Skate Canada skating program complements the others and allows for unrestricted movement and development through the system. All programs are taught by professional coaches certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and they are offered at member clubs and skating schools. 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.
Elizabeth Dyer, 2009 SectionalsSTARSkate 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.
CanSkaters and STARSkaters who want to challenge their figure skating skills and show potential as competitive skaters can participate in the competitive program. Skaters enrolled in CompetitiveSkate learn a variety of life skills as they progress up the competitive ladder.
Schools are getting into the competitive spirit through the CollegiateSkate program which brings together skaters from different test and/or competitive backgrounds to skate together as a team representing their school. Skaters participate in a variety of events such as singles, dance, pairs and synchronized skating and based on their placements in these events, accumulate points for their team. The school with the highest point total wins the overall competition.
Adult skating is growing in popularity and more and more clubs are offering recreational, test and competitive opportunities to this segment of the population. Adults participate in CanSkate, STARSkate and CanPowerSkate programs as well as on synchronized skating teams.
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. Skate Canada’s SynchroSkate program includes a number of Synchronized Skating categories which accommodate skaters at any age and skill level.
CanPowerSkate is an action-packed, high energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette skaters that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance. Skills, techniques and conditioning drills are taught in a progressive format that emphasizes how the skills apply to game situations. CanPowerSkate provides an alternative to figure skating and is an excellent complement for those athletes playing on hockey or ringette teams. CanPowerSkate is geared to skaters aged approximately six or older. CanPowerSkate's Pre-Power is designed for young skaters, approximately four to six years of age.
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. ...Policy ... Q & A Skate Canada
