CANSkate
Children (5yrs+)*
Program Summary
CanSkate is designed for all ages (although age 5yrs+ is a guideline), with the focus is on fun, participation and basic skill development that can be used for figure skating, hockey, ringette and synchronized skating.
Skaters will earn ribbons, badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skills, all while progressing at their own pace. Our sessions are active and engaging, using teaching aids, music and a variety of activities to create a fun and effective learning environment. Lessons are delivered by NCCP-certified professional coaches, with support from trained volunteer Program Assistants.
Announcement: Fall/Winter Registration Is Now Open
Skills & Benefits
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program. It teaches the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
Fundamental Skills Include:
- Sit on ice and stand up.
- March forward across the ice.
- Forward two-foot glide.
- Dip.
- Forward swizzles — 6–8 in a row.
- Backward wiggles — 6–8 in a row.
- Beginning snowplow stop on two feet or one foot.
- Bonus skill: Two-foot hop in place.
Benefits:
- Building self-esteem and confidence
- Feeling of achievement – earning ribbons, badges, and other incentives towards their success
- Fun, active and engaging
- Physical fitness
- Effective learning in self-paced sessions
- Small Coach-to-student ratios (max capacity groups)
Basic
Information:
Lesson Format:
Lessons are taught in a group format led by a Certified Skate Canada Professional Coach, with the assistance of a trained Program Assistant.
Group Size:
Group sizes are of no more then 8 skaters. Children are separated into colour-coded groups based on their age and ability while progressing through six levels of skating skills at their own pace.
Duration:
Each session runs for 30 minutes with the option of more than once per week, if desired.
A Note About Adaptive & Inclusive Programming
Due to Skate Canada’s required coach-to-student ratios, Newmarket Skating Club has limited capacity to offer adaptive or inclusive coaching for skaters with exceptional needs. If your skater requires individualized or specialized programming to support physical, developmental, behavioural or cognitive needs, please reach out to us at skatingprograms@newmarketsc.ca so we can determine the most appropriate programming for your child.
CanSkate Coaches
Many of our CanSkate coaches are current or former NSC skaters who learned to skate in the same environment as your child during these sessions.
All of our CanSkate Coaches are Skate Canada Certified!
“There are no limits to what you can achieve. Dream big, aim high and never give up.”
-Kaetlyn Osmond (Canadian Figure Skater, 3-Time Olympic Medalist)
More Newmarket Skating Club Programs
Did you know, we also have a Summer Skating Program? Learn More
Have A Question?
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us directly and we'll be happy to help!