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                Adult CanSkate:

                 

                Adult CanSkate is ideal for adults who are either starting their skating journey or rediscovering their love for the ice. Whether your goal is to build a strong foundation for hockey, ringette, or figure skating, or simply enjoy recreational skating, this class offers the perfect starting point. Held in a supportive group setting, these lessons provide an engaging and social learning environment tailored to adult skaters.

                Program Highlights:

                • Group Lessons: Adult CanSkate participants benefit from structured group lessons, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among skaters. The group environment encourages camaraderie and shared progress. Based on the number of skaters lesson structure varies.

                • Fundamental Skills: The curriculum focuses on essential skating skills, including balance, stride, stopping, and turning. These fundamentals form the backbone of all skating disciplines.

                • Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Whether you aim to excel in hockey, ringette, figure skating, or recreational skating, the skills taught in Adult CanSkate are versatile and applicable across all areas.

                • Progressive Learning: Each lesson builds upon the last, ensuring continuous improvement and confidence-building as you advance through the program.

                • Qualified Instructors: Taught by a team of NCCP-certified coaches. Offering personalized feedback and tailored guidance to help each skater develop at their own pace.

                • Fun and Inclusive: Lessons are designed to be enjoyable and interactive, making learning to skate a positive experience. Activities and exercises are tailored to be engaging, ensuring that skaters have fun while improving their skills.

                This class is perfect for adults who wish to enhance their skating abilities in a friendly, encouraging, and supportive environment. Whether you’re starting fresh or returning to the ice after some time, the Adult CanSkate program offers the tools, instruction, and community to help you achieve your skating goals. ⛸️✨

                Equipment:

                • CSA-approved hockey helmet – no bicycle helmets

                • Sharpened skates – hockey or figure skates, whichever is preferred

                  • Figure Skate Sharpening: Getting figure skates sharpened at a local figure skate-specific sharpener is recommended. Most retail sharpeners are not trained in the specifics of figure skate blades. Please discuss with your club coach for further details. The prices at the local sharpener recommended by club coaches are $15 for most blades and $18 for stainless steel blades.

                  • Hockey Skate Sharpening: For hockey skates go to any local sharpener (retail or private). The price at many local pro shops is $10 - $15.

                    • When To Sharpen Skates: It is recommended to get skates sharpened approximately every 15-20 hours of skating.

                • Mittens or gloves

                • Warm clothing – long pants and a warm sweater or jacket

                • Soft cloth or towel for drying skates and blades to prevent rust

                • Skate guards – hard guards are recommended for walking back and forth to the ice surface, as well as soft guards/soakers for keeping blades protected and rust-free between skating sessions in your skate bag

                For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations refer to our Equipment Information playlist!

                 
                Off Ice Training

                 

                To achieve peak performance on the ice, it is essential for adult skaters to incorporate off-ice training into their routines. Coaches may assign specific exercises to be performed before on-ice sessions. These exercises are designed to enhance overall performance, build strength, and improve flexibility.

                Engaging in off-ice warm-ups before practices is highly recommended. These warm-ups are vital for preparing the body, increasing blood flow to muscles, and reducing the risk of injury. A proper warm-up routine ensures that skaters are physically ready for the rigorous demands of on-ice training.

                Focus Areas for Off-Ice Training:

                • Stretching/Flexibility: Enhances range of motion and prevents injuries
                • Off-Ice Jumps: Improves jump technique and strength
                • Off-Ice Spins: Using a spinner off-ice improves spin technique, balance, and control
                • Strength Training (Body): Builds overall muscle strength and endurance
                • Strength Training (Core): Strengthens the core muscles, which are essential for balance and stability
                • Agility/Plyometrics: Increases agility, speed, and explosive power
                • Expression/Dance: Enhances artistic expression and performance quality on the ice

                 

                ESPSC currently does not have off-ice programs running alongside the fall/winter and spring sessions but offers one-hour long sessions during the summer program. To achieve maximum success with cross-training and limit injuries, please discuss off-ice training exercises or classes with your coach. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines, as well as injury prevention techniques, should also be part of your off-ice training plan.

                 

                Basic off-ice training ideas: