Program Overview: CanSkate is Skate Canada's Learn-to-Skate program, designed to help skaters of all ages develop foundational skating skills. Taught by a team of NCCP-certified coaches, this program offers a structured and fun environment for skaters to improve their abilities.

Program Highlights:

• Small Group Instruction: Skaters are placed in small groups (maximum 10 skaters) based on their skill level. This ensures personalized attention and allows each skater to progress at their own pace.

• Versatile Skill Development: Skaters learn a variety of skills necessary for success in hockey, ringette, figure skating, or recreational skating. The program covers essential techniques such as Balance, Control, and Agility.

• Circuit Training: Skills are practiced on circuits, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience. This approach keeps skaters active and focused throughout the session.

• Supportive Environment: In addition to receiving instruction from coaches, skaters are assisted by trained, volunteer Program Assistants from our STAR Skate program. This extra support helps reinforce learning and provides a positive atmosphere.

Assessment and Recognition:

• Continuous Assessment: Coaches continuously assess skaters in the three disciplines of Balance, Control, and Agility. This ensures that skaters are developing well-rounded skills.

• Ribbons and Badges: Skaters earn ribbons and badges to benchmark their progress and reward their effort and participation. These milestones encourage skaters to strive for improvement and celebrate their achievements.

Program Suitability:

• Entry-Level Skaters: CanSkate is ideal for entry-level skaters who are comfortable skating independently and wish to improve their skills.

• Pathway to Other Sports: Skaters looking to advance into other sports such as hockey, ringette, or figure skating will find this program an excellent foundation for their progression.

Parental Guidance:

• No Parents on the Ice: Please note that parents are not allowed on the ice with skaters registered in our CanSkate program. For skaters who may need a parent or guardian on the ice with them, please check out ESPSC's Adult & Tot program.

• Pre-CanSkate Transition: For more information on the foundational skills taught in our Pre-CanSkate program, please refer to the Pre-CanSkate tab.

The CanSkate program provides a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience, helping skaters develop the skills they need to succeed on the ice. Join us and watch your child glide toward their skating goals! ⛸️✨

Click on the CanSkate stages listed to see the skills your skater will learn in each stage. 

Adaptive Skating:

Our CanSkate program is inclusive and welcoming to skaters of all abilities. We proudly support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities or impairments who can participate in Special Olympics in either recreational or competitive skating. The program is designed to accommodate individual needs, ensuring every skater can develop their skills in a supportive environment. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of varying abilities, and we strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all participants. 

Through Adaptive Skating, athletes develop sports skills, social skills, and self-esteem to assist them in becoming an involved member of the community. It promotes an active lifestyle and quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through participation in sports.

Adaptive Skating Competition:

Special Olympics Skating offers the opportunity for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities to compete at invitational, interclub, and international competitions.

Competition Categories:

• SINGLES: Level 1 - 6
• DANCE (Solo & Pattern Ice Dance): Level 1 - 6
• Pairs FreeSkate: Level 1 - 3
• Adult Singles: Master 1/2 - 3/4

For detailed competition information, please refer to the Special Olympics Competition Page.

• Ice Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• Coaching Fees: Included in the program registration fee

• Competition Fees: Skate Canada lists a fee for each event (Elements, Improv, Team, etc.). Additionally, there may be a coaching fee for the time spent with the skater at the event, which varies per coach.

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.

  • 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 CanSkate Equipment playlist!

To watch examples of how to perform the skills, check out the specific focus area (Balance, Control, Agility) in the CanSkate section on the Skate Canada Development Video Library.

CanSkate Competition:

CanSkate offers a variety of competition opportunities for all CanSkate levels (Stage 1 - 6).

Competition Categories:

• Creative Improv: 1
• Element Event: Stage 1 - 6
• Team Event: Stage 1 - 6

Skates: Competitions can be performed in both hockey and figure skates.

CanSkate Competitions Page.