The skating programs offered by the club enable skaters to have fun and improve their skating skills. Our coaches are professionally certified by Skate Canada. Trained program assistants help the coaches in our Learn to Skate Programs (CanSkate, Parent & Tot and Teen/Adult CanSkate) and Special Junior programs.

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Learn To Skate Programs

Canskate

The CanSkate program is an introductory learn-to-skate program designed for all kids, whether they wish to play hockey, ringette, or figure skate. Children are generally ready to participate in the program after reaching the age of four.

The program teaches participants fundamental movements (forward and backward movement, stop, turn, spin, and jump) and basic skills. The CanSkate program provides a fun environment that includes games and music in a group lesson format. The program provides badges for children to measure their progress. Skaters are tested individually when they are ready, and as a result each skater progresses at their own rate.

Rideau Skating Club is proud to exceed the Skate Canada CanSkate Program Delivery standards by having each participant spend a minimum of 15 minutes per session in a group lesson with their NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) coach. The remainder of the session, participants will be instructed in a large group or be supervised by our Program Assistants who reinforce the skills and activities taught by our Professional Coaches. Our Program Assistants attend a training course each year to develop the skills necessary to assist the Professional Coaches in delivering a high quality program in a professional and safe environment.

Teen/Adult Canskate

Teens and Adults are introduced to the six fundamental movements of skating in a group environment.

Parent and Tot

This program is a parent and child, learn to skate, program. Parents skate with their child and help them learn to walk and gain balance to progress to gliding and then towards the six fundamental movements on the ice. Skaters are taught through the use of games, songs and activities in a fun and stimulating environment. Skaters must be at least 3 years of age.

StarSkate Programs

Special Juniors/Adv CanSkate

The Special Junior program is a bridge between CanSkate and the Skate Canada test program (known as STARSkate). It is taught in a group, semi-private or private lesson format. The skaters are introduced to the three primary elements of figure skating: dance, skills and freeskate. This program is available to those who have passed Level 3 CanSkate, and who have a desire to further their Figure Skating skills.

Junior

This level is for skaters who are in the STARSkate program, and have passed a Skate Canada test. Skaters are tested in skills, dance and freeskate. At this level skaters must register in Skills and/or Dance as well as Freeskate. Skaters in the Junior program are coached privately through contract with one of the Club's professional coaches. There are a number of competitions available to skaters at this level, generally within a short drive of Ottawa.

Intermediate

This level is for skaters who have passed a minimum of 1/2 Junior Bronze Freeskate, or both Junior Bronze Skills & Dance. This level may compete at invitational and/or competitive stream competitions. Instruction is entirely private through contract between the skater's parents and one of the Club's professional coaches.

Senior

Senior B: This level is for skaters who have passed a minimum of 1/2 Senior Bronze Freeskate, or both Senior Bronze Skills & Dance.

Senior A: This level is for skaters who have passed a minimum of complete Sr Bronze Freeskate / Juvenile Singles Competitive or both Jr Silver Skills & Dance.

Senior is for advanced skaters who compete at invitational and/or competitive stream competitions. Instruction is entirely private through contract between the skater's parents and one of the Club's professional coaches.