This is our last week of skating for the winter 2023-2024 season!
There is no skating the week of April 29 - May 3
Our spring 2024 season will start on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Minto Barrhaven facility
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Skaters of all ages learn best when they are active, engaged, moving, challenged, motivated and having fun. This is what CanSkate is all about!
As Skate Canada’s flagship learn–to–skate program that is geared to beginners of all ages, CanSkate offers basic skating instruction taught in a group lesson format by Skate Canada professional coaches who are assisted by trained program assistants. CanSkate is the foundational and feeder program for all other Skate Canada programs.
Proper Equipment for CanSkate
CanSkate - 4 to 12 years of age
A 50 minute program for skaters ages 4 to 12. No previous skating experience is required. Skaters are placed in small groups (maximum ratio of 10 skaters to 1 coach) and are encouraged to learn and advance at their own pace. Skaters are grouped according to age and skill level. All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmets. Waterproof pants or snow pants are recommended as skaters may spend some time sitting on the ice and or falling.
For participation in the Winter 2023-2024 season, skaters must be four (4) years of age by December 31, 2023.
Pre-CanSkate - 3 to 4 years of age
A 30 minute program for skaters ages 3 to 4. No previous skating experience is required. Skater are on the ice for three 10-minute lessons. Skaters then leave the ice while the CanSkaters do the group activity and cool down. Skaters are placed in small groups (maximum ratio of 10 skaters to 1 coach) and are encouraged to learn and advance at their own pace. All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmets. Waterproof pants or snow pants are recommended as skaters may spend some time sitting on the ice and or falling.
For participation in the Winter 2023-2024 season, skaters must be three (3) years of age by September 1, 2023.
Teen/Adult CanSkate - 12+ years of age
A 30 minute program for skaters ages 12 and up. No previous skating experience is required. Skater are on the ice for 3 10-minute lessons. Skaters then leave the ice while the CanSkaters do the group activity and cool down. Skaters are placed in small groups (maximum ratio of 10 skaters to 1 coach) and are encouraged to learn and advance at their own pace. All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmets.
For participation in the Winter 2023-2024 season, skaters must be twelve (12) years of age by December 31, 2023.
Advanced CanSkate - 4 to 12 years of age
A 50 minute program for skaters ages 4 to 12. Skaters must have passed all of CanSkate stage 2 and achieved 2 out of 3 CanSkate stage 3 ribbons.
This program for skaters who want to work on the higher level CanSkate badges (4 to 6) to improve their skating skills.
All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmets.
For participation in the Winter 2023-2024 season, skaters must be four (4) years of age by December 31, 2023.
CanSkate Progress Report - Lists of Elements for Each Stage
CanSkate Winter 2023-2024 schedule - coming soon
Advanced CanSkate Winter 2023-2024 Schedule - coming soon
In the Winter 2023-2024 season, CanSkate is offered at the Manotick arena.
In the Spring 2024 season, CanSkate is offered at the Fred Barrett arena.
CanSkate Winter 2023-2024 Cancellation Dates (No skating days):
coming soon
Payments
Full payment is required at the time of registration.
Refunds
All requests for program withdrawals and/or refunds must be done in writing to info@rideauskating.ca. We do not accept in person or over the phone withdrawal or refund requests.
See the full Refund Policy at Refund Policy.pdf
Missed Classes
Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es) make-up classes, refunds or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided.
Change of Program Day/Time
Parents may request, free of charge, one (1) program change in a season. Subsequent changes will be subjected to a fee of $15/change.
See the full Program Change Policy at Change of Program Policy.pdf
Helmet Policy
Rideau Skating Club adheres to the Skate Canada's helmet use policy. The helmet use policy is outlined on the Skate Canada website (www.skatecanada.ca) in the Safe Sport Guide.
The full Safe Sport Guide can be found at the following link: Safe Sport Guide (skatecanada.ca)
- Skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, as well as skaters in the CanPowerSkate program, MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet with a valid expiry date.
- Skaters working on STAGE 6 or higher may choose to continue to wear a helmet at their discretion. The skater, parent/guardian have the final say as to whether or not the skater will or will not wear a helmet.
- Skaters, regardless of age, who lack good control/balance when skating forward, backwards and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.
- The helmet policy is not optional for clubs. Failure to meet the Skate Canada helmet policy, in programs that require a helmet, will result in the skater being refused entry to the ice surface or being escorted off the ice.
See the full Helmet policy at Helmet Policy.pdf
Equipment Policy
All skaters are required to provide their own equipment - skates, helmet, appropriate clothing.
CanSkate FAQ
Is skating experience required to register for the CanSkate programs?
No experience is necessary for any of our Learn to Skate programs. You do not need to choose a CanSkate level when registering for one of our programs, Just select the proper program (CanSkate / Pre-CanSkate / Teen/Adult CanSkate) and the date and time that work best for you!
Does my skater need their own skates?
Yes, every participant need to supply their own skates and a CSA approved hockey helmet. Rentals are not available at any location, at any time, for any reason. Skaters that show up without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.
What kind of skates does my skater need?
Both figure skates and hockey style skates are fine for our learn to skate programs. Leather, lace up skates are preferable to vinyl.
Skates with laces allow for the skate to be better adjusted to fit the child's growing foot.
We also DO NOT recommend that you purchase adjustable skates. While this may seem like a cost saving option with a young child that is growing rapidly it is really detrimental to their progress. As you enlarge these type of skates the blade becomes too short for the boot and it causes difficulty for the skater to maintain proper balance and technique.
Molded plastic skates with velcro or buckle closures are not recommended.
BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.
Not recommended
Where can I buy skates?
You can buy used skates from places like Play it Again Sports.
Canadian Tire and SportChek often carry the proper type of skates for our programs as well.
Other places you can purchase skates:
Does my skater have to wear a helmet?
Yes. A CSA approved hockey helmet is required for all skaters in learn to skate programs. No exceptions will be made to the helmet policy.
Bicycle, ski, BMX, or snowboarding helmets are not permitted.
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.
Equipment is not provided by Rideau Skating Club. You must supply your own equipment. Rentals are not available at any time or location, or for any reason. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.
The full Safe Sport Guide can be found at the following link: Safe Sport Guide (skatecanada.ca)
I forgot my child's helmet. Can they go on the ice this one time without it?
No. 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.
No exceptions will be made to our helmet policy. All participants must have a CSA approved hockey helmet in order to participate in our classes. We do not have extras for skaters to borrow, nor do we offer rentals for any reason, at any time, during any of our programs. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.
Do I need to stay in the arena while my skater is on the ice?
Yes. Skaters are required to have a parent or responsible guardian in the arena at all times.
For the Teen/Adult CanSkate programs will the skaters be placed in their own groups?
Yes! The skaters will be groups specifically for the Teen/Adult skaters.
In which locations are the CanSkate programs being offered?
In Winter 2023-2024 we offer our CanSkate programs at the Manotick community Centre, Mike O'Neil arena (5572 Doctor Leach Drive, Manotick).
How do I register my child for the right level?
Make sure you register your child for the CanSkate program and we will take care of the level. If you have already skated with us we have a record of what levels you achieved last session. If you are new to us we will assess and place your skater in the appropriate level during the first week.
When can I register for a program?
Registration dates vary from year to year and by season.
We recommend that you create an online profile ahead of the registration date and be ready to register your skater online once the registration opens.
For the Fall/Winter Seasons: Typically registration begins early to mid-August. Dates will be announced ahead of time on our website.
Spring Season: Typically registration begins in mid-February. Dates will be announced ahead of time on our website.
How do I register for a program?
The only way to register for one of our programs is online. Our online system is live and will give you the most up to date information on available sessions.
Create an account with us online before the registration date and set up your online profile so you can be ready to register right when it opens.
Instructions on how to create an account and register may be found at this LINK.
The session I want is full, how do I register for it?
You can place your skater on the wait list for the program that you prefer. This can be done through your online profile. Should a spot become available, you will receive an email letting you know that you can register. You are also able to register for another session and be on the wait list for your preferred session. This is highly recommended as skaters on wait lists are not guaranteed a spot in the program.
When will my skater come off the wait list?
There is no guarantee that a spot will become available on your preferred session. Withdrawals from sessions are unpredictable and there is no way to know if there will be movement on any specific session.
I would like to change to a different CanSkate day for my skater. How do I do that?
Parents can request a change of program day/time by emailing the club administrator at info@rideauskating.ca.
One change per season is done free of charge. Any subsequent changes will be subject to a $15 fee per change.
Coach requested changes (i.e. CanSkate to Future Stars) are not subject to the change fee.
See the full Program Change Policy at Change of Program Policy.pdf
Will you be adding more sessions or opening up more spots on sessions to accommodate skaters on the wait list?
We cannot always accommodate more skaters on a session or add sessions to accommodate wait listed skaters.
Do I need to wait until I receive my skaters’ report card to register for the next session?
No! We keep track of your skaters’ progress through our online system. This ensures that they are placed into the correct group for their level each time they register with us. We recommend registering as early as possible to ensure enrollment in our programs.
How many times a week should my skater be skating?
For those just starting out, once a week is plenty. If your skater really enjoys skating, is looking to progress faster and you have the flexibility in your schedule, you can register for more than one session a week.
Do you offer one-on-one or private lessons for beginners?
We do not offer one-on-one or private lessons for beginners. Our skating program for beginners is the CanSkate program which is delivered in a group format.
Do you offer drop in sessions?
No. You must register your skater for a specific day and time and you are only permitted to skate on your registered session.
Do you offer public skating?
No. You must register your skater for a specific day and time and you are only permitted to skate on your registered session. Public skating is offered through the City of Ottawa. Please visit their website (ottawa.ca) for more information.
Do you offer make-up classes if my skater misses a class?
No. Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided.
How do I know about scheduled cancellations?
We always have a list of scheduled cancellation dates posted on the website, You can also view these scheduled cancellation dates in your family calendar through your online account. Emails are sent out a few days in advance. Be sure you are subscribed to Member Information Messages to get these emails.
I have a question about my skaters’ report card. Who should I talk to?
Please speak directly to the resource coach of your session. They are typically stationed at the name tag table before and after sessions, and are available to answer any questions you have regarding your skater's progress.
You may also email the club at info@rideauskating.ca with any questions.
How long will it take my skater to learn how to skate?
Each skater learns at their own pace. Some skaters will catch on quickly and others will take a little longer to get going. It is important to encourage your skater to continue going to lessons and to participate fully with the rest of their group as you would with other sports. If you have questions about your skater's level, please speak to the resource coach for your session. The resource coach is typically at the name tag table before and after sessions.
What does my skater have to accomplish before moving to the Figure Skating program?
Skaters must have passed 2 out of the 3 ribbons at the Stage 3 level of the CanSkate program before moving on to the Future Stars (StarSkate) program. Skaters in the Future Stars program are not required to wear figure skates.
If your skater has passed Stage 3 of CanSkate at another Skate Canada club, please provide us with their report card so you are able to register for the appropriate program.
CanSkate Challenge Event 2023-2024
CanSkate Challenge Event - TBD