AdultSkate FAQ
Registration
What programs are there for an adult learning to skate?
Our Teen/Adult CanSkate program is the one for you! To check out what the Teen/Adult CanSkate program is all about, click Here
How do I register for skating lessons?
Registration is available on-line on this website Here
Having challenges? Email us at info@rideauskating.ca and we will be happy to help you with registration.
For Teen/Adult Canskate Programs, will the skaters be placed in their own groups?
Yes! The skaters will be grouped specifically for the Teen/Adult skaters.
Do I have to pay the Skate Canada Membership Fee?
The Skate Canada membership and Safe Sport Fee must be paid for every skater registered with the Rideau Skating Club on annual basis. The membership runs September 1 to August 31 of each year.
The membership and safe sport fee provides insurance for each member providing our club and skaters a safe environment in which we can enjoy skating. If you move away from the Rideau Skating Club, you can register in any Skate Canada club in your new city and start at the badge level you left off at!
Are coaching costs included?
For StarSkate Sessions, Not all coaching costs are included. Please read the session description at the time of registration carefully to see what coaching costs are included on that session. Please contact our coaching team at skatecoachingteam@gmail.com for more information on coaching costs and structure.
Late Registrations
We accept late registrations for any of our sessions if space permits. Please feel free to register for a session where space is available. Our prices automatically pro-rate each week.
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, please see the Member Policies document.
Program Changes and Missed Classes
Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. Skaters may replace a missed session up to a maximum of three (3) times in a given season. Skaters must confirm a replacement session with their coach prior to skating
A parent/skater may request, free of charge, two (2) program change in a season. Subsequent changes will be subjected to an administrative fee
Coach requested changes are not subject to the change fee.
Equipment and preparing for the first day
Do I need a helmet?
- Teen/Adult Canskate:
YES! CSA Approved hockey helmets must be worn by skaters up to, and including, Stage 5. Bike and ski helmets will not be acceptable. Canadian Tire offers a complete line of CSA approved hockey helmets for purchase.
- StarSkate: No! You are not required to wear a helmet once you have passed Stage 5 CanSkate or equivalent
What kind of skates should I buy?
Equipment is important to the success of your skater. Finding the right pair of skates for their foot shape, skating level and height/weight is extremely important for their progression to continue. We recommend visiting a figure skate specialist such as Figure 8/Hockey One on Industrial Avenue in Ottawa or BSharp on Strandherd Avenue in Ottawa.
Once you have secured figure skates, we recommend getting them sharpened by a figure skate sharpening specialist such as Figure 8, BSharp or Racers Edge Brockville.
What should I wear to skating lessons?
Athletic clothing, skating skirts, leggings and/or simple skating dresses can be worn by skaters during practice ice. Hooded sweatshirts are not recommended as they can affect the skater’s balance and obstruct their view.
On The Session
What can we expect at skating lessons?
Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge. Our Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches are fun and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing quality skating programs for our members. Our coaching team will use a combination of group, semi-private and private lessons to help guide you through the various figure skating disciplines including skills, dance, freeskate and synchronized skating.
How do I know how i'm progressing?
In CanSkate, Skater's move through the next level of CanSkate through completing each badge, and in StarSkate, Skaters move to the next level by completing STARSkate assessments. Your skaters' coach will guide you through the assessment process and let you know when they are ready to be assessed. Feel free to speak to your skaters' coach outside of their on ice time if you would like to know more about your skaters progress and the assessment process.
How are assessments completed?
For the STAR 1 to 5 levels, the assessments are done by the coach during a regular session time.
Your coach will notify you that your skater is ready for an assessment. The assessment must be purchased prior to assessment being conducted. Assessments are purchased online Here
Once the agreed upon date/time is established, the coach will conduct the assessment during a regular training session. Your skater will be provided with the assessment results at the completion of the assessment.
For STAR 6 to Gold levels, the assessments are done by an external assessor on a designated club assessment day.
STAR 6 to Gold Skating Skills and artistics may be assessed on a regular skating session by an assessor-coach.