CanSkate FAQ
Registration
I would like to register my skater for skating lessons. What programs do you offer?
Never skated before?
- Pre-CanSkate: ages 3 and 4
- CanSkate: ages 4 to 11
- Teen/Adult CanSkate: ages 12+
Skated with any Skate Canada club last season:
- CanSkate: ages 4 to 11 and working on stages 1-4
- Teen/Adult CanSkate: ages 12+ and working on stages 1-6
- Advanced CanSkate: Have at least 2 out of 3 ribbons from CanSkate stage 3
- Future Stars: have completed at least 2 out of 3 ribbons from CanSkate stage 3 (figure skating focus)
- Adult StarSkate: Ages 18+ and have all of stage 6
Learn more about our CanSkate programs Here
My skater is four and has never skated before. How do I know if I should sign up for the Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate?
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is whether your child would suit a 30 minute or 50-minute class.
The skills taught on both sessions are the same, the lesson time and group activities of the CanSkate class are longer.
If your child is active and has been exposed to different group classes, they will probably do well in the CanSkate session. It is also a simple change if you or your child’s coach feels they would be better suited to another session once the program has started.
How do I register my skater 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.
Does every skater have to pay the Skate Canada Membership Fee or is it one fee per family?
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!
Will the sessions fill up quickly?
Yes! Our PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs are very popular and may reach the maximum number of skaters. We do start a waiting list when a session fills, but it is best to register early to guarantee a spot.
Late Registrations
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.
Refunds
Not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. It may take a few sessions before your child settles in to skating.
If you find your child is still not happy after a few sessions, please talk to your coach and ask their advice. Our full refund policy can be found in our Member Policies
Medical Reasons
Credits or refunds are issued when a medical certificate can be provided by the parent.
Due to the size of our program, we are not able to provide make-up classes or refunds for sessions missed due to illness or vacation.
Program Changes
Requests for program or session changes can be sent to info@rideauskating.ca.
All change requests are subject to the guidelines outlined in our current Member Policy document.
As policies may be updated from time to time, we recommend reviewing the latest version of the Member Policy for full details before submitting your request.
Equipment and preparing for the first day
Does my skater need a helmet?
YES! CSA Approved hockey helmets must be worn by skaters up to, and including, Stage 5 of the Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate, Advanced CanSkate, Future Stars & Teen/Adult CanSkate programs
Bike and ski helmets will not be acceptable. Canadian Tire offers a complete line of CSA approved hockey helmets for purchase.
Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.
What kind of skates should I buy?
Skates are the most important tool a skater has on the ice. Skate Canada working in conjunction with national partner Canadian Tire have developed a program to help make your child’s CanSkate on ice experience both positive and fun. Skate Canada has teamed up with Canadian Tire stores and you can find skates, CSA approved helmets, skate guards and Skate Canada skate bags to outfit your child for their first day of skating lessons.
Here are some things to take in to consideration when purchasing skates and CanSkate supplies for your child:
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Skates should fit snugly and provide support to the ankles. We recommend lace up skates (recreational, hockey or figure); we do not recommend any of the moulded/plastic skates.
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Canadian Tire offers a girls’ recreational lace up figure skates and their complete line of hockey skates that would all be suitable for CanSkate. Please ask your sales representative at your local Canadian Tire to see if they are ‘CanSkate Approved’
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Other items to consider include a skate bag and skate guards.
Providing your child with appropriate skating equipment will help them improve their skating skills more quickly and will make their on-ice experience more enjoyable.
Check out this video by Skate Canada on Proper CanSkate Equipment Here
You can also purchase used skates at places like Play It Again Sports or new skates at B-Sharp and Figure 8/Hockey One
What should my skater wear to skating lessons?
Skaters need to wear clothing that is comfortable, warm, light and allows your child to move freely. Make sure to layer clothes so your child can remove or add a piece of clothing to suit changing temperatures and exertion levels. Heavy snow suits hinder skater’s ability to move or get back up after falling, which can cause frustration. The coaches will be using markers on the ice when drawing out the skater’s circuits. The marker may rub off the ice if your child falls, so please dress your child in dark clothing. We cannot guarantee the marker will come out in the wash.
On The Session
What can we expect at skating lessons?
Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for young children. Our Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches are fun and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing quality skating programs for our members. Please remember that ice is slippery and hard, not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. Our coaches are well-trained in alleviating skater’s fears, just be patient and your skater will soon be gliding across the ice with a smile on their face!
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.
There seems to be different levels all on one session, how do you divide the groups?
Skaters are placed in groups according to skating ability and age. It usually takes a few weeks to assess all of the groups and move skaters according to their ability, so please be patient, and we will check every child to make sure they are in the right group and move skaters when necessary.
How does my child move up to another Stage?
Coaches evaluate their skater’s skills on a continuous basis. Skaters in Pre-CanSkate will receive a ribbon once they have completed all of the skills in this level and you will be contacted for them to move up to the full CanSkate session. Our CanSkate members will be working on skills for each of the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance and Control at each of the six Stages. Once they have completed all of the skills for the Stage, they will receive their badge. Sometimes this may mean changing groups, but they could also remain in the same group if the other skaters are progressing at the same rate.
How do I know how my skater is progressing?
Skaters will receive their ribbons and badges the week after they earned them. Progress reports will be provided to skaters twice during the season, once approximately halfway through and again at the end of the season. Skaters start right where they left off at the beginning of the next season.
I have other questions
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.