Who’s it for?
For beginners ages 2-4. Whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
Who teaches it?
National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:5. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
What do you need to participate?
All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
First day tips
Here are a few tips to help your skating experience with us at Barrie Skating Club be a fun experience. Once you arrive at the arena you will find our volunteers at a Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate table with your child's name tag on it, and instructions as to what dressing room you are in, it is important that you go your assigned dressing room as the classes after you have different dressing rooms as well, this alleviates congestion in the hallways and dressing rooms. Once you are ready for your session please go to the assigned entrance and wait for your class to begin. When your child's class has begun we ask that all parents sit in seating to watch your child's class. Standing at the side is not recommended as skaters tend to leave their group to chat with their parents. To ensure the best quality lessons please do not interrupt coaches during the session, as it takes away from all the children learning, please visit the volunteer at the table at the front door with any questions, or send us an email. All ice surface doors are to remain closed during the session for your child's safety.
Within each Pre-CanSkate session, the children will be divided into smaller groups according to their skating level. Once a skater has moved past the Pre-CanSkate level they are put directly into CanSkate. Moving groups depends on skill level, not age.This means that any child can register in any CanSkate session, once they have been successful on the PreCanSkate (recieved a yellow ribbon) session and can stand and walk unassisted on the ice. They will be placed in the group that will allow them to make the best progress during the session. CanSkate sessions are offered on a variety of nights at the Allandale Recreation Centre, Holly Community Centre and East Bayfield Recreation Centre.
