PROGRAMS

The CanSkate program incorporates fun with the basics of skating forwards and backwards, stopping, turning, jumping, spinning, and edges. The program consists of 6 Stages taught in order of difficulty to ensure a natural skills progression. In CanSkate, skaters learn basic skills to prepare them for any ice skating sport or recreational skating.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRMENTS FOR PARENT & TOT/CANSKATE

Skaters joining our Parent & Tot/CanSkate programs should have the following equipment:

1.  CSA Approved Helmet (see guidelines below)

2.  Proper fitting Figure or Hockey Skates.  NO Plastic or Adjustable Skates prefered (see guidelines below)

3.  Proper clothing - layers are best.  We do not recommend snow suits.  Consider Long Johns with Jogging Pants and a light waterproof pants over top and a thermal shirt with a long sleeved t-shirt and sweater for the top.  

4.  Gloves or Mittens

5.  Skate Guards (see pic below)

What kind of skates do I need?

Both fitted figure skates and hockey style skates are fine for Parent & Tot/CanSkate. Leather, lace up skates are preferable to vinyl.  Molded plastic skates with velcro closures are not recommended.  BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.

How to Purchase Skates

Wearing the proper skates is very important for your child's success in skating.  Skaters in Parent & Tot/CanSkate can wear either hockey style skates or figure skates. We recommend that you purchase skates that have laces and not clips or dials to tighten.  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. REMEMBER YOUR CHILD'S SKATES NEED TO BE SHARPENED PRIOR TO GOING ON THE ICE.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

A CSA approved hockey helmet is required for all skaters in Parent & Tot/CanSkate.  

Helmet Guidelines

 CSA approved hockey helmets are mandatory for ALL Parent & Tot/CanSkaters

• The helmet fit should be snug

• Hair should not be in a ponytail under the helmet...this interferes with the proper fit

• Face Masks/Cages are optional but recommended for 1st time skaters. They can be removed as the skater becomes more comfortable on the ice and able to control their fall.

• Both the strap and the helmet should be adjustable

• Stickers should not be put on the helmet

Bike, Ski and other types of helmet are NOT acceptable. Skaters will be prohibited from joining classes until proper protective gear is worn. This symbol is mandatory on the back of the helmets.

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

At Bancroft Skating Club, we support and conform with Skate Canada's policies. Click here to read the official Skate Canada guidelines related to safe sport and helmets.

STARSkate stands for Skills, Tests, Achievement and Recognition. Once a skater has completed Level 5 of the CanSkate program, the skater can consider STARSkate. The STARSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives.