Learn to Skate Program
Skate Canada’s CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. This program is suitable for beginners of all ages, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
The program teaches skating skills through the use of simple instructions, teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges and ribbons are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
At Richmond Hill Figure Skating Club (RHFSC), learn-to-skate programs are taught by nationally certified coaches (NCCP) trained specifically in teaching the mechanics and proper technique of skating, with a low skater to coach ratio.
Our programs are offered in 3 levels – Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate and Pre-Novice.
Pre-CanSkate
The goal is to help skaters develop balance and coordination on ice, with the emphasis on having fun in a group format. Lessons are taught by NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
Skaters must be 3 to 6 years of age when skating sesason starts. Skater to coach ratio is 6:1 on average.
A CSA-approved hockey helmet with FACE MASK is mandatory.
CanSkate
This National CanSkate Badge Program teaches fundamental skating skills from stages 1 to 4 in group format. The program includes a 10-minute warm up, a 30-minute lesson and a-5 minute cool down, all with our NCCP Certified Professional Coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
Skaters must be 5 to 13 years of age when skating season starts, no skating experience is required. Skater to coach ratio is 8:1 on average.
A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory. Bike or ski helmets are not permitted. No exceptions.
Pre-Novice
This teaches introduction to figure skating in a group format, from stages 5 and 6 to STARSkate 1. The program includes a 15-minute warm up, 30-minute group lesson with our NCCP Certified Professional Coaches and the remaining 15 minutes are for monitored independent practice time. Private lessons are optional.
Skate Canada launched a new STAR 1 to 5 program in 2017. See STAR 1 to 5 Program Information in Member Resources page for details
Skaters must be 5 to 13 years of age when skating season starts and must have passed Stage 4 to qualify. Skater to coach ratio is 8:1 on average.
A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for Stage 5. Bike or ski helmets are not permitted. No exceptions.