Pre-CanSkate Program

PreCanSkate is designed for young skaters, approximately four to six years of age who can stand up on skates and move forward (shuffle, walk or glide) who may not be ready for CanSkate. PreCanSkate helps develop basic skating abilities in a skating-specific environment, including balance skills, forward and backward skating, stopping, turning. 

CanSkate Program

Canskate is designed to provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming and inclusive first experience to the sport of skating. It assists to develop skating and motor skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition, retention/mastery). CanSkate uses skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills. This program helps to foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and recognition. It also aims to evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating.

The CanSkate program curriculum is organized into six progressive stages of learning. Each stage is broken down into three Fundamental Areas:

•  Balance: Concentrating on forward skills, pushing technique, and edges
•  Control: Concentrating on backwards skills, stopping and speed elements
•  Agility: Concentrating on turning and jumping skills

The awards consist of:

• Three Fundamental Area ribbons for each stage
• Six stage badges

To pass a stage skaters must achieve all Fundamental Area ribbons (Balance, Control and Agility) from the corresponding stage. For a visual of the ribbons to badge progression, go to Skate Canada’s CanSkate page. The skill requirements for each Fundamental Area are indicated on the report card.

Pre-Star Skate Program

PreStar is a new program designed for skaters at Stage 4 or higher to help prepare them for StarSkate.  Skaters typically move into this program after approximately 3 years of CanSkate. Your coach will let you know when your skater is appropriate for this program.