Pre-CANskate and CANSkate with the Whitecourt Skating Club

Pre-Canskate and CANSkate is intended for beginning skaters ages 4 and up:

• Skaters must be four years old by the first session of CANSkate.
  • The Club may consider making an exception for a skater whose fourth birthday falls near the first session of CANSkate.
• We understand that some younger skaters may be interested in learning to skate.
  • Each session is unique in the make up of coaches, Program Assistants, and skaters and as a Club we do our best to extend our programs to ensure we can accommodate as much of the community as possible.
  • Please email whitecourtskatingclub@gmail.com if you have questions about a skater younger than four years old.

Pre-CanSkate
Tuesdays | 6:00–6:45 PM

Pre-CanSkate is a fun, introductory learn-to-skate program for young children with little to no skating experience. This program offers a positive first experience on the ice through age-appropriate, creative activities that promote movement and confidence.

The focus is on:

• Basic skating skills (standing, balance, movement)
• Positive reinforcement and encouragement
• Preparation for the CanSkate program
  
  

Each class includes:

• 10 minutes off-ice warm-up
• 35 minutes of on-ice instruction
  
  

Skaters are grouped by age and ability to ensure an engaging and supportive learning environment.

Ideal for children who are new to skating or still learning to stand and move independently on the ice.

CanSkate – Stages 1 & 2
Tuesdays | 6:00–6:45 PM

CanSkate is Skate Canada's nationally recognized learn-to-skate program, designed for children who are ready to build on their basic skating skills. It’s the ideal program for skaters interested in recreational skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, or figure skating.

This program emphasizes:

• Fun and active participation
• Progressive skill development
• Confidence on the ice
  
  

Eligibility:
Skaters must be able to walk or glide independently on the ice or have completed Pre-CanSkate or a previous CanSkate session.

Program Features:

• Group instruction by NCCP-certified coaches
• Structured, level-based skill progression
• Encouraging environment with music and games
• Small group formats to support individual progress

Skaters work through Stage 1 and Stage 2 at their own pace, earning badges as they achieve key skills.

CanSkate – Stages 3, 4 & 5
Thursdays | 5:15–6:00 PM

This program is for skaters who have successfully completed Stage 2 of the CanSkate program and are ready to build more advanced skills in balance, control, and agility.

CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program, designed to be fun, engaging, and goal-oriented. Skaters progress at their own pace through the remaining stages of the badge-based system.

Program Highlights:

• Group instruction led by NCCP-certified coaches
• Development in a fun, high-energy environment
• Progressive learning with clear goals and rewards
• Music, circuits, and activities that keep skaters motivated
  
  

Skaters continue to strengthen their foundation for figure skating, hockey, speed skating, or recreational skating.

Some BIG reminders:

• All skaters must wear a non-expired CSA-approved helmet. 
• There will be volunteers checking this on the first day of each session.
• Good equipment is important for comfort and safety, as well as ensuring effective progress. 

• All skaters should have their own skates. 
• Boots should be fitted with one pair of socks and skates should be tied to check for proper fit.
• Tie the laces loosely over toes and front of foot, and snugly over ankle and instep. Excess laces are tucked or tied up so that they do not hang loose or drag on the ice. 
• Skates should be snug over the ankle with some room for the toes to move. The heel must fit firmly and should not be able to move up and down more than 1/4 inch. The skate should feel comfortable.
• Your child should be able to stand up, bend their knees slightly, and walk in the skates without the ankles dropping to either side.
• Skates should be sharp as it is very difficult to learn to skate on dull blades. 
• All newly purchased skates must be sharpened. 
• All skates need sharpening approximately every 20 hours.
• Skate guards are highly recommended.
• Guards protect the skate blade from dulling and should be worn while walking on all surfaces. 
• Skate blades and the sole plate should be dried completely with a cloth after skating.
• Always remove guards before storing skates to prevent rust and air boots after each use.

(Adapted from the Skate Canada CANSkate Manual, 2022)

Some little reminders:

• Please arrive at the arena no more than 10 minutes before scheduled class and leave immediately following the completion of class.
• Have your child wear snow pants and warm mitts. When your child first learns how to skate, they spend most of the time crawling on the ice, learning how to get up and balance.
• Drawstrings, scarves, belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided.
• Please wait in the assigned dressing room until the coaches come and get you.
  • Due to the room size, we ask that only one parent stay with the skater or skaters while waiting for coaches. All other spectators are welcome to wait in the stands. Thanks in advance!
• Program Assistants are all certified for the CANskate program.
  • These skaters are volunteers under the supervision of the Coaches.
• Please be available if your child needs assistance (use washroom, fix skates) during skating lesson time.
  • Coaches and Program Assistants are unable to leave the ice surface at any time. 
• We ask spectators to wait up in the stands during lesson time. Please, no spectators in the player boxes or on the ice.
• Please pick up your child in the dressing room.
  • Coaches will bring the skaters to the dressing room.