CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners aged three and up, including Adults. CanSkate is taught by Skate Canada Certified Coaches accompanied by our volunteer program assistants. It emphasizes fun and continuous movement in a group lesson format. CanSkate is the place to start for all skaters regardless of whether you would like to continue in figure skating, hockey, ringette, or recreational skating.

Yes! Adults may register in our lessons at any level, including entry level CanSkate. A helmet is also mandatory for adults at this level.

Remain on-site at the rink for the duration of each lesson. If you need to leave, you MUST provide another adult to be responsible for your child. There is always a risk of injury and it is imperative that a responsible adult be present at all times in case of an emergency. Assist their child/children with putting on their equipment. Observe from the heated bleachers. Parents are not allow to be in the players boxes or at the gates to the ice arena. This blocks access to the arena and it is also a distraction to the coaches and skaters in their lessons. Provide off-ice supervision of their child/children. If you see your child going off the ice during a lesson, it is your responsibility to go and assist him/her. The coaches cannot leave their on ice students unattended. In the event of an emergency, it is imperative that a guardian for each child be present at all times. PARENT/GUARDIANS REMAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN WHILE AT THE ICE ARENA. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN UNATTENDED

All skaters need to have their own skates and their own CSA approved hockey helmet. Rentals are NOT available. Please dress skaters in warm layers they can move in. Snowsuits or snow pants are recommended for beginners. All skaters should wear mittens or gloves.

Figure skates or hockey skates are acceptable for CanSkate. Please invest in a good quality and well fitting pair of skates from a qualified skate store. Skates should be very close fitting and the ankles should be upright and well supported. Please do not buy skates with plenty of "room to grow".

On average, skates should be sharpened every 20 hours of skating, or at least once every 2 months. Only trust your figure skates to figure skating professionals: Cyclone Taylor Figure Skating: 49th and Oak Skaters Edge Coquitlam: Unit 10-145 Schoolhouse St. Leading Edge Burnaby: 5489 Byrne Rd. Hockey Skates should be sharpened only by professional hockey shops.

Skates Skate Guards: to be worn when skaters are walking in their skates off the ice. Be sure to label your guards with your skater's name. Soft Rag: to dry blades and skates after use. Do not put wet guards back on after drying. Fabric Blade Covers: to protect bag and absorb excess moisture on blades. Screw Driver and Extra Screws: for separate blades that are screwed to the boot. Helmet: All children MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet for CanSkate sessions. Skaters without a CSA approved hockey helmet will not be permitted on the ice. Hair Elastics and Clips Gloves or Mittens

No. Skate Canada does not recommend private lessons for CanSkaters. For skaters wishing to progress quickly we recommend enrolling in multiple CanSkate classes per week.

PreSTAR is the next level of skating. The minimum entry requirement for PreSTAR is to have passed Canskate Stage 6 and/or have been recommended by the Program Director. On request, skaters new to the club will be evaluated for entry. Fees for this level and forward will include ice time, coaching, and off-ice classes.

Appropriate Skating Attire includes: A skating dress or skirt with warm tights Stretch leggings Straight-legged stretch pants Sweaters Sports jackets Nylon socks Gloves are necessary No loose fitting clothing or heavy winter coats. Form fitting athletic sweaters/jackets preferred, as this enables the coach to see proper body positions. Long hair must be tied back. Make sure you are also prepared for OFF ICE: Athletic shoes (runners) Cotton/Athletic Socks Stretch activewear clothing Water bottle.

These sessions are an important component of figure skating training. They help to improve on-ice performance and to reduce injury risk. The sessions are taught by our Club Coaches and are designed to teach skaters the basics of warm-up, cool-down, stretching, & strengthening. They also cover balance and technique for jumps and spins, and creative expression. Attire and equipment: Athletic shoes (runners) Cotton/Athletic Socks Stretch activewear clothing Water bottle. REMINDER to Parents/Guardians: you must remain present at the rink during your child's/children's lessons, including for off ice training.

Please do not approach any coach directly to arrange lessons. Requests are to be directed to the office administrator at admin@kitsfsc.ca, to be followed up by the coaching staff. The Program Director has the discretion to make the final decision regarding private lesson assignments. Club Coaches are not permitted to book private lessons without the knowledge of the Office Administrator, Program Director, and Club Coaches. Very important: Please refrain from promoting your skaters’ coach or coaches to other parents. The Kitsilano FSC is committed to promoting a happy, healthy skating environment for all.