CANSKATE (Ages 3 & up)

Program Description

CANSKATE is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movement and basic skills. It is Canada’s only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner. CANSKATE is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada programs but is widely used by skaters moving on to other ice based sports (hockey, ringette etc.).

Participants are taught in a group lesson format led by a NCCP certified professional coach and assisted by Program Assistants

The Professional Coaches will assign your child to a group, based on ability and age. There can be movement between groups as skaters are assessed and progress through the program. The Professional Coaches work with each group, teaching skills and progressions, testing skaters and re-grouping skaters when appropriate.

Report cards and earned badges are issued on the last day of the session. The six stage badges of the program are:

Stage 1 - Balance
Stage 2 - Glide Forward
Stage 3 - Glide Backward
Stage 4 - Edges
Stage 5 - Power
Stage 6 - Speed

Your child’s CANSKATE session will include:

• Warm-up
• Lesson time - new skill instruction, skill review and practice time
• Group activities
• Cool down

Registration Information

• A completed registration form and payment holds your spot in a class
• You will be notified if your choice full
• Completed registration forms and payment may be mailed to:

  Gateway Skating Club
  Box 32913, #420, 2331-66 St
  Edmonton, AB T6K 4C2
  
  Or placed in the Drop-Off Box located in the Millwoods Rec Centre

• Registration Forms are available on line or at the pool desk of the Millwoods Rec Centre
• In person registration is held in Aug for Fall/Winter programs

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Etiquette

• Please have your child at the arena on time, dressed and ready to go on the ice at the scheduled session time
• Please use the assigned dressing room. Signs are posted on the arena dressing room entries.

Refunds/Credits

• The Skate Canada fee is non-refundable
• Credits (less a $25 administration fee) will be issued for the following reasons:
  • A serious medical condition, substantiated by a doctor’s note
  • A coach has determined that the skater is not ready to benefit from lessons
• Credits may be used towards lessons in the next available session

In the event that skating lessons are canceled due to circumstances beyond the control of the Gateway Skating Club (i.e. Mechanical failure) there shall be no abatement of skating and/or instruction fees or refund thereof, except at the sole discretion of the Gateway Skating Club.

Program Transfers

Equipment

Skates:

• For CANSKATE hockey or figure skates are acceptable
• We recommend the following stores for purchasing skates:

  Professional Skate
  9216-51 Ave 438-9059

  United Cycle
  16972-111Ave 481-5532
  10323-78 Ave 433-1181
  
  

• Before purchasing skates check carefully for:
  • Proper fit
  • Firm ankle support
  • Correct blade placement
• Staff at the above stores will help with the proper fitting of skates

Helmets:

• Helmets are MANDATORY
• A hockey helmet or specific skating helmet is acceptable as they wrap around the back of the head and are designed to withstand repeated bumps
• Fit should be snug

Clothing:

• Clothing should provide warmth but not restrict movement
• Layering of sweat suits, sweaters, ski jackets and long underwear or leotards is recommended. Bulky snowsuits can hinder movement.
• Warm mittens or gloves are a must

Preschool (ages 3-4)

Program Description

Our preschool is similar to our CANSKATE program but is offered during the day. This group uses fun activities and play to keep the attention of these tiny skaters. Please refer to the CANSKATE section for more information regarding the program description, registration and required equipment.

Children under the age of three will be accepted at the discretion of the program coordinator. Children need to be able to stand on their own in their skates (not on the ice).

Parents do not accompany their children on the ice.

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