Frequently Asked Questions
Skate Ponoka’s CanSkate Programs 2023/2024
WELCOME to CanSkate - Skate Canada's flagship program.
When are CanSkate Sessions: Season begins on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
Session schedule information for 2023/2024 coming soon.
NOTE: Last session prior to Christmas Break - Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023
Family Skate - Dec. 13, 2023 from 5 - 5:50pm
CanSkate resumes - Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Who is on the CanSkate Team?
Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches:
Program Assistants (PAs): Coaches are assisted by advanced skaters called Program Assistants. PAs must participate in annual training and meet age or Skate Canada test requirements. We would appreciate it if you did not approach PAs with questions or concerns but rather direct them to professional coaches or club executive members.
Note: The program ensures a 1:10 or lower coach/program assistant to skater ratio.
I have registered my child for CanSkate....what is the CanSkate program and how does it work?
CanSkate is the learn to skate program of Skate Canada...Canada’s Best Skating Program-promoting fun, fitness, and participation. Canskate Program objectives are as follows:
In CanSkate skaters are taught the fundamental movements(ABCs) of “Agility, Balance, and Control” in a series of six ‘Stages’. Each stage progresses from one to the next. Balance concentrates on forward skills, pushing technique and edges. Control focuses on backward skills, stopping, and speed elements. Agility concentrates on turning and jumping skills. Skaters receive a ribbon for each fundamental movement at every stage and a badge once all 3 fundamental ribbons are earned for a given stage. Once skaters have completed the stage 6 badge, they are proficient in all fundamental skating skills.
CanSkate session components include a warm-up, lesson time (circuits- review, lesson, Fun zone), group activity, and cool-down. The program is designed for 90% movement so skaters learn in an active and fun group setting. The CanSkate learning environment is enhanced through music, colorful teaching aids and props.
Do I go on the ice with my child or support from the boards?
When a parent watches too closely, often it becomes more of a distraction for the child, which then may hold back progress later on or creates separation anxiety which can make a child upset and want to get off the ice. That being said we ask parents not to stand besides the boards, but watch their children from the bleachers or lobby windows. This allows coaches to have the complete attention of the skaters. Other areas such as penalty boxes are not to be used for on/off access or viewing as are reserved areas for use of coaches and program assistants. For insurance related regulations,parents are not allowed on the ice during a CanSkate session.
Can I leave the rink during the CanSkate session?
Parents are asked to remain in the arena during their child’s session. Coaches are not able to leave the ice surface if your child needs to use the washroom, hurt him/herself, etc. A parent should be present for emergency and safety purposes.
How does my child move up to another Stage?
Coaches evaluate their skaters’ skills on a continuous, ongoing basis. Skaters in Pre-CanSkate will receive a ribbon once they have completed all 8 skills in this level. Our CanSkate members will receive ribbons for each of the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance, and Control at each of the six stages. Once they have received the three fundamental movement ribbons on a stage, they will receive their stage badge.
How do I know how my child is progressing?
At the end of the season(March), you will receive a CanSkate report card with a record of his/her accomplishments. Skaters start right where they left off at the beginning of the next season.
Does my child need a helmet?
YES!! All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure ALL CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET WHILE ON THE ICE. Please check the expiry date. For younger skaters, a face cage is recommended. Bike and ski helmets are not acceptable.
What kind of skates should I buy?
Skates are the most important tool a skater has on the ice. Here are some things to take into consideration when purchasing skates and Canskate equipment for your child:
What should my child wear to skating lessons?
Wear clothing that is comfortable, warm, and light and allows your child to move freely. Layering clothing allows your child to remove or add a piece of clothing to suit changing temperatures and exertion levels. Heavy, bulky snowsuits hinder a skater's ability to move or get back up after falling, which can cause frustration. Items such as long drawstring, scarves, dangling coat belts can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided. Mittens or gloves must be worn for safety. Coaches will be using markers on the ice when drawing out skill circuits. Coaches try to use washable markers but it cannot be guaranteed that the marker will come out of light colored fabrics in the wash.
What if my child tries a few lessons but doesn’t like it?
Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for young children. Our skating team is trained to assist new skaters in gaining confidence and becoming comfortable on the ice and are committed to providing quality skating programs. But parents please remember that ice is slippery and hard, and not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. Each skater progresses at this/her own rate. Our coaches and program assistants are well-trained in alleviating skaters’ fears, just be patient and your child will soon be gliding across the ice with a smile on his/her face. However, if you find your child is struggling or not enjoying skating, please speak to a professional coach or the club registrar.
Where can I find Club information?
Check the Skate Ponoka website: skateponoka.weebly.com
Check the Skate Ponoka Facebook Page www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063693211304
What should I check or do before my skater goes on the ice?
Make a quick stop at washroom prior to getting child ready
Check: Helmet is fully fastened, skates are properly tied, skater is wearing mittens or gloves, and name tag is on the jacket.
HAPPY SKATING!
When are CanSkate Sessions: Season begins on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
Session schedule information for 2023/2024 coming soon.
NOTE: Last session prior to Christmas Break - Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023
Family Skate - Dec. 13, 2023 from 5 - 5:50pm
CanSkate resumes - Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Who is on the CanSkate Team?
Skate Canada Certified Professional Coaches:
- CanSkate - Donna Horlock - [email protected]
Program Assistants (PAs): Coaches are assisted by advanced skaters called Program Assistants. PAs must participate in annual training and meet age or Skate Canada test requirements. We would appreciate it if you did not approach PAs with questions or concerns but rather direct them to professional coaches or club executive members.
Note: The program ensures a 1:10 or lower coach/program assistant to skater ratio.
I have registered my child for CanSkate....what is the CanSkate program and how does it work?
CanSkate is the learn to skate program of Skate Canada...Canada’s Best Skating Program-promoting fun, fitness, and participation. Canskate Program objectives are as follows:
- To provide participants and families with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive first experience to the sport of skating.
- To teach the basics or fundamentals of skating for all ice sports-figure skating, hockey, speed skating and ringette or recreational skating.
- To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills.
- To foster personal achievements and satisfaction through skill acquisition, reward and recognition.
- To evoke an interest in life-long participation in skating.
In CanSkate skaters are taught the fundamental movements(ABCs) of “Agility, Balance, and Control” in a series of six ‘Stages’. Each stage progresses from one to the next. Balance concentrates on forward skills, pushing technique and edges. Control focuses on backward skills, stopping, and speed elements. Agility concentrates on turning and jumping skills. Skaters receive a ribbon for each fundamental movement at every stage and a badge once all 3 fundamental ribbons are earned for a given stage. Once skaters have completed the stage 6 badge, they are proficient in all fundamental skating skills.
CanSkate session components include a warm-up, lesson time (circuits- review, lesson, Fun zone), group activity, and cool-down. The program is designed for 90% movement so skaters learn in an active and fun group setting. The CanSkate learning environment is enhanced through music, colorful teaching aids and props.
Do I go on the ice with my child or support from the boards?
When a parent watches too closely, often it becomes more of a distraction for the child, which then may hold back progress later on or creates separation anxiety which can make a child upset and want to get off the ice. That being said we ask parents not to stand besides the boards, but watch their children from the bleachers or lobby windows. This allows coaches to have the complete attention of the skaters. Other areas such as penalty boxes are not to be used for on/off access or viewing as are reserved areas for use of coaches and program assistants. For insurance related regulations,parents are not allowed on the ice during a CanSkate session.
Can I leave the rink during the CanSkate session?
Parents are asked to remain in the arena during their child’s session. Coaches are not able to leave the ice surface if your child needs to use the washroom, hurt him/herself, etc. A parent should be present for emergency and safety purposes.
How does my child move up to another Stage?
Coaches evaluate their skaters’ skills on a continuous, ongoing basis. Skaters in Pre-CanSkate will receive a ribbon once they have completed all 8 skills in this level. Our CanSkate members will receive ribbons for each of the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance, and Control at each of the six stages. Once they have received the three fundamental movement ribbons on a stage, they will receive their stage badge.
How do I know how my child is progressing?
At the end of the season(March), you will receive a CanSkate report card with a record of his/her accomplishments. Skaters start right where they left off at the beginning of the next season.
Does my child need a helmet?
YES!! All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure ALL CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET WHILE ON THE ICE. Please check the expiry date. For younger skaters, a face cage is recommended. Bike and ski helmets are not acceptable.
What kind of skates should I buy?
Skates are the most important tool a skater has on the ice. Here are some things to take into consideration when purchasing skates and Canskate equipment for your child:
- Skates should fit snugly and provide support to the ankles (no major creases in the boot). We recommend lace up skates - recreational, hockey or figure. We do not recommend any of the moulded/plastic skates. When fitting skates:
- There is room for toes to wiggle slightly
- Heels do not lift inside the skate more than ¼ inch.
- An adult finger or a pencil can fit in the top of boot when done up
- Excess laces are tucked up or double-knotted so that they do not hang loose or drag on the ice. Excess laces should not be tied around tops of skates.
- Tie laces loosely over the toe and front of the boot and snugly over the ankle and instep
- All skaters Pre-CanSkate to Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.
- Other items to consider include a skate bag and skate guards.
- At the end of every session the blades should be wiped dry with a cloth to prevent rusting. Remove guards when storing skates.
- Unlace skates enough when removing so don’t break down back of boot.
- Skate sharpening should be done after purchasing and periodically (after approx. 30 hours of skating (depending on care and usage). Do not remove picks on figure skates.
What should my child wear to skating lessons?
Wear clothing that is comfortable, warm, and light and allows your child to move freely. Layering clothing allows your child to remove or add a piece of clothing to suit changing temperatures and exertion levels. Heavy, bulky snowsuits hinder a skater's ability to move or get back up after falling, which can cause frustration. Items such as long drawstring, scarves, dangling coat belts can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided. Mittens or gloves must be worn for safety. Coaches will be using markers on the ice when drawing out skill circuits. Coaches try to use washable markers but it cannot be guaranteed that the marker will come out of light colored fabrics in the wash.
What if my child tries a few lessons but doesn’t like it?
Skating lessons are a fun and exciting challenge for young children. Our skating team is trained to assist new skaters in gaining confidence and becoming comfortable on the ice and are committed to providing quality skating programs. But parents please remember that ice is slippery and hard, and not all children feel comfortable on the ice right away. Each skater progresses at this/her own rate. Our coaches and program assistants are well-trained in alleviating skaters’ fears, just be patient and your child will soon be gliding across the ice with a smile on his/her face. However, if you find your child is struggling or not enjoying skating, please speak to a professional coach or the club registrar.
Where can I find Club information?
Check the Skate Ponoka website: skateponoka.weebly.com
- CanSkate cancellations (for statutory holidays/Fall/Christmas break etc) are built into schedule/fee structure and are posted here.
Check the Skate Ponoka Facebook Page www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063693211304
What should I check or do before my skater goes on the ice?
Make a quick stop at washroom prior to getting child ready
Check: Helmet is fully fastened, skates are properly tied, skater is wearing mittens or gloves, and name tag is on the jacket.
HAPPY SKATING!