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CanSkate

CanSkate is the only nationally recognized learn to skate program offered by Skate Canada. Led by Skate Canada Certified coaches and designed for beginners of all ages, the program focuses on basic skill development in an energetic, progressive and fun atmosphere. The curriculum is set to help those who have never skated up to those who would like a strong skating foundation that will lead them into Figure Skating, Hockey, Ringette, or Speed Skating.

CanSkate Schedules

We offer three CanSkate sessions per year. All lessons are at Valleyview Arena:
Fall – September to December (10 weeks) lessons available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday AM (PreCanSkate only)
Winter – January to March (10 weeks) lessons available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday AM (PreCanSkate only)
Spring – April (5 weeks, 2 lessons per week) lessons are Tuesdays and Thursdays

For full CanSkate information – click here

Registering for CanSkate

Next available session begins October 2, 2023
Cost: $165 for 10 lessons ($65 yearly membership fee may apply)

PreCanSkate – Register for PreCanSkate if your child is 3-5 years of age and has limited experience with skating.
CanSkate – Register for CanSkate if your child is able to stand up and move independently on the ice or if your child had previously completed PreCanSkate or CanSkate levels.

If you are unsure of what level to register your skater, please contact Alice at vvsc.registrar@gmail.com

Register Online: click here
Instructions for registering online- click here

Registration Inquiries:
NOTE: Please include your child’s full name, plus the day and level they are skating in all emails to the Registrar.
Please contact Alice Munger at vvsc.registrar@gmail.com

CanSkate Bursary

You may be eligible to receive a CanSkate Bursary for your skater. Click here to view the complete letter.

CanSkate Attire

Helmets:
Hockey helmets are mandatory for all CanSkaters (No bicycle or ski helmets). – Please see Skate Canada’s Helmet policy – click here

Clothing:
Snowsuits are warm, but bulky, difficult to move in and very slippery when the skater falls and tries to get up. Coaches recommend wearing layers of warm, comfortable clothing such as tights, long johns, sweat pants, sweaters, jackets, mitts or gloves [no hockey gloves].

Skates:
Well fitting skates that provide firm support are crucial to the success of the CanSkater. Skates must fit the skaters feet properly. Good ankle support is very important. Many second hand skates are economical, but are usually “broken down” and do not have adequate support in the ankle area. Leather skates with good, firm support are best. Tie skates firmly around the ankle area and less tight around the foot and toe area. Tie laces in a firm bow, leaving two to three inches of tails. Laces must not drag on the ice. Blades need to be in good shape, with no nicks or rust. Blades should be sharpened by a professional sharpener. Always remember to dry your blades with a clean cloth after skating, every time you skate.

Take a look at these videos from our very own Coach Lis for more skate information:

Guards:
There are two types of guards for blades, each for a very different purpose:

  1. Hard plastic or rubber guards that you put on blades (before you tie up your skates) to protect blades when walking on floors before you go on the ice.
  2. Soft, fabric guards that you put on your blades (after drying your blades when you come off the ice) to protect the blades when not skating and while being stored in your bag.

NOTE: Do not store skates with plastic hard guards on.  The blades will rust.