CANSKATE TINY TOTS

Designed for 4-5 year olds, the Preschool Program is intended for the first time skater. The focus is on fun and learning through play and making that first skating experience a very positive one. Those with previous skating experience are encouraged to register in the CanSkate Program.

CANSKATE

Developed by Skate Canada and taught by certified coaches, CanSkate is Canada’s #1 learn-to-skate program. It is designed for skaters five and over that are ready to receive instruction and begin learning the fundamentals of skating.

Skaters in this program are evaluated continually and receive badges to mark their progress through the program. There are a total of 13 badges that may be earned. Skill badges are Go Forward, Go Backward, Stop, Turn, Spin, and Jump. There are also 7 fundamental movement badges that may be earned.

CanSkate is conducted in a group lesson format by our Skate Canada certified professional coaches with the help of volunteer senior skaters called Program Assistants. The PAs receive training on an ongoing basis from our Club coach to ensure that every skater receives high quality instruction

Junior Academy

This skating program is offered to those children who have passed Stage 4 in the CanSkate program and are interested in taking an extra ice session a week in order to progress in their skating skills even further. These skaters will experience group stroking lessons which will work on strengthening their basic skating skills. Optional private lessons from one of our professional coaches (you arrange with the coach), and free time where the skaters can practice skills learned during their lesson. This is a terrific opportunity for those skaters who are not quite ready for intermediates, but would like experience what it will be like when they are ready.

PRIMARY + INTERMEDIATE TEST

In the Intermediate Test Program, skaters have ice available six days a week for a total of 7.5 hours including three group stroking lessons. During this time they will be able to receive private, semi-private, or group lessons from one of the Club coaches. Please ask a coach or club executive for costs. Typically a skater at this level would receive a minimum of three lessons a week, one in each discipline (skills, dance and free skate). These lessons are arranged between the parent / guardian and the coach. Payment for these lessons is the responsibility of the parent / guardian and is to be paid within 14 days of billing for the skater to remain in good standing.

Skaters at this level begin working towards attaining the various tests in the disciplines. These tests determine at what level the skater would compete if they should decide to do so. It is not mandatory for any skater in a test skating program to compete. There are many skaters that successfully complete all of their Gold Tests and never compete. Most skaters at this level will have a solo that they will practice for tests and competitions in the Okanagan Region.

SENIOR TEST

The Senior Test Program is for the Club’s more advanced skaters with ice available six days a week for a total of 9.5 hours. These skaters are working on their Junior Bronze Free Skate and Sr. Bronze Dance tests or higher. This criteria can change as skaters attain higher levels and numbers dictate. Most of the skaters in this program have, or will be, competing in the various competitions in our Region and beyond.

There are various programs and clinics that skaters at this level may participate in. The Okanagan Region has Regional Development Teams that skaters may become eligible for if they meet the test and age requirements. This is the first step in the talent identification process. There are many other great opportunities for skaters at this level to participate in Field Training Clinics, Singles Seminars etc. Skaters at this level are encouraged to volunteer as CanSkate Program Assistants to aid in the development of the Club’s younger skaters. Without the dedication and commitment of these skaters our club would suffer greatly.