Our Pre-CanSkate program is for skaters who are 3 and 4 years old. The objective is to get these young skaters comfortable on the ice.

Our CanSkate program is for skaters who are 4 years of age and up (or who have passed their PreCanSkate Certificate). CanSkate, Skate Canada’s flagship program is one of the most sought-after skating programs in Canada.

CanSkate was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive manner. Designed for beginners of all ages, the focus is on fun, participation and basic skill development. Participants earn ribbons and badges as skills are mastered.

Skaters are taught in a group lesson format by Skate Canada professional coaches and supported by trained program assistants.

Our Teen/Adult Learn to Skate program is for teen and adult skaters who wish to learn to skate, or improve on their current skating ability. Skaters can choose to complete CanSkate badge levels, or just skate for fun and fitness!

CanSkate is the foundation and feeder program for all other Skate Canada club and community ice sport programs. The CanSkate learning environment is enhanced through fun, music and colourful teaching aids and props along with praise and feedback from coaches. This unique intro-to-ice environment is designed to simulate and maintain interest and enthusiasm among skaters, allowing participants to gain the physical competency and confidence to remain active for life!

Program Objectives:

• To provide participants with a safe, welcoming and inclusive experience to the sport of skating.

• To develop skating skills through natural learning phases (introduction, acquisition, retention/mastery).

• To use skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to 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.

This program is being developed with assistance from Autism Ontario and Grandveiw Kids. It will be a program geared to skaters with sensory overload. We will have lower music, lower participants, smaller coach to skater ratios, and a safer environment for skaters who need a quieter and more focused approach. This program will be popular, we will be working to ensure registrants are looking for this kind of environment.

Skaters will complete their CanSkate badges, just like all other CanSkate sessions. The only difference will be the support and the environment will be more suitable for skaters that have Autism and ADHD, as well as other exceptionalities that may cause a high energy, and high volume environment, with large crowds, overwhelming.

Our PreStar program is for skaters who have completed Stage 4 or at the recommendation of a coach. The objective of the PreStar program is to complete the CanSkate badges, as well as introduce basic figure skating skills that include jumps, spins, turns and dances.

We recommend that all skaters dress warmly and in layers.

Pre-CanSkaters

• Coats or thick sweaters and warm pants covered with splash pants will protect clothing as we often draw pictures on the ice with permanent marker.

• Mittens or gloves are required, thicker mittens are recommended.

• Helmets are mandatory, and face masks are recommended at this level.

CanSkaters, Teen/Adult, & PreStar

• Coats or thick sweaters and warm pants covered with splash pants will protect clothing. Please note we use permanent markers to draw our circuits on the ice.

• Thicker mittens are also recommended (not hockey gloves).

• CSA Helmets are mandatory until the skater passes Stage 5.

• Leather/material skates, hockey or figure skates work. Just ensure they tie up for better flexibility, comfort, and support. Skates with a snap buckle to close are harder to ensure the skate is tight in the right spots.

We have an OSC Boutique that sells new and used items. Our volunteer run boutique is the Club’s single largest fundraiser. Other places are Figure Skating Boutique, and other sports stores.

The boutique also accepts items on consignment.

If you need something, want to sell something, and want to help the Club in the process please email oscboutique@oshawaskating.com for more information.