Programs

The Kemptville Skating Club offers programs that enable skaters of all ages to have fun while improving their skating skills. Our coaches are paid professionals who are trained to follow Skate Canada’s guidelines to teach and lead the lessons. Trained Program Assistants (PAs) assist with the delivery of our PreCanSkate, CanSkate, and Intro to StarSkate programs.

CanSkate and Pre-CanSkate

CanSkate is a learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movements.
The program is set up in six stages: GO forward, GO backwards, STOP, TURN, SPIN and JUMP. The CanSkate program emphasizes fun and movement and is taught in a group lesson format. Awards and incentives motivate skaters to achieve and develop their skills and keep interest high.

The CanSkate program uses a group format to teach beginners the basic skills for hockey, ringette, and figure skating. The program uses skill progression and repetition throughout the stages to introduce physical literacy and establish quality basic skating skills.

CanSkate is taught using circuits, which allows skaters to be moving at least 90% of the time they are on
the ice. The circuits are split into three fundamental areas:

Balance – forward skating skills, pushing technique, and edge
Control – backward skating skills, stopping, and speed
Agility – turning and jumping skills

CanSkate sessions are 50-60 minutes long. Pre-CanSkate sessions are 30 minutes long. (Pre-CanSkate is for children as young as three who have no skating experience.)

Each session consists of a warm-up period and three lessons (agility, balance, and control). Two of these lessons are with professional coaches and the third is in the “Fun Zone” with Program Assistants (PAs). The session ends with a group activity and a cool down.

Skate Canada allows a maximum of ten skaters to one coach, so that each skater receives lots of attention. Trained PA are on the ice to help the coaches and the kids for a more fun experience.

The CanSkate program consists of stages 1 through 6. After a skater completes stage 3, they move into the Introduction to STARSkate program, which covers stages 4 through 6. After a skater completes stage 6, they move into the Preliminary level of the STARSkate program.

Our coaches frequently assess the skaters and at the end of the series of lessons, each skater receives a report card with feedback.

Equipment

Skates:

• should fit comfortably
• toes should be able to wiggle
• heels should not lift more than a ¼ inch
• an adult finger should fit in the top of the boot when it’s laced up

Long ends of laces should be tucked into the tops of the skates (to prevent tripping on them). Use skate guards when on the areas that don’t have mats, to protect the skate blades. Sharpen skates regularly. Check with a coach if you’re not sure when to sharpen them.

Skaters at stage 5 and lower must wear CSA-approved helmets.

Clothing should be warm, fitted (not baggy or hanging), and include mitts/gloves.

Read more about Skate Canada’s CanSkate program

Click here

STARSkate

Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about! STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system. Skaters who have mastered figure skating skills in STARSkate may also choose to pursue synchronized skating or pairs skating.

Junior

This stage is for for skaters who want to progress into figure skating. It serves as a bridge from CanSkate to the STARSkate Program and introduces some figure skating skills that are included in the Preliminary level tests. This program, like CanSkate, is taught in a group setting.

Group lessons including Dance and Stroking are included in the registration cost. When skaters are not in a lesson, they have the responsibility of setting goals and practicing on their own.

It is recommended but not mandatory that Skaters arrange to have private lessons with a coach, in addition to the group instruction. Private lessons are arranged between the parents and the coach and are not included in the registration cost.

Senior

The STARSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop & increase their skating skills in four different areas: Interpretive, Dance, Free Skate, and Skills which are grouped into Preliminary, Intermediate, and Senior levels.

Group lessons including Dance and Stroking are included in the registration cost. When skaters are not in a lesson, they have the responsibility of setting goals and practicing on their own.

Read more about Skate Canada’s STARSkate program

Click here

CanPower and PowerSkate

CanPower is an ideal for those wanting to accerlerate their hockey skating skills. Designed for skaters aged six and up, it is perfect for those who already have basic forward and backward skating skills, including the ability to skate the full length of the rink using alternate strides and stop on command without relying on the boards.
For safety, all participants are required to wear full CSA-approved helmet and hockey skates.

PowerSkate is a high-energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette players. This program focuses on balance, control and agility skills including components of power and speed. Skating skills, techniques and performance drills are taught in a progressive format by Skate Canada coaches certified through the NCCP to enhance the skating ability required in game situations.

Skaters must have previous hockey experience. Ringette hockey skaters who have an identified skating level are welcome. Full equipment is required including sticks for all PowerSkate participants .