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 Skate Canada’s official Learn To Skate program and The Skate Ontario CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program recognizes Clubs/Skating schools that are delivering the CanSkate program at or above the national delivery standards set by Skate Canada. Kemptville Skating Club has engaged to participate in this program. This commitment is to ensure the KSC CanSkaters receive programming that exceeds Skate Canada delivery requirements.

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

Skate Ontario’s STAR 1-5 Excellence Recognition Program recognizes Clubs/Skating schools that are delivering the STAR 1-5 program at or above the national delivery standards set by Skate Canada. The STAR 1-5 program is Skate Canada’s introduction to figure skating program and located in the “learn to train” stage of Long Term Development. Kemptville Skating Club has engaged to participate in this recognition program. Our goal is to be recognized as Exceeding standards, to ensure our Star skaters are receiving coaching at or above the national delivery standards set by Skate Canada.

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.

Star 1-5

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.

Star 6-Gold

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

Disciplines

Our figure skating program features the following pathways to develop your full potential:

Skills: A discipline for assessments that allows skaters to explore turns, steps, field moves and more. Skills is the foundation to all other disciplines.

Singles (Freeskate): Single skating is where individual creativity shines through in the art of freeskate. It’s the most recognized form of our sport, showcasing personal style and athleticism on the ice.

Pairs: Two skaters join forces here to create a mesmerizing display of teamwork and skill. From lifts to throws, this discipline combines the beauty of technical ability and collaboration.

Ice Dance: Inspired by ballroom dancing, ice dance blends rhythm, athleticism and elegance, allowing skaters to express themselves through captivating performances set to some of your favourite songs.

Synchronized: Synchronized skating, or “synchro,” is a dynamic team discipline where groups of eight or more skaters move as one, executing beautifully fluid circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections to music. Open to all ages and skill levels, it celebrates unity and teamwork on and off the ice.

Artistic: This discipline allows skaters to show their artistry through movement, creativity, projection, and musicality.

PowerSkating - (Spring)

PowerSkating 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.

PowerSkating 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 PowerSkating participants .

Adult

At KSC, we believe tt’s never too late to discover skating or return to an activity you love. Skate Canada’s clubs and skating schools offer adult programs across the country, welcoming beginners and experienced skaters alike. With opportunities suited to different abilities, you can develop your skills and enjoy time on the ice at your own pace.

Skating brings movement, enjoyment and connection into everyday life. It offers a way to stay active, take a break from daily pressures and meet people who share your interests. Whether you want to build confidence, work toward a personal goal or explore a new hobby, there’s a place for you in the skating community.

Skating Disciplines

Our figure skating program offers a variety of disciplines designed to help skaters build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their goals on the ice.

Skills: Build a strong foundation in skating through the development of edges, turns, steps, and controlled movements. This discipline focuses on balance, precision, and technique, providing essential skills that support progress in all areas of figure skating.

Singles (Freeskate): Freeskate gives individual skaters the opportunity to combine athletic ability with personal expression. Through jumps, spins, footwork, and choreography, skaters develop their own unique style while challenging themselves to achieve new goals.

Pairs: Pair skating brings two skaters together to perform as a team. Combining synchronized movements, lifts, throws, and other technical elements, this discipline highlights the importance of trust, coordination, and teamwork.

Ice Dance: Combining the grace of dance with the excitement of skating, ice dance focuses on rhythm, musical interpretation, and precise footwork. Skaters work individually or with a partner to bring music to life through flowing movements and expressive choreography.

Synchronized Skating: Synchronized skating is a team-based discipline where eight or more skaters perform coordinated routines together. Teams create impressive formations, including circles, lines, blocks, wheels, and intersections. Welcoming skaters of various ages and abilities, synchro encourages cooperation, friendship, and team spirit.

Artistic: Artistic skating puts creativity and expression at the forefront. Skaters use music, movement, and performance to tell a story, showcase their personality, and connect with an audience while developing their artistic abilities on the ice.