Learn to Skate/ Pre-CanSkate 

What is Pre-CanSkate? 

Our Pre-CanSkate program is the perfect place for little skaters ages 3 and up to take their first steps on the ice! Designed to help young skaters feel comfortable, confident, and excited aboutskating, our program introduces the fundamentals of skating through fun, age-appropriate activities and games. It’s all about learning, laughing, and building a love for the ice!

 

Where and When Does it Run?

The Pre-CanSkate Sessions are 30 minutes long and run at the Wasaga Stars Arena. The program runs on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm - 6:30pm. 

 

What Will Your Skater Learn?

Pre-CanSkate is all about building confidence and developing the basic skills young skaters need to feel comfortable on the ice. Through fun, age-appropriate activities and games, skaters will work toward mastering eight foundational skating skills:

• Balancing on two feet
• Falling safely and getting back up
• Moving forward
• Moving backward
• Marching on the spot
• Making snow with their skates
• Jumping on the spot
• Two-foot twists on the spot

 

Who Teaches The Program?    

The Pre-CanSkate program is led by our Professional Club Coaches and supported by trained Program Assistants—often experienced, older skaters who love sharing their passion for skating with our youngest participants! Together, they create a fun, encouraging, and welcoming environment where little skaters can build confidence, learn new skills, and fall in love with being on the ice.

Want to get to know the friendly faces on the ice? Learn more about our coaches here!

 

What Does a Typical Session Look Like? 

Every Pre-CanSkate session is filled with movement, learning, and plenty of fun! Skaters will take part in a variety of activities designed to help them become more comfortable on the ice while building their balance, coordination, and confidence.

Sessions are lightly structured and playful, with skaters moving through different activities and exercises with the help of coaches, Program Assistants, and fun teaching elements. Some days may include lots of moving, while others may involve plenty of falling and getting back up—and that’s all part of learning to skate!

Parents can watch and cheer their skater on from the designated viewing areas while our coaches and Program Assistants guide skaters through their time on the ice.

A typical session includes:

• Getting comfortable and warmed up on the ice
• Practising balance and basic skating movements
• Working on falling safely and getting back up
• Playing fun skating games and activities
• Moving through different stations and exercises
• Building confidence and independence on the ice
• Finishing the session with a smile and celebrating what they learned!

Don't worry if your skater spends more time on the ice than on their feet at first—falling is all part of learning!

 

What Should My Skater Wear?

The right clothing and equipment can help your skater feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun on the ice! For Pre-CanSkate, we recommend dressing your skater warmly and in layers so they can move comfortably throughout their session.

Clothing:

• Warm layers: Dress your skater in comfortable layers that allow them to move freely. A coat or thick sweater paired with warm pants and splash pants is a great option.

• Mittens or gloves: These are required for all skaters. We recommend thicker mittens to keep little hands warm while they learn.

• Hair: Long or loose hair should be pulled back and kept out of the skater’s face so they can see clearly while skating.

 

Helmet Safety:

A CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for all Pre-CanSkate skaters and must not be expired. A properly fitted helmet should:

• Sit no more than 1 inch above the brow line

• Have straps that form a V around the ears

• Have no more than one finger of space under the chin

Be sure your skater can see clearly while wearing their helmet, and check the fit regularly as they grow.

 

Choosing and Caring for Skates:

Well-fitting skates are an important part of helping your skater learn safely and comfortably. Skates should provide good ankle support and fit snugly without being too tight.

When checking the fit:

• Have your skater push their toes all the way to the front of the boot. There should be no more than one finger’s width of space behind the heel.

• The skate should fit snugly around the ankle, while the top of the boot should allow enough room for the ankle to bend.

• Any extra laces should be securely tied or tucked away so they don’t become a tripping hazard.

• Skates should be sharpened before their first use and regularly maintained, generally every few months depending on use.

• Use skate guards whenever walking off the ice to protect the blades.

• After skating, wipe away any snow and moisture from the blades and store the skates on a soft towel.

• Never store skates with guards on, as trapped moisture can cause the blades to rust.

 

A little preparation goes a long way! Making sure your skater is warm, comfortable, and properly equipped will help them feel ready to enjoy their time on the ice. 

Learn more about Proper Equipment from Skate Canada

 

What's After Pre-CanSkate?

Once your skater has completed Pre-CanSkate and earned their Pre-CanSkate ribbon, they’re ready to take the next exciting step in their skating journey!

Skaters will move into our CanSkate Program, where they’ll continue building their skating skills, confidence, and independence while learning new skills along the way.

Ready to keep the fun going? Visit our CanSkate webpage to learn more about the program and what your skater can look forward to!

Getting Ready for Your First Session

A little preparation at home can go a long way in helping your skater feel comfortable and confident when they step onto the ice for the first time! Before their first session, have your skater try on their skates and helmet at home so they can get used to wearing all their equipment.

Here are a few fun ways to practise:

• Take a few steps: With skate guards on, encourage your skater to walk around using small, careful steps to get a feel for their skates.
• Practise getting up: Have them sit down and practise standing back up while wearing their skates and equipment. It may feel tricky at first, but they’ll get the hang of it!
• Talk about their first lesson: Let your skater know what they can expect and remind them that you’ll be watching from the arena seating, cheering them on and celebrating every accomplishment.

Most importantly, keep it positive and fun! A little practice at home can help make that first trip onto the ice feel like an exciting adventure.

 

Interested in registering your skater for our Pre-CanSkate Session? Register here