Skate Canada Programs

Every Skate Canada skating program complements the others and allows for unrestricted movement and development through the system. All programs are taught by professional coaches certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and they are offered at member clubs and skating schools across the country.

Skate Canada programs are based on a Participant Development Model and an Athlete Development Model.

Learn-to-Skate / Recreational
	CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of any age that teaches fundamental movements and basic skills. more »
	CanPowerSkate focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance skills, all of which are especially important for hockey and ringette players. more »
Figure Skating
	STARSkate offers opportunities to develop figure skating skills in four different areas. more »
	CompetitiveSkate incorporates a series of tests and other training opportunities to help competitors with potential to advance. more »
	CollegiateSkate offers customized opportunities for high school and university student athletes. more »
Adult Skating
	AdultSkate offers CanSkate, STARSkate and CanPowerSkate programs geared for adults. more »
Synchronized Skating
	Synchronized skating, or "synchro" is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. more »

Participant Development Model

The model below illustrates the two streams of programming offered by Skate Canada. Skaters may participate in either stream from one season to the next.

Athlete Development Model

An Athlete Development Model is a written framework that outlines the typical skill progression of athletes along a continuum from the point of entry into the sport to the elite or high performance skill level. It is a tool designed to help coaches in particular gauge the progress of individual skaters in certain skill areas: general skating skills, physical development, spinning, jumping, life skills and psychological development. This will enable the coach, in communication with the parents, to make better decisions and choices for their skaters during their careers, In particular, it will help coaches assess where an athlete should be competing and which skills they should be mastering at particular ages and stage of development if the skater has ambitions and talent enough to reach the International competition level.

Off-Ice Training

Off-ice training is essential for all Skate Canada members – right from CanSkate to the elite athletes competing at the Olympics.

Incorporating fitness training into a club’s CanSkate program ensures that Canadian children are getting the appropriate level of physical activity, as outlined in Health Canada’s “Guide to Physical Activity for Youth” (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/child_youth/youth/index.html). It also ensures that young figure skaters recognize that off-ice training is part of training for our sport. Fitness classes at the CanSkate level should focus on fun, games and group participation. As the athlete develops, training will become more specific and should include the following areas:

1. Core Stability/Strength Training/Functional Movement
2. Aerobic / Anaerobic Training
3. Flexibility Training
4. Creative Movement / Dance Movement
5. Nutrition
6. Mental Training

Incorporating regular off-ice training into an athlete’s annual training plan will help ensure that our members are doing all that they can to achieve their own level of personal excellence – in whatever Skate Canada program they are enrolled.