CanSkate is Skate Canada’s nationally standardized learn-to-skate program. Led by Skate Canada Certifiedcoaches and designed for beginners of all ages, the program focuses on basic skill development in an energetic, progessive, and fun atmosphere. As Canada’s official learn-to-skate program, CanSkate provides a pathway for skaters to enjoy skating recreationally, or go on to participate in ice sports such as figure skating , hockey, and ringette.
Skills learned are categorized within the CanSkate Fundamental Movements: Go Forward, Go Backward, Stop, Turn, Spin, and Jump. Skaters progress from Stage 1 through Stage 7 in the program, earning badges, report cards, and other incentives along the way.
The Kelowna Skating Club provides several CanSkate classes designed to meet the needs of all ages and levels of skaters.
Class Descriptions:
CanSkate Tots
The focus of this class is to teach 3, 4, and 5 year olds how to skate within a relaxed & fun atmosphere. Groups are kept small, so that as much individual attention as possible is given to the young skaters. Classes are 30 minutes in length.
CanSkate Learn-To-Skate
The focus of this class is to teach skaters 6 years of age and older the Fundamental Movements in a high-energy atmosphere, withconstant movement encouraged. Classes are 45 minutes in length.
CanSkate Youth
As above, but designed to suit the needs of skaters 9 years of age and up.
Little Leapers
This class is designed for skaters between the ages of 4 and 6 that show a natural affinity for figure skating. The program is more challenging and figure skating specific, and attendance of two 45-minute classes per week is required. Skaters may only participate in this program through invitation from the Director of Skating.
This class is designed for skaters between the ages of 6 and 10 that wish to “fast track” into the sport of figure skating. The Fundamental Movements continue to be instructed, but with a focus on figure skating. Skaters must have passed Stage 4 of the CanSkate program to participate in this program. Classes are 45 minutes in length and figure skates are required.
Here are some comments that have been e-mailed regarding our CanSkate classes:
“The kids did really well this session, thanks for all the hard work - we love this skating club.”
“All the assistants are very helpful and attentive”
“Grandma and Grandpa had to be called to let them know he "got up and smacked bubbles all by himself"
“This is our second round, and we are enjoying it immensely. Nice to see the kids progress each time they come.”
“my kids are having a great time and really enjoying themselves; thank you and your team!”
“Our little girl loved it! She can't wait until next week”
“She has only been on skates once and you all took her so expertly and made her experience really fun...she can't wait to learn more...”
"You have a great group of people on the ice running these programs!
“It was our son's first official set of skating lessons and we were so happy with the small classes and the friendly atmosphere. Kudos to you and your assistants!”
For any inquiries regarding CanSkate classes, please contact Recreation Programs Director, Lael Phillips at: info.ksc@gmail.com
CanPowerSkate is Skate Canada’s official power skating program, designed for hockey and ringette players. Taught by certified Skate Canada CanPowerSkate coaches, this high-energy program helps develop balance, power, agility, and endurance. This program is led by Michelle Pacholka, who has over 25 years of experience in teaching power skating to players ranging from Novice to the NHL. Classes are 45 minutes in length, and several variations are available to participants of all age groups including adults. Full hockey equipment must be worn.
For any inquiries regarding CanPowerSkate classes, please contact Assistant Coodinator, Michele Pacholka at: skatingontheedge2004@hotmail.com
StarSkate Test/Competitive Program
Whether a recreational figure skater seeking to enjoy skating as a pastime, or an elite athlete aiming to reach the podium, the Kelowna Skating Club/BMO Kelowna Centre for Skating Excellence strives to provide the coaching and programs to help every individual achieve his or her full potential.
The KSC/BMOCSE provides a systematic and thorough approach to developing athletes. From the high calibre coaching to challenging classes, and effective tools (including harnesses and Dartfish technology) to an energetic atmosphere, our program covers the bases for skaters at all levels, year-round.
The curriculum includes on-ice group lessons focused on power stroking, edge and turn development, transitional movement, as well as element technique. In the interest of preparing our skaters for the physical, technical, and performance demands of competitive figure skating, the program also includes off-ice classes focusing on jumping technique, balance, agility, flexibility, and dance.
Recognized as one of the top-producing training centres of BC and Western Canada, the KSC/BMOCSE has been the proud home of 6 National Medallists, 2 Junior National Team members, an ISU Junior Grand Prix competitor, and numerous Provincial Champions over the past 5 years.
Session Descriptions:
Primary
At this level, skaters begin to work on the various Skate Canada Preliminary StarSkate tests, as well as enter competitions if they so choose. Most skaters will be at this level for 2-3 years, so it is not uncommon for some skaters to be landing axels and working on double jumps. It is required that all skaters at this level and up have an assigned Base Coach.
Intermediate
At this level, skaters have passed at least the Preliminary Freeskate test, and can generally land at least an axel. Skaters on this session are continuing to participate in both tests and competitions. It is not uncommon for skaters to be landing up to and including the double lutz.
Senior
At this level, skaters have passed at least the Juvenile Competitive test or the Junior Silver Freeskate test. Skaters at this level are striving to achieve success in competitions at the Provincial level and beyond. They can generally land up to and including the double lutz, and it is not uncommon for some to be landing the double axel and be working on triple jumps.
High Performance
At this level, skaters have passed the Novice Competitive test and/or be a National level competitor. Many skaters on this session have achieved success at a Provincial and National level, and are aspiring to represent Canada internationally. They can generally land the double axel and triple jumps, and it is expected that the work ethic be of the highest standard at this level.
For any inquiries regarding the StarSkate Test/Competitive program, please contact the Director of Skating, Jason Mongrain at: jasonmongrain@shaw.ca
