KidSkate/CanSkate Parent Information Letter

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome back to the skating season!

We are excited that your skater will be joining the Indus Figure Skating Club (IFSC) this year!

We would like to take this opportunity to give parents and skaters a bit of information about IFSC KidSkate/CanSkate programs as well as important equipment information for the season.

KidSkate Program

This program is geared towards young children (between 3 and 5 years old) with limited or no skating experience. Classes offers small group lessons that focus on basic movements such as pushing and gliding. N.C.C.P. Certified Skate Canada professional coaches and program assistants will use colorful circuits and teaching aids to engage skaters. Skaters in this program progress through several stages and corresponding badges/ribbons. Once skaters have completed the KidSkate program, they are eligible to enroll in the CanSkate program regardless of age.

CanSkate Program

CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program. This program is geared toward skaters 5 years and older that have a bit of skating experience or have previously completed the KidSkate program. CanSkate classes focus on fun, participation and basic skill development. This program operates through interactive group lessons led by an N.C.C.P. Certified Skate Canada professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained program assistants. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. Skaters will progress through 6 stages with corresponding badges of achievement. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada programs.

Preliminary Preparation Program

The IFSC also offers a Preliminary Preparation program. This program serves as an Introduction to Figure Skating. Skaters that have completed Stage 3 of the CanSkate program are welcome to join the Preliminary Prep program! Skaters will have an hour of group instruction (led by an N.C.C.P Certified Skate Canada professional coach) where they will be introduced to the fundamental movements and skills of figure skating. Skaters will continue to build on the basic skills that they learned in the CanSkate program.

If you are interested in enrolling your skater in this program, please speak to an IFSC executive member or professional coach. They will be able to advise you in regards to program times and costs.

KidSkate/CanSkate Equipment

Proper equipment is essential to becoming skilled in most sports and skating is no exception. We have included some key equipment tips below to help your skater prepare for reaching his/her maximum skating potential. Please remember, if at any time you have questions or concerns regarding skating equipment, please consult with any of the IFSC professional coaches after your child’s skating time.

Skates

Skates should have:

  • Proper fit (Avoid buying larger skates for skaters to “grow into”. Skates that are too loose will interfere with skating and may be dangerous due to lack of support.)
  • Firm ankle support

How to tie skates:

  • Tongue should be centered and pulled all the way up.
  • Start at the toe of the skate and begin tightening laces comfortable over toe and the front of the boot
  • Tie laces snugly.
  • Make sure extra laces are tucked away. Laces should NEVER be wrapped around the ankle. Laces that are too long should simply be cut with a pair of scissors.

Skates should be sharpened:

  • use. At the beginning of the season
  • Especially if they have not been skated on for more than 1 month
  • Skates should be re-sharpened after approximately 20-30 hours of skating
  • More frequent sharpenings will be required if the skaters walks on concrete, rubber or carpeted surfaces without guards or if the blades become rusted due to improper wiping/drying after

Helmets

  • Helmets are MANDATORY for all skaters in KidSkate and CanSkate programs. Helmets must be in good condition and have a working chin strap.
  • Fit is important to ensure proper protection. Helmets that are too big or too small are not only uncomfortable but also unsafe.
  • Face guards or cages are HIGHLY recommended to prevent injury to face, eyes, mouth and teeth.
  • When purchasing a helmet, look for “CSA approved” as these are safest and best quality helmets. There will be a sticker on the helmet indicating Canadian Standards Association certification. Hockey helmets typically last for about 3-5 years.
  • Bike helmets, ski helmets, etc are NOT appropriate for skating lessons. Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries sustained on ice, whether from a fall or collision. The same protection is NOT offered by a bike helmet/ski helmet.
  • If a skater would like to wear a hat or headband under the helmet, please ensure that it stays on the head and does not shift down over the eyes.

Attire

  • Pants – Skaters should wear snow pants or windbreaker pants over long pants. If the crotch of the pants is too low, this will inhibit the skater from being able to get up after a fall. Please ensure that clothing is not too bulky or restrictive.
  • Tops – Skaters should wear warm layers. Consider a sweater with a winter jacket on top.
  • Mitts and gloves – Skaters should be wearing mitts and/or gloves to every class. Water-proof or water-resistant brands are preferable to wool/cotton gloves that become easily wet.

Making the First Day a Success

Coaches recommend preparing your child in advance of the first skating class. We recommend that your child puts their skates on at home a few times and walks around with guards on. You might also consider putting the helmet on a few times at home – this can ensure proper fit and improves familiarity with skating equipment.

Remind your child that you will not be on the ice with them but that you will be watching from the stands or from the lobby.

Skaters will be grouped on the first day of class based on skating ability. Skaters with similar abilities will be grouped together, regardless of age/gender. By the end of the first day, skaters will be assigned a color. On the second day of skating, skaters will participate in warm-up and then break off into their respective color groups.

I hope this has given some insight on what you and your child can expect from the IFSC programs in the upcoming season. Again, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please direct these to the IFSC professional coaches or to a member of the IFSC executive.

Looking forward to a fun and enjoyable KidSkate/CanSkate season! Thank you for selecting the Indus Figure Skating Club!

Sincerely,

IFSC