Pre- CanSkate Program
Pre Beginner is a learn-to-skate program for toddlers or children with no experience on skates. Minimum age is 3 years of age, your child must be able to follow instructions, and stand off ice with skates on. The 30 minute session consists of a Circle Time Warm Up, a 10 min lesson with a Certified Coach, a 10 min Fun Activity group with a Program Assistant, and then Circle Time Cool Down. Please be patient with your child’s progress. At this stage, we are looking for them to find comfort on the ice, balance, fall down & get up, and basic movement along the ice. This is enforced through constant movement, action songs, games, activities, and creative expression.
Please wear snow suits or very thick layers. Mittens are suggested, as gloves do not keep your hands warm very long. A CSA approved helmet is mandatory. Parents must stay in the rink facility during this session or have someone in care of your child. Please notify an executive member or the Coach if someone else will be responsible for your child.
CanSkate Program
CanSkate is Canada’s only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation, and basic skill development. You will earn badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP Certified professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. Skaters progress at their own rate in a and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music, and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning.
During this 45 minute session, your child will have a Warm Up Time, 10 min with a Certified Coach, 20 minutes with Program Assistants, and a cool down. Please try to avoid a snow suit, as this limits movement. Dressing in layers allows for more flexibility and movement. A CSA approved helmet is mandatory.
Children registered in the CanSkate Program can choose between one and two day sessions per week, although twice a week is recommended for faster progression.
Introductory STARSkate Program
Introductory STARSkate
Our introductory STARSkate Program is for the skater who would like to gear their progress towards figure skating. Skaters should have a minimum of CanSkate 4 or discretion of the coach and the ability to work independently. Each session will consist of a 5 min warm up, group instruction with a Certified Coach, and freeskate time to provide an opportunity to practice what the skater has learned in group that day, as well as a 5 min cool down. .
Children registered in the Introductory STARSkate Program can choose between one and two day sessions per week, although two times a week is recommended for faster progression. This program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm – 5:30 pm.
Proper skates (leather, with no rivets in the blades) and proper skating attire are mandatory. No baggy pants, jeans, big coats, scarves, or hoodies. These all either restrict movement or are a safety issue. Guards must be worn at all times off the ice. If you have concerns about whether your child has the proper equipment, please speak with the Coach.
STARSkate Program
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 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.
As well, Onoway Skating Club offers additional freeskate sessions (additional fees apply). Freeskate sessions are an opportunity for skaters to practice what they’ve learned in group that day, work on solos’, and receive private or semi-private lessons. Cost for private/semi-private lessons and cutting of music, solo layout are extra and billed to you by the Coach.
Proper skates (leather, with no rivets in the blades) and proper skating attire are mandatory. No baggy pants, jeans, big coats, scarves, or hoodies. These all either restrict movement or are a safety issue. Guards must be worn at all times off the ice. If you have concerns about whether your child has the proper equipment, please speak with the Coach.