Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-CanSkate & CanSkate


Q: How do I know if I should put my child in Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate?

A: If your child is new to skating, you should select their session based on their age. Pre-CanSkate is for skaters 3-5, and CanSkate is for skaters ages 5 and up. If your skater is on Pre-CanSkate, and our coaches feel they are better suited for CanSkate based on their ability, they will advise you that your skater is ready for CanSkate, and will move up onto that session. There may be a small adjustment in fees if your skater moves up to CanSkate after initial registration. If your child has skated before, please look at their report cards from previous skating seasons as the coach will have recommended which session they should register for for the next skating season. If you are still unsure of where your skater belongs, feel free to contact the club at info@ayrskatingclub.comand they will assist you in determining the best fit for your skater.

Q: What happens if my skater moves up from Pre-CanSkate to CanSkate mid-season?

A: The Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate programs are run at virtually the same time, so your skater will not have to switch skating days/times. There may be a slight adjustment in fees as CanSkate sessions are longer. Our coaches will help your skater when they make the transition from Pre-CanSkate to CanSkate.

Q: What should my child wear for Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate?

A: Your child must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet (check to make sure the CSA label is visible on the helmet). Skaters should also have well fitted skates. We discourage families from purchasing plastic skates as they do not offer the same support as hockey/figure skates. We also recommend that skaters wear warm clothes that are easy to move in, as well as mitts/gloves. We do not recommend the skaters wear hats under their helmets as they often slide down and get in their eyes, or the skaters get too warm.

Q: Are parents allowed on the ice with their skaters?

A: No parents are not permitted on the ice during our Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate sessions. We have a number of NCCP Certified Professional Coaches, and trained Program Assistants that will help your skater while they are on the ice. Due to insurance reasons, parents are not allowed on the ice, and the only individuals permitted on the ice are registered Skate Canada members with skates on.

Q: What is the Accelerated session?

A: Our accelerated session is by invitation only session. Skaters are selected if they demonstrate that they have a lot of potential in skating. This session is added in addition to your skater’s regularly scheduled CanSkate session. This session has a smaller ratio than our traditional CanSkate sessions, which allows for the skaters to have more one on one time, to work on more challenging skills, and to progress quicker through the CanSkate program. If you are wondering if your child is eligible for the accelerated session, please email the club at info@ayrskatingclub.comand we will be happy to assist.

Q: Are Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate only for skaters that wish to figure skate?

A: No! The Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate programs are an introduction to skating, and they prepare skaters for all ice sports whether it be Hockey, Ringette, Figure Skating or Speed Skating. Skaters learn fundamental skills (Balance, Control and Agility) that help them secure a strong foundation with their basic skating skills to help prepare them for any ice sport they wish to pursue. Check out Skate Canada’s website where they explain in greater detail how CanSkate is a strong foundation for all ice sports, and where they also feature some individuals that started out in CanSkate before pursuing their professional sporting careers: https://skatecanada.ca/skating-lessons/our-programs/canskate/.

Q: Can my skater get a private lesson on a CanSkate session?

A: If you are interested in private lessons for your CanSkater, please speak with a CanSkate coach or email info@ayrskatingclub.com to determine suitability and availability.

Q: What happens when my skater graduates from the CanSkate program, and is ready to join the StarSkate program?

A: Similar to how there may be a slight adjustment in fees from Pre-CanSkate to CanSkate, there also may be a slight adjustment in fees from CanSkate to StarSkate. For more details about this transition, and what to expect, please see our StarSkate FAQ below.

StarSkate

Q: My child is moving up to StarSkate from CanSkate. Can you explain what the differences are between the sessions?

A: In the StarSkate program, skaters receive their instruction via private/semi private lessons versus the group instruction format that is used in CanSkate. Once your skater is ready to move up to the StarSkate program, the club will connect you with all of out NCCP Certified Coaches so you can select the coach that is the best fit for your skater. Fees for the private/semi private lessons are paid directly to your coach. Coaching fees do vary from coach to coach, so feel free to inquire with the coaches to see what their rates are. StarSkate programs also include off ice conditioning classes in addition to the on ice instruction.

Q: How many days should my child be skating in the StarSkate program?

A: As a skater progresses through skating, they will need to spend more time on the ice in order to properly develop their skills as skating is a “muscle memory” sport. Skaters that skate more days will progress faster than skaters that skate less days. Please speak with your coach as they will recommend what they feel is best in terms of number of skating days for your skater depending on their skating level.

Q: What is Daytime Ice?

A: Daytime Ice is ice that we offer before school, and in the early afternoon. It can be used in addition to your evening/Saturday sessions, or in place of you evening/Saturday sessions. Daytime Ice is typically less crowded, and coaches generally are able to give more one on one time. For StarSkate 3 Day and 4 Day packages, there is no extra charge for using Daytime Ice. It is included in your fees. For StarSkate 2 Day packages, you are able to use Daytime Ice for an additional hourly fee. Please speak with your coach to arrange any Daytime Ice usage.

Q: Can you tell me more about what Star 1-5 means?

A: Skate Canada describes Star 1-5 as a “solid developmental pathway for skaters who are entering a figure skating program for the first time.” Skaters will be exposed to all disciplines in the sport of figure skating including Freeskate, Skills and Dance. The Star 1-5 program is designed to allow skaters to progress at their own rate. Each level has assessments that skaters progress through that are assessed by their coach. There are also competitions for skaters at the Star 1-5 levels.

Q: What is the difference between Freeskate, Skills and Dance?

A: Freeskate is the development of jump and spin technique, as well as the development of programs with program components being the main focus. Skills focus on the development of edge and turn technique. Dance focuses on execution and comprehension of dance technique with skaters learning the dance steps and patterns. Skaters will also learn how to skate on time to music in Dance.

Q: What are skating assessments?

A: Skaters are able to be assessed for Freeskate, Skills and Dance from the Star 1 level to Gold. STAR 1-5 assessments are completed by coaches. STAR 6 to Gold are done by external evaluators. This allows for skaters to progress at their own rate, and be assessed when they are ready. There will be a Skate Canada fee for your skater’s assessment, and the club will contact you to collect the fee when your coach has let them know that your skater is ready to be evaluated.

Q: When will my child start competing?

A: Your child’s coach will recommend to you when they are ready to begin competing. If you are wondering if you child is ready to compete, please check with your coach. If your coach has identified that your skater is ready to start participating in competitions, they will let you know which competitions you should register for as they may have specific ones they want your skater to do. To see a list of Skate Ontario’s competitions this season, please use the following link: http://skateontario.org/events/.

Q: What is the difference between the Skate Ontario Star 1-4 Series, Super Series, and Sectional Series?

A: The Star 1-4 Series is for skaters competing at the Star 1-4 level. The Super Series is for skaters competing at the Star 5-Gold & Pre-Juvenile/Juvenile levels. Some Super Series competitions also offer Pre-Novice-Senior levels. The Super Series is the qualification process for the Provincial Championships. The Sectional Series is for Pre-Novice to Senior levels. Some Sectional Series competitions also offer Star 5-Gold & Pre-Juvenile/Juvenile levels. The Sectional Series is the qualifying process for the Sectional Championships.

Q: What could I expect to pay for a competition?

A: You will need to pay for the competition entry fee, and admission into the competition. Coaches will also charge a coaching fee, mileage, accommodation and/or meals. Please check with your coach regarding their competition fees.

Q: Why is off ice training important for my skater?

A: Off ice training is important because it is helps develop key physical attributes that are needed on the ice. Skaters work on endurance, strength, flexibility, jump technique, and dance in our off ice training. All of these things become more and more important as skaters progress as skating is very much a “muscle memory” sport. Off ice training is also important to prevent injuries.

Q: What are the off ice classes offered this year?

A: Our StarSkate and Competitive skaters are all being offered dance classes, jump technique classes, fitness conditioning classes, and stretch classes this year as a part of our expanded off ice training offerings.

Q: How do I choose a base coach?

A: All of our NCCP Certified Professional coaches are listed on our club website. Here is the link to our “Coaches Page” http://www.ayrskatingclub.com/about-asc/coaches. Please feel free to contact any of our base coaches to ask any questions you might have about their coaching philosophy, availability, and hourly rate. You may also contact the club if you have any questions about our coaches, or the process to select a base coach that is the best fit for your skater.

Q: Can I switch coaches?

A: Yes, you are able to switch coaches. If you would like to pursue other coaching options within the club, please feel free to contact any of our base coaches to see if they have any availability/ask any questions you may have. Prior to commencing any lessons with your new coach, you must ensure that you notify your current coach that you will be switching to a different coach, and that you clear up any outstanding invoices with them.

Q: What is the difference between Club/Regional/Provincial/National Coaches?

A: All coaches are NCCP Certified professionals. Club Coaches, are coaches that are certified to only coach on Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate sessions. Regional Coaches have completed the Club Coach and Regional training, are certified to teach private lessons on all sessions, and take skaters to regional competitions. Provincial Coaches have completed the Club Coach training, Regional Coach training, and Provincial Coach training, are certified to teach private lessons on all sessions, and take skaters to the Sectional and Provincial championships. National Coaches have completed the same training as a Provincial Coach, but they have also completed the National Coach training. They are certified to teach private lessons on all sessions, and take skaters to the National Championships and International competitions.

Q: Where can I buy my skater skates?

A: Please check with your coach prior to purchasing skates as they may have a specific brand of skate that they want you to purchase. Once you have spoken to your coach, here is a list of stores that sell Figure Skates (some also sell Hockey Skates):


Pointe and Pick

1674 Hyde Park Rd. London, ON

https://pointeandpick.com/

Edee’s Place

1180 Wallace Ave N. Listowel, ON

https://edeesplace.com/

The Sports Zone

92 Lodge St. Waterloo, ON

http://www.sportszonecanada.com/

Q: I want to buy my skater a skating dress/outfit. What do I do?

A: Please first speak with your coach as they may have something particular in mind that they would recommend, or they may know of someone that is selling a used skating outfit. Most of the stores listed above also sell skating dresses/outfits, and coaches may also be able to connect you with seamstresses if you would like to have one custom made.

Q: How do I best take care of my skates?

A: Skates should always be dried off with a towel or cloth after each time your skater gets off the ice. It is recommended that skates are put in “soft” guards while in the skate bag to prevent rusting (e.g. https://pointeandpick.com/collections/accessories/products/fleece-blade-covers). Skaters should wear hard plastic guards when going from the change room to the ice surface and vice versa to prevent damage to the blades (e.g. https://pointeandpick.com/products/skate-guards). Note: Hard guard should never be left on skates when they are in the skate bag as they cause blades to rust.

Q: How often should my skater’s skates be sharpened, and where do I get them sharpened?

A: Skates should be sharpened every 20 hours of skating. Please connect with your coach to see where they would like you to get them sharpened. In the past, we have been able to arrange a drop off once per month where skaters can leave their skates to be sharpened (with money $15), and they are taken from the rink, sharpened, and brought back for your skater’s next skating day.

General

Q: Can my child join the club mid-season?

A: Yes! We welcome new skaters at any time. Please contact the club at info@ayrskatingclub.com, and we will pro-rate your fees to reflect the late start.

Q: Is it a requirement for parents to volunteer throughout the year?

A: Yes, it is a requirement. To fulfill your volunteer obligations, you can either pay the $25 volunteer fee upfront to exempt yourself from performing volunteer duties, or you can volunteer your time through a variety of options including (but not limited to) supplying food for fundraiser dances, chaperoning fundraiser dances, and assisting with any tasks that come up. A volunteer sign up sheet is online on the club website for you to select the option that works best for you.

Q: Do you offer refunds?

A: For new Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate skaters that withdraw within the first fifteen days, they will receive a refund minus the Skate Canada fee, and promotional book fee. For all other skaters in all of our programs, there are no refunds.

Q: I have emailed the club, but did not receive an email back right away. Why is that?

A: Our club is run entirely by volunteers, purposefully to keep the programming costs low. Since it is volunteer run, and the majority of our Board have full time careers, please be patient as non-urgent emails will be responded to as quickly as possible.

Q: Where can I buy my skater skates?

A: Please check with your coach prior to purchasing skates as they may have a specific brand of skate that they want you to purchase. Once you have spoken to your coach, here is a list of stores that sell Figure Skates (some also sell Hockey Skates):

Pointe and Pick

1674 Hyde Park Rd. London, ON

https://pointeandpick.com/

Edee’s Place

1180 Wallace Ave N. Listowel, ON

https://edeesplace.com/

The Sports Zone

92 Lodge St. Waterloo, ON

http://www.sportszonecanada.com/

Q: I want to buy my skater a skating dress/outfit. What do I do?

A: Please first speak with your coach as they may have something particular in mind that they would recommend, or they may know of someone that is selling a used skating outfit. Most of the stores listed above also sell skating dresses/outfits, and coaches may also be able to connect you with seamstresses if you would like to have one custom made.

Q: How do I best take care of my skates?

A: Skates should always be dried off with a towel or cloth after each time your skater gets off the ice. It is recommended that skates are put in “soft” guards while in the skate bag to prevent rusting (e.g. https://pointeandpick.com/collections/accessories/products/fleece-blade-covers). Skaters should wear hard plastic guards when going from the change room to the ice surface and vice versa to prevent damage to the blades (e.g. https://pointeandpick.com/products/skate-guards). Note: Hard guards should never be left on skates when they are in the skate bag as they cause blades to rust.