Pre-CanSkate & CanSkate
Pre-CanSkate is for beginner skaters ages 3 to 5. In their fun 30 minute sessions, skaters will learn how to get up and down, how to balance and move forward, to move backwards and stop. Once these skills have been accomplished, skaters will work on CanSkate Stage 1 & 2 while remaining with our Pre-Can group.
CanSkate is for beginner skaters and up who are ages 6 and over and/or for skaters aged 3-5 who have passed CanSkate Stage 2. CanSkate consists of 6 stages which all contain a balance, agility & control portion. Sessions are 45 minutes in length.
JumpStart is for skaters who have passed Stage 4 or 5 of the CanSkate program and who wish to continue with Figure Skating. If your child is interested in joining our jumpstart program, please contact us at riverviewskatingclub@gmail.com
Available Financial Help
As we believe that all children should have the opportunity to learn to skate, we accept payments from Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Riverview Pro-Kids and from KidSport NB.
You can apply by visiting the below links. Make sure to apply well in advance of the new season!
Mandatory Equipment:
- Gloves or mittens: not fuzzy as these can sick to the ice and cause people to fall
- CSA-approved hockey helmet: skaters will not be allowed on the ice without a CSA-approved hockey helmet; bike or other helmets are not permitted
- Warm clothing that the skater is able to move in
- It is up to the skater and their family to provide this equipment
Guidelines for Skates
- Skates made of leather or firm material are preferable to plastic; can be hockey or figure skates
- Lace-up skates are best, avoid velcro, buckles and dials
- Adjustable skates are NOT recommended; the blades become too short for the boot when they're enlarged
- Second-hand skates are fine provided they fit and provide proper support - avoid skates that have buckling in the ankles
- Skates should be tightly laced to provide support, without wrapping the laces around the top of the boot
- Avoid buying skates that are too big, this makes it harder for the skater to control their feet
- Skate guards are recommended; they protect blades and enable the skater to walk wherever they need in the rink
- Remember to sharpen them regularly!
Useful Links
Please Note
- Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate skaters are to get ready in the bleachers. The dressing rooms are used by our coaches and figure skaters, and public washrooms are available outside the immediate area of the rink.
- Parents are not allowed on the ice during any of our sessions due to insurance regulations. We ask parents to watch their children from the stands. This allows our coaches to have the complete attention of the skaters. Our Skate Canada certified professional coaches have many years of experience coaching young skaters and are well equipped to take care of your child during their skating session.
How do Badges Work?
The CanSkate program focuses on the development of six fundamental movements: GO FORWARD, GO BACKWARDS, STOP, TURN, SPIN and JUMP. These are organized into six stages of learning. The skills are arranged in progressions, from very simple to the more complex. Once the skills for each stage are mastered, a badge is earned. Badges are given out at the end of the session, with the report card. Each stage consists of three skills; Control, Balance and Agility. Ribbons are handed out periodically throughout the session as they are earned.
The names of the badges are:
Stage 1 - Balance
Stage 2 - Glide Forward
Stage 3 - Glide Backward
Stage 4 - Edges
Stage 5 - Power
Stage 6 - Speed
Download the CanSkate Skills Chart
Adult and Teen Learn to Skate
This program is for adults and teenagers (13-17) interested in learning to skate or improving their skating skills.
CSA-approved helmets are mandatory for adults and teens
Note: Adult skaters are to get ready in the bleachers. The dressing rooms are used by our coaches and figure skaters, and public washrooms are available outside the immediate area of the rink.