CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development.
Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
CanSkate teaches the basic fundamental movements:
You will earn badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. The Skate Canada CanSkate program provides Nation-wide standardized report cards, badges, stickers, progress charts, and talent identification.
All Skate Canada programs are taught in a group format by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make session active using teaching aids, music, and a wide variety of activities that create fun environment and promote learning. All you need are skates, a CSA-approved helmet, long pants, mittens, warm jacket. Dress in layers – it will get cold!
VSC does NOT offer Skate or Helmet Rental at any of our facilities – Canlan Sports, Karen Magnussen Arena, Agrodome, PNE Grounds. You must bring your own skates and CSA approved helmet.
If a skater wishes to advance in figure skating, the skater’s family should contact the Director of Programs at Vancouver Skating Club to make arrangements for an assessment at:
programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
FIGURE SKATING Programs:
Canskate or Power Information Contact:
canskate-power@vancouverskatingclub.ca
or call 604.924.1134
CanPowerSkate – Full Gear & Stick
All levels focus on developing balance, power and endurance. All levels conclude with a test designed to evaluate skills while performing a timed course.
**All skaters are charged the annual Skate Canada Membership Fee (Term Start Sep – end Aug)
CanPower – Director of Programs:
Lee Boyd
E: canskate-power@vancouverskatingclub.ca
This program is an introduction to figure skating for skaters who have completed stage 3 of CanSkate. This is a group program that introduces the basics of figure skating. Skaters learn edges, turns, spins, jumps and field moves in a group class.
Classes include on-ice and off-ice instruction. Skaters must skate a minimum of TWO DAYS per week. Skaters must be recommended for the program or arrange an assessment with the Program Director. (Ages 4 – 8 as of July 1)
For Information please contact: Lee Boyd programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
Vancouver Skating Club (VSC) offers a range of competitive programs tailored to skaters’ age and figure skating abilities. All programs have a minimum number of days required per week – see below for details.
Note: For Non VSC Members an additional 15% will be added to your (full term registration – Fall/Winter, Spring, Summer only) invoices, there is no minimum number of days required.
For a detailed description of STAR Competitive Structure, please read attached document.
Starskate Pathway
Skaters will continue to learn and practice good basic skills as they progress through the Learn to Train stage of Skate Canada’s Long Term Development Model (LTAD).
Skaters must train a minimum of 3 days per week, Sep through June.
Intended for Star 1 – Gold
Starskate 1: ages 12+ as of July 1
Starskate 2: ages 8 – 11 as of July 1
For additional information or an assessment please contact the Program Director, Lee Boyd at:
programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
Podium Pathway
The Podium Pathway is for skaters who wish to pursue a high level of skating. Included are the Learn to Train and Train to Train stages of the LTAD. Skaters in the pathway are expected to prioritize figure skating over other activities and are interested in Competition.
Skaters must be recommended for this pathway.
Podium 1:
Minimum 5 days per week, year round
5 weeks in the summer
Competition level: Juvenile and above
Competition level: Star 6 and above
Consistently landing double loop and above
Podium 2:
Minimum 4 days per week, year round
4 weeks in the summer
Competition Level: Star 2-5 U13
Podium 3:
Minimum 3 days per week, year round
3 weeks in the summer
Competition Level: Star 2-3
For additional information or an assessment please contact the Program Director, Lee Boyd at: programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
OFF Ice
Off ice conditioning is an essential part of any skater’s development which helps produce a well rounded athlete that is able to meet the demands of the sport from both a physical and artistic perspective. Essentially off ice training is cross training in grace and presence (dance of all genres), core strength (pilates and yoga) strength and agility (speed, aerobic and anaerobic capacity), theatre and interpretation (drama) and flexibility. It is important that skaters participate in this VSC program, which is included in all packages.
Please read the Off ice participant expectations.
S.T.E.P.S – Part of StarSkate & Podium Pathways
Designed for StarSkate and Podium levels, the program includes our S.T.E.P.S. development, as well as comprehensive off ice program training (stretch, dance, strength, agility, aerobic components).
S – Skating, stroking, skills, speed
T – Technique, turns, toe runs, timing
E – Edges, expression, elegance, explosion
P – Posture, power, performance
S – Style, stretching
These are group-based learning sessions. The focus is on good basic skating, learning and improving edges and turns. We will also focus on spin development, field moves and jump drills and technique. These sessions offer an important opportunity for improvement in all areas of figure skating.