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 to semi-private lessons, the skater’s family should contact the Director of Programs at Vancouver Skating Club to make arrangements for an assessment.
Figure Skating Director of Programs – Coach Lee Boyd
programdirector@vancouverskatingclub.ca
FIGURE SKATING Programs:
For more information please call:
604.924.1134
CanSkate – Director of Programs – Coach Lee Boyd
canskate-power@vancouverskatingclub.ca
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
The JumpStart Academy is the VSC’s fast-track program designed to allow age-eligible skaters, ages 5 to 8, the opportunity to learn skating skills in a group format at an accelerated pace. Skaters must audition or be talent identified in order to be registered into this program. Skaters must skate a minimum of TWO DAYS per week.
This program is the starting point for competitive figure skating within the Vancouver Skating Club. Classes include both on-ice and off-ice instruction. Participants will learn how to jump, spin, stroke and perform.
Skaters will move into semi-private and private lessons and begin to test and compete in the sport of figure skating when deemed ready by the Program Coaches.
To arrange for an audition, or for more information about JumpStart program, please contact the JumpStart Academy Director.
JumpStart Academy Director of Programs : Lee Boyd
T: 604.924.1134
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 invoices, there is no minimum number of days required.
For a detailed description of STAR Competitive Structure, please read attached document.
STARSKATE:
The SILVER Program is next step after JUMPSTART. Skaters may join by recommendation from the CanSkate and/or the JumpStart programs or by audition. This program is an introduction to early competitive figure skating focused on teaching strong skating basics, jumping, spinning, ice dancing and performance skills. An introduction to competition is included with the VSC hosting an in house event. The Silver program includes mandatory off ice training. Skaters in this program may test and begin competing. Skaters are designated to a supervising coach during this time. All Silver skaters are required to skate a minimum of 3 days per week. It is highly recommended for Silver to skate 4 days per week.
The Gold program is designed to fit the needs of skaters who are in the Learn to Train segment of the LTAD. Skaters in this program are competing and developing skills in freeskate, dance and skills. Focus is on strong skating basics and performance. Strategically planned off ice is provided to meet with the needs of these developing skaters. Gold skaters may be competing at a Provincial level. Gold skaters are required to skate a minimum of 4 days per week. It is highly recommended for Gold to skate 5 days per week. Age restrictions are a guideline.
This program is designed for Competitive provincial level athletes and skaters who are competing Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice, Junior and Senior. On ice sessions include freeskate, spins, STEPS and COP. This program offers an opportunity for full time students to skate and compete. The off ice classes, STEPS and COP are based on a year plan with periodization for Provincial to National and International level athletes.
Competitive skaters are required to skate a minimum of 5 days per week.
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.
Part of All Competitive Programs
Designed for skaters from StarSkate to International level, the program includes our S.T.E.P.S. development, as well as comprehensive off ice program training (stretch, dance, strength, agility, aerobic components), pre-season camps, a sport-school program, day ice as well as after-school ice.
S – Skating, stroking, skills, speed
T – Technique, turns, toe runs, timing
E – Edges, expression, elegance, explosion
P – Posture, power, performance
S – Style, stretching