Skater FAQ's
Clothing & Equipment
Clothing
Skaters should wear warm, comfortable clothing. However, do not overdress skaters- once they are moving around they become quite warm.
Remember, the more clothing the less mobility a skater has. Also, bulky clothing makes it very difficult for coaches to assess body movement.
Do have your skater wear gloves though. These should not be bulky or fluffy!
As a skater progresses he or she might want to wear a skating outfit- skating dresses or skirts for girls and skating pants in a stretch material for boys. These are sometimes available at local events and competitions, purchased secondhand, through local coaches or can be found at specialty stores.
Skates
Proper equipment in good condition is essential. Skaters who wear ill-fitting, poor quality or inappropriate equipment cannot expect to progress quickly or develop good technique. Skates should fit, provide appropriate support, be laced properly, have a good quality blade. Figure skates are most appropriate for figure skaters as opposed to hockey skates.
Skates should fit like shoes allowing no more than about half a size for foot growth. It is difficult for a child to tell whether a pair of skates fit well so it is best to rely on an experienced and knowledgeable salesperson. Coaches can provide advice regarding skate quality and local sales providers.
When a skate fits well the skater’s heel should be firmly placed at the back of the boot with his toes gently touching the toecap. When the heel of the boot is held firmly down with one’s hand the skater should not be able to lift his heel away from the bottom of the boot to any great degree. When the skates are laced the laces should be pulled snugly over the ankle but loosely over the toe and the front of the foot. The tongue should be wide enough to stay in place and the front opening of the boot should be wide enough to pull the laces tight. Tie the laces securely but be able to put one finger down the back of the boot.
When the skater’s knees are bent there should not be too much buckling of the leather around the ankles. The leather in poor fitting skates can break down prematurely in areas that wrinkle regardless of the quality of the material of which they are made. A proper fitting pair of leather skates should stretch and mold around the feet. A good boot may take several sessions of ‘breaking in’ before it molds to the foot. This may cause some discomfort at first.
DO NOT EVER HAVE THE BOTTOM TOE PICK REMOVED!
Care of Skates
Guards should be worn by all skaters at all times when the skater is not on the ice; even if walking from dressing room to ice.
Skates will need to be sharpened far more frequently if the skater does not wear guards.
Have skates professionally sharpened periodically after approximately every 20-30 hours of use depending on skater level. Figure skates should be sharpened by a professional that does this type of skate. Hockey skates are sharpened differently therefore be sure your professional sharpener can do figure skating blades. Coaches can give advice regarding local figure skate sharpeners and the club does periodically try to arrange sharpeners to visit.
Do not store the skates with the guards left on- the blades will rust. After skating, blades and skates should be dried thoroughly with a soft cloth. Between skating sessions the skates should be taken out of the skate bag and allowed to air and dry completely- inside and out.
Do not store skates in your car during late fall/winter season.
Tips for buying used skates
Make sure leather skates give adequate ankle support. If the leather in the ankle area is badly worn, wrinkled or weak the necessary support will not be given.
Check all stitched areas of the leather to make sure that the skate is not coming apart.
Wiggle the blades to make sure they are securely attached. It is normal for the screws to work loose with wear but if they won’t tighten it could be a sign that the soles have begun to rot.
If the skates have a liner, remove it to check whether the boot has begun to rot inside. Excessive moisture and improper drying of skates can cause rot around the screws and can result in loose blades.
Skaters could consult the coaches before purchasing new or used skates for advice.
Helmets
Helmets approved by the CSA are mandatory for skaters who have not yet passed Stage 5 Canskate/Junior Development. Please do not use bicycle helmets. After the skater passes Stage 5 it is up to the parent to decide when the skater no longer needs to wear a helmet.
Skate Canada Helmet Info
Clothing
Skaters should wear warm, comfortable clothing. However, do not overdress skaters- once they are moving around they become quite warm.
Remember, the more clothing the less mobility a skater has. Also, bulky clothing makes it very difficult for coaches to assess body movement.
Do have your skater wear gloves though. These should not be bulky or fluffy!
As a skater progresses he or she might want to wear a skating outfit- skating dresses or skirts for girls and skating pants in a stretch material for boys. These are sometimes available at local events and competitions, purchased secondhand, through local coaches or can be found at specialty stores.
Skates
Proper equipment in good condition is essential. Skaters who wear ill-fitting, poor quality or inappropriate equipment cannot expect to progress quickly or develop good technique. Skates should fit, provide appropriate support, be laced properly, have a good quality blade. Figure skates are most appropriate for figure skaters as opposed to hockey skates.
Skates should fit like shoes allowing no more than about half a size for foot growth. It is difficult for a child to tell whether a pair of skates fit well so it is best to rely on an experienced and knowledgeable salesperson. Coaches can provide advice regarding skate quality and local sales providers.
When a skate fits well the skater’s heel should be firmly placed at the back of the boot with his toes gently touching the toecap. When the heel of the boot is held firmly down with one’s hand the skater should not be able to lift his heel away from the bottom of the boot to any great degree. When the skates are laced the laces should be pulled snugly over the ankle but loosely over the toe and the front of the foot. The tongue should be wide enough to stay in place and the front opening of the boot should be wide enough to pull the laces tight. Tie the laces securely but be able to put one finger down the back of the boot.
When the skater’s knees are bent there should not be too much buckling of the leather around the ankles. The leather in poor fitting skates can break down prematurely in areas that wrinkle regardless of the quality of the material of which they are made. A proper fitting pair of leather skates should stretch and mold around the feet. A good boot may take several sessions of ‘breaking in’ before it molds to the foot. This may cause some discomfort at first.
DO NOT EVER HAVE THE BOTTOM TOE PICK REMOVED!
Care of Skates
Guards should be worn by all skaters at all times when the skater is not on the ice; even if walking from dressing room to ice.
Skates will need to be sharpened far more frequently if the skater does not wear guards.
Have skates professionally sharpened periodically after approximately every 20-30 hours of use depending on skater level. Figure skates should be sharpened by a professional that does this type of skate. Hockey skates are sharpened differently therefore be sure your professional sharpener can do figure skating blades. Coaches can give advice regarding local figure skate sharpeners and the club does periodically try to arrange sharpeners to visit.
Do not store the skates with the guards left on- the blades will rust. After skating, blades and skates should be dried thoroughly with a soft cloth. Between skating sessions the skates should be taken out of the skate bag and allowed to air and dry completely- inside and out.
Do not store skates in your car during late fall/winter season.
Tips for buying used skates
Make sure leather skates give adequate ankle support. If the leather in the ankle area is badly worn, wrinkled or weak the necessary support will not be given.
Check all stitched areas of the leather to make sure that the skate is not coming apart.
Wiggle the blades to make sure they are securely attached. It is normal for the screws to work loose with wear but if they won’t tighten it could be a sign that the soles have begun to rot.
If the skates have a liner, remove it to check whether the boot has begun to rot inside. Excessive moisture and improper drying of skates can cause rot around the screws and can result in loose blades.
Skaters could consult the coaches before purchasing new or used skates for advice.
Helmets
Helmets approved by the CSA are mandatory for skaters who have not yet passed Stage 5 Canskate/Junior Development. Please do not use bicycle helmets. After the skater passes Stage 5 it is up to the parent to decide when the skater no longer needs to wear a helmet.
Skate Canada Helmet Info
What are the branches of skating in Greenwood Skating Club?
Greenwood Skating Club - Skating Sessions & Qualifications
CanSkate: CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. minimum 4 years of age as of December 31
PrePowerSkate: A program designed for development of skating skills for Hockey and Ringette players.
StarSkate progression: Your coaches can help guide you regarding placement if you are new to the club or feel your skater is ready to progress to the next level.
Junior development: For skaters in level 4-6 in canskate program to enhance skills and as a bridging level for those skaters that would like to progress towards Figure skating.
Intermediate: This level can include skaters from Star 1 and up; Skaters in this category have completed the CanSkate program and are focusing on development of skills, dance and figure skating program's.
Senior: passed * Junior Bronze Free Skate or * Senior Bronze Skills or as approved by Club and Coaches.
Synchroskate: Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.
Greenwood Skating Club - Skating Sessions & Qualifications
CanSkate: CanSkate is Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movements (go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. minimum 4 years of age as of December 31
PrePowerSkate: A program designed for development of skating skills for Hockey and Ringette players.
StarSkate progression: Your coaches can help guide you regarding placement if you are new to the club or feel your skater is ready to progress to the next level.
Junior development: For skaters in level 4-6 in canskate program to enhance skills and as a bridging level for those skaters that would like to progress towards Figure skating.
Intermediate: This level can include skaters from Star 1 and up; Skaters in this category have completed the CanSkate program and are focusing on development of skills, dance and figure skating program's.
Senior: passed * Junior Bronze Free Skate or * Senior Bronze Skills or as approved by Club and Coaches.
Synchroskate: Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.
What are the test levels for the StarSkate program?
STARSKATE PROGRAM:
The Skate Canada STARSkate Program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic to advanced skating skills in four different areas: Interpretive, Dance, Free Skating, and Skating Skills which are then grouped into the following levels:
PRIMARY LEVEL TESTS
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201177254-F-Skating-Skills-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201241040-E-Free-Skating-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201239680-D-Dance-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201232370-C-Interpretive-Tests
STARSKATE PROGRAM:
The Skate Canada STARSkate Program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic to advanced skating skills in four different areas: Interpretive, Dance, Free Skating, and Skating Skills which are then grouped into the following levels:
PRIMARY LEVEL TESTS
- Skating Skills: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
- Free Skating: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
- Dance: Preliminary, Junior Bronze
- Interpretive: Introductory
- Skating Skills: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
- Free Skating: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
- Dance: Senior Bronze, Junior Silver
- Interpretive: Bronze
- Skating Skills: Senior Silver, Gold
- Free Skating: Senior Silver, Gold
- Dance: Senior Silver, Gold, Diamond
- Interpretive: Silver, Gold
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201177254-F-Skating-Skills-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201241040-E-Free-Skating-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201239680-D-Dance-Tests
https://info.skatecanada.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/201232370-C-Interpretive-Tests
I notice coaches spend varied amounts of time with each skater. What should I expect from coaches time with my skater?
Canskate and figure skating is a sport that requires a trained coach to guide initial learning and then repetitive practice to develop skills and muscle movements that promote advancement. Each skater is encouraged and taught in a repetitive fashion but will progress at varied rates. The practice time without constant instruction is essential to a skaters development.
When you register with Greenwood Skating Club, club group lessons are provided to ensure that all skaters receive some professional direction. Below is a guide of Club Coaching time via group instruction that you can expect from your coaches:
Canskate- minimum 10-minute lesson from coaches, Program assistance will be present to help guide skaters through a repetitive continuous run circuit. Programme Assistants are amateur skaters who volunteer their time on CanSkate sessions. They help organize skaters so they are in the correct area and group, pick them up when they fall (if necessary), play games with them and generally help the session to run more efficiently. Most Program Assistants are 12 years of age and older and/or have their Preliminary Free Skate Test. Program Assistants are not coaches. Professional coach monitors the Program Assistants supervision of the skaters practice.
Junior Development- Skaters in the junior development program will be under the direct supervision of one of or club coaches. They will have lessons in groups. the coach will lead them in development using circuits and progressions through completing the canskate program and into Star 1.
Intermediate and Seniors- Once skaters have moved into this level and beyond, parents will need to hire a coach to guide their child through their development. Some club lessons will be included in the programming offered, and are covered in the cost of the program.
Skaters have the option of hiring a coach for private lessons to enhance a skaters development and progression. This can be provided one on one or in group format based on negotiations with your coach. If you see a skater getting more time with a coach this is due to privately paid lessons. Skaters at intermediate and seniors level often access this additional coaching. Please see our Hiring a coach FAQ for further information.
Canskate and figure skating is a sport that requires a trained coach to guide initial learning and then repetitive practice to develop skills and muscle movements that promote advancement. Each skater is encouraged and taught in a repetitive fashion but will progress at varied rates. The practice time without constant instruction is essential to a skaters development.
When you register with Greenwood Skating Club, club group lessons are provided to ensure that all skaters receive some professional direction. Below is a guide of Club Coaching time via group instruction that you can expect from your coaches:
Canskate- minimum 10-minute lesson from coaches, Program assistance will be present to help guide skaters through a repetitive continuous run circuit. Programme Assistants are amateur skaters who volunteer their time on CanSkate sessions. They help organize skaters so they are in the correct area and group, pick them up when they fall (if necessary), play games with them and generally help the session to run more efficiently. Most Program Assistants are 12 years of age and older and/or have their Preliminary Free Skate Test. Program Assistants are not coaches. Professional coach monitors the Program Assistants supervision of the skaters practice.
Junior Development- Skaters in the junior development program will be under the direct supervision of one of or club coaches. They will have lessons in groups. the coach will lead them in development using circuits and progressions through completing the canskate program and into Star 1.
Intermediate and Seniors- Once skaters have moved into this level and beyond, parents will need to hire a coach to guide their child through their development. Some club lessons will be included in the programming offered, and are covered in the cost of the program.
Skaters have the option of hiring a coach for private lessons to enhance a skaters development and progression. This can be provided one on one or in group format based on negotiations with your coach. If you see a skater getting more time with a coach this is due to privately paid lessons. Skaters at intermediate and seniors level often access this additional coaching. Please see our Hiring a coach FAQ for further information.
Can you explain the volunteer requirement for Greenwood Skating Club?
Like most sporting and extracurricular activities our club would not run without volunteers. They are essential to the success of our Club and to your child's experience here. Volunteering is a great way to learn about our sport, how the Club runs, as well as, a fun way to meet other Club Members and it helps us keep our membership costs low. Our executive consists completely of volunteers.
There is an expectation that a parent or guardian will volunteer within the club for general day to day functioning and certain events. This is generally time that you will be at the arena anyway with your child and the time commitment is minimal.
The 14 Wing Greenwood Skating Club's Volunteer Requirement for 2015/16 is:
CanSkate families are required to volunteer for 2 of: The Nutcracker on Ice, Karen Norman Funskate, Skate-A-Thon, and CanSkate Greeter/Badge distributer.
StarSkate families are required to volunteer for 3 of: The Nutcracker on Ice, Karen Norman Funskate, Skate-A-Thon, and Test Day.
All Skaters are required to participate in the Skate-A-Thon.
We respect that some families may not want to volunteer thus in lieu of fulfilling the Volunteer Requirement, you may make a donation to the Club.
Like most sporting and extracurricular activities our club would not run without volunteers. They are essential to the success of our Club and to your child's experience here. Volunteering is a great way to learn about our sport, how the Club runs, as well as, a fun way to meet other Club Members and it helps us keep our membership costs low. Our executive consists completely of volunteers.
There is an expectation that a parent or guardian will volunteer within the club for general day to day functioning and certain events. This is generally time that you will be at the arena anyway with your child and the time commitment is minimal.
The 14 Wing Greenwood Skating Club's Volunteer Requirement for 2015/16 is:
CanSkate families are required to volunteer for 2 of: The Nutcracker on Ice, Karen Norman Funskate, Skate-A-Thon, and CanSkate Greeter/Badge distributer.
StarSkate families are required to volunteer for 3 of: The Nutcracker on Ice, Karen Norman Funskate, Skate-A-Thon, and Test Day.
All Skaters are required to participate in the Skate-A-Thon.
We respect that some families may not want to volunteer thus in lieu of fulfilling the Volunteer Requirement, you may make a donation to the Club.
How do I hire a coach?
PRIVATE LESSONS
One of the main reasons you hire a private coach is to improve the quality of your skater’s training so he can develop good technique. Hiring a figure skating coach means hiring someone to guide your child’s figure skating career. This coach becomes the person you go to for training advice as well as direction for competition.
Private lessons are arranged directly with and payment is made directly to the individual coach.
Private lessons used to mean 15 minute, one-on-one lessons with your coach. Today though, ‘private lessons’ refers to a lesson structure that may include a combination of one-on-one, semi-private and private group lessons with the professional coach you have hired.
Private- One-on-one with your private coach
Semi-Private- 2 skaters with your private coach
Private Group- 3 or more skaters with your private coach
How To Hire A Private Coach
* Watch the coaches on the session.
* To identify the coaches, refer to the photographs and biographies on the Professional Coaches tab on our home page.
* Approach the coach of your choice but never on the ice. She is working with students who are paying for that time. Instead, wait until the coach is off the ice or email her. They may also provide you with a cell number if needed for additional contact.
* Ask about availability, rates, payment options and any other questions you may have. This is a negotiation you will do privately with your coach.
PRIVATE LESSONS
One of the main reasons you hire a private coach is to improve the quality of your skater’s training so he can develop good technique. Hiring a figure skating coach means hiring someone to guide your child’s figure skating career. This coach becomes the person you go to for training advice as well as direction for competition.
Private lessons are arranged directly with and payment is made directly to the individual coach.
Private lessons used to mean 15 minute, one-on-one lessons with your coach. Today though, ‘private lessons’ refers to a lesson structure that may include a combination of one-on-one, semi-private and private group lessons with the professional coach you have hired.
Private- One-on-one with your private coach
Semi-Private- 2 skaters with your private coach
Private Group- 3 or more skaters with your private coach
How To Hire A Private Coach
* Watch the coaches on the session.
* To identify the coaches, refer to the photographs and biographies on the Professional Coaches tab on our home page.
* Approach the coach of your choice but never on the ice. She is working with students who are paying for that time. Instead, wait until the coach is off the ice or email her. They may also provide you with a cell number if needed for additional contact.
* Ask about availability, rates, payment options and any other questions you may have. This is a negotiation you will do privately with your coach.