To view the lesson times for any of these programs be sure to download the current Skating Schedule found in our Downloads section.

CanSkate Program

The CanSkate Program is a learn-to-skate program designed for boys and girls of all ages, beginning with the fundamentals of skating. The skills of the CanSkate program are arranged in a progressive teaching sequence of movements: go forward, go backward, stop, turn, spin and jump. The program has 6 stages that begin with balance and proceed through gliding forwards and backwards and then developing edges and speed. All of the skills of the program are assessed by a Skate Canada Certified Coach.

• Stage 1
  Introduces skaters to the basics of skating independently. They work on balance, falling down and getting up, skating on one foot at a time, stopping, and jumping on two feet on the spot.
• Stage 2
  Builds on the fundamentals learned in Stage 1. Skaters are expected to be able to glide more effectively on two feet and one foot, begin to skate backwards, stop with confidence, and spin on two feet.
• Stage 3
  Focuses on many backward skills including gliding on one foot, stopping, jumping with two feet while gliding and two-foot sculling. Transitions from forward skating to backward skating are introduced.
• Stage 4
  Introduces skaters to the concept of crosscuts, improved gliding and power on one foot both forwards and backwards while on a curve, side stops, one foot turns and spins, and other transitions between forward and backward skating.
• Stage 5
  Involves working on further power and edge control through circle thrusts and crosscuts. Skaters become more proficient at changing from forwards to backwards on a curve and continue to work on spinning. They are also introduced to some basic jumps on one foot.
• Stage 6
  Requires proficiency at perimeter stroking both forwards and backwards. Skaters work at power and gliding in their backward skating skills and continue to master one-foot skating skills. More complex jumps and spins are introduced.

Pre-Power Skating Program

The Pre-Power Skating program is also a learn-to-skate program, but the program teaches a different set of skills and is for children who intend to begin hockey or ringette and has some skating experience. Full equipment may be worn, and a helmet is recommended, but no sticks are used.

The Power Skating Program is designed for skaters to develop basic skating abilities, and is most suited for skaters with at least one year of skating experience. When skaters have completed the program, they should be able to skate forward the length of the ice using alternate strides, and be able to stop without hitting the boards. There are 23 skills in Levels 1 to 6 of the program. It is recommended that skaters bring full equipment, helmets and sticks.

Junior/Intermediate Program

At this level, skaters work on skills, stroking, free skating (jumping and spinning), and dance and are tested by a Skate Canada Judge. Skaters participate in group lessons, but private and semi-private lessons can also be arranged with a coach of your choic. Skaters at this level also have free time to work on their own.

• Skills
  Skills consist of a series of foot work patterns skated to music and it is intended to develop agility, power edge quality, and balance.
• Stroking
  Stroking is basic skating forwards and backwards in both directions around the rink. A skater's ability to stroke will greatly influence how well he/she covers the entire ice surface. This is an essential part of skating.
• Free Skate
  Free Skate consists of jumps, spins, footwork and field movements. When these are accomplished, the skater is taught a solo, which is skated to music and utilizes the stroking and free skating skills.
• Dance
  Dance is prescribed steps skated to set music in specific patterns on the ice.

Senior Program

Skaters at this level have only private lessons. They continue to work on skills, stroking, free skate and dance up to the Gold level.

Off-Season Ice Schools

These programs are offered to Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters and sometimes CanSkate level skaters. The schools allow skaters to extend their skating season and pursue further testing and skill level achievement. The Goderich Skating Club generally offers Spring School in April and Fall School in September. Check with the Club's Skate Canada Certified Coaches if you are interested in more information. Registration forms can be obtained from coaches or downloaded from this website when available.