OUR PROGRAMS
LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAMS
Our Learn-to-Skate programs are designed to teach fundamental skating skills to people of all ages.
Most learn-to-skate programs are offered year-round at our rink.
Here's what you can expect at your first CanSkate session!
Pre-CanSkate Program: Ages 4-5
This program is the entry level for beginners who are 4-5 years of age. Children are placed into groups according to ability and taught by a Professional Coach and assisted by qualified CanSkate Program Assistants. The focus of this program is to make skating fun! Skating skills taught range from learning to stand and balance to going forwards and backwards.
CanSkate Program: Ages 5-12
CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages. This program is beneficial to any skater with an interest in ice sports (figure skating, hockey, ringette). Participants earn badges while they learn fundamental skating skills. Skaters are placed in groups according to ability and taught by a professional coach and assisted by qualified CanSkate program assistants. When you choose CanSkate, you will enjoy a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Note: Skaters who wish to progress more rapidly in the CanSkate program should register for two sessions per week.
CanSkate programs are first grouped by age, and once they step on the ice, they are grouped by skating ability. Register your skaters for the age group that you feel would suit them. Once on the ice, coaches can evaluate if they are placed in the right program.
Teen/Adult Learn to Skate: Ages 13+
A skating program for teens and adults of all ages. Skaters are taught according to ability and have lots of fun!
JUNIOR ACADEMY
Jr Academy is a 2-day commitment focusing on the advanced skating skills for the purpose of moving to STAR/Competitive Development programs.
Competitive Base Coaches will lead the program while monitoring and tracker skater advancements.
The Technical Director will be part of the instructor’s team on a regular basis to monitor progress.
STAR 1-10 PROGRAMS
Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition - this is what StarSkate is about!
GroupStar
CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program,
The GroupStar program is the next step from the CanSkate program.
Skaters working on Stage 6 would be encouraged to skate in this program.
There will be group instruction included within this program but it is considered a transition program leading into
Star 1-2
There is an optional off ice component with this program offered once per week. Figure skates are mandatory for this program.
StarSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating.
Unique to Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner.
Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system.
Skaters who want to join our competitive program usually start with our STAR program before moving into the competitive one.
Skaters interested in Figure Skating and moving beyond CanSkate can transition to the Group STAR or Jr. Academy program.
Adult skaters (age 18+) of all levels can discover or rediscover the joy of skating in a welcoming environment where they can work towards on-ice goals such as competition, testing, or honing their skills and maintaining an active lifestyle.
COMPETITIVE
Competitive Skate
The competitive program at Hamilton Skating Club is unique to most. It is not solely based on what level an athlete skates but more on their dedication to becoming a competitive athlete.
It is a great environment for athletes to learn important life skills such as self-confidence and awareness, determination, mental fortitude and commitment through the sport of figure skating.
Our coaching staff is made up of a great team of dedicated professional skating coaches who have a vast knowledge ranging from early youth development to elite high performance.
In the competitive program at HSC, athletes take the opportunity to hone their skills on the ice as well as off the ice through dance and strength and conditioning classes.
Most importantly, a learning environment based on the pursuit of improvement is the culture created by both coaches and athletes, we all learn from each other.
