Learn to Skate

The Winter Club of St. Catharines is proud to have all its Learn-to-Skate programs taught by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and Program Assistances.

The Winter Club is a Skate Canada and Skate Ontario sanctioned club and our CanSkate programs have been awarded with the CanSkate Excellence Exceeded Standard.

Learn to Skate

  • Parent & Tot

    Ages 3-4

    For Skaters 3-4 years of age with little to no skating experience. A 45 minute coach-led group lesson where the child and parent are on the ice together. The program teaches basic skating skills, all with the help and support of the parent. Best for young children new to skating and timid to go on the ice by themselves. The parent must be a competent skater.

    Teaches basic skating skills: learning to sand up, balance, march-on-the-spot and moving forward…all with the help and support of a friendly face - the parent.

    Lessons are taught by NCCP Skate Canada Professional Coaches and volunteer Program Assistants.

    - Child must wear a CSA approved “hockey” helmet

    - Parent/adult must be 18+ years old and a competent skater

    - Parent/adult not required to wear a helmet

    - Helmet and skates NOT provided, no rentals available

  • Pre-CanSkate

    Ages 3-5

    For Skaters 3-5 years of age with little to no skating experience. A 45 min coach-led fun and engaging group lesson. This is a great start for children who are eager to learn to skate.

    A small group environment is created where the child is taught beginning skating skills: to stand independently, balance, march-no-the-spot, move forward/backward, make snow and turn in a fun and engaging program.

    Props and toys are incorporated into the lesson to help motivate the little skaters. Best for younger children with little or no previous skating experience.

    Lessons are taught by NCCP Skate Canada Professional Coaches and volunteer Program Assistants.

    - Child must wear a CSA approved “hockey” helmet

    - ALL skaters MUST wear a CSA approved “hockey” helmet on the ice

    - Figure skates or hockey skates with laces are best (new or used)

    - No CSA Helmet = No Skating

    - Cages are optional, but recommended

    - NO bicycle, ski or all-purpose helmets permitted – even if they have a CSA sticker

    - We do NOT rent or provide helmets

  • CanSkate

    Ages 6-12

    For Skaters 6-12 years of age with little to no skating experience. A 45 min coach-led program where the fundamentals of skating are taught through three skill categories: Agility (turns and jumping skills), Balance (Forward skating and edges), and Control (backward skating, speed and stopping.

    Skaters are grouped based on their current skating ability. The lesson starts with a warm-up, then station rotations where they will learn and practice new skills in Agility, Balance and Control and finally a cool-down. 

    This is a fantastic foundational program for those interested in pursuing figure skating, ringette, hockey, speed skating or those wanting to learn to skate. Skater progress at their own rate and earn ribbons and badges starting at Stage 1 and working their way towards Stage 6. Best for children with little or no skating experience.

    Lessons are taught by NCCP Skate Canada Professional Coaches and volunteer Program Assistants.

    - ALL skaters MUST wear a CSA approved “hockey” helmet on the ice

    -  Figure skates or hockey skates with laces are best (new or used)

    - No CSA Helmet = No Skating

    - Cages are optional, but recommended

    - NO bicycle, ski or all-purpose helmets permitted – even if they have a CSA sticker

    - We do NOT rent or provide helmets

  • Teen & Adult

    Ages 13+

    For Skaters 13+ years of age with little to no skating experience. A coach-led program where the fundamental elements of skating are taught through three categories: Agility, Balance, and Control. Skaters are taught in a comfortable environment for older beginners and teens. This program is perfect for those who believe it is never too late to learn to skate. Little or no previous skating experience required.

    The lesson starts with a warm-up, then station rotations where they will learn and practice new skills in Agility, Balance and Control and finally a cool-down. 

    Lessons are taught by NCCP Skate Canada Professional Coaches and volunteer Program Assistants.

    - ALL skaters MUST wear a CSA approved “hockey” helmet on the ice – regardless of age - if at or below CanSkate Stage 5

    -  Figure skates or hockey skates with laces are best (new or used)

    - No CSA Helmet = No Skating

    - Cages are optional, but recommended

    - NO bicycle, ski or all-purpose helmets permitted – even if they have a CSA sticker

    - We do NOT rent or provide helmets

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Helmet, Skate and Attire Information

Helmets

ALL skaters MUST wear a CSA approved ‘hockey’ helmet on the ice. This is for all of our CanSkate, Pre-Canskate, Parent & Tot, Teen & Adult programs.

  •  No CSA Helmet = No Skating.

  •  Cages are optional, but recommended.

  • NO bicycle, ski or all-purpose helmets permitted – even if they have a CSA sticker

  •  We do NOT rent or provide helmets.

Skates

Figure skates or hockey skates can be worn – new or used. The skates must be properly sized and have laces (no plastic ‘ski-boot/velcro’ skates).

  • Avoid the plastic ‘ski boot’ type skate, as the buckles tend to pop open when skaters fall, and they do not allow for the bending of ankles needed for developing power and speed. 

  • Tie skate snugly (only 1 finger should fit between the heel and the skate). The side of the skate around the ankle should be stiff with padding for good ankle support. If the boot it too flexible, the skaters’ ankles will ‘cave in’ making being on the ice extremely difficult.

  •  Sharpen blades before the first class.

  •  We do NOT rent or provide skates.

Attire

Skaters should wear layers – the arena is cold. Splash pants work best with track/athletic pants or leggings underneath, long sleeves with a warm sweater over top (no hood), fall or spring jacket over sweater.

  • No snowsuits - Although a snow suit is warm, it limits the ability to move well on the ice and is too restrictive, that is why we suggest layers.

  •  Waterproof mittens/gloves.

  •  Knee/elbow pads are optional - They can prevent bruising and are good for skaters who are afraid to fall, very petite or timid.

  • NO hockey equipment (shin-guards, socks, hockey pants, padding, sticks) are permitted as they are too cumbersome when learning to skate.