FAQ

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS THAT AREN'T COVERED BELOW?

If you have any questions about registration with Uplifter that aren't covered below or elsewhere on this website, please email: saanichskatingregistrar@gmail.com

WHEN IS A CHILD READY FOR THE CANSKATE PROGRAM?

Physical, emotional and social development varies with each child and in turn so does readiness to learn to skate. Some prerequisites are:

1. The ability to walk on the floor with reasonably straight ankles while wearing skates.
2. The ability to understand simple instructions and follow directions from a person other than a parent.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

Many factors can affect a skater’s rate of progress – amount of ice time, equipment, age, natural ability, whether or not they pay attention during instruction time and extra instruction in the form of private lessons all are key factors in how quickly your child learns the skills. On average a skater will complete the program in approximately one season. Remember there is no set standard of time. Let your child progress at their own rate of development. If you are concerned about your child’s progression please speak to one of the professional coaches. Remember to do this off the ice or call them at home.

HOW ARE CANSKATE SKILLS ASSESSED?

Skaters are tested on a daily basis by the Skate Canada professional coaches. A record is kept on a progress sheet. There is no formal testing done, as we want the skaters to learn in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. When the skater completes a badge they are given a chit, which is to be taken into the Club Room at the end of the class. This chit is traded for the appropriate ribbon or badge. Records are kept of each skater’s progress and each success is displayed on the ‘Star Chart’ on the bulletin board which is in the club room.

WHO TEACHES THE CANSKATE PROGRAM?

The Saanich Skating Club provides professional Skate Canada Coaches for each session. They lead a warm-up session and work with each group for a minimum of 10 minutes. Trained volunteer Program Assistants (PA’s) and trained Program Helpers help the groups for 30 minutes. These PA’s have attended instructor’s clinics and have completed the program themselves. Please remember that the “Instructors” are volunteers and if you have a problem or question please speak to or email one of the coaches.

WHAT COMES AFTER CANSKATE?

After Canskate comes the JUNIOR ACADEMY PROGRAM. Figure skating has become one of the higher profile sports in Canada. The Junior Academy program will give your child an introduction into all aspects of the sport. The disciplines of skating are much more difficult at this level and therefore progress is generally much slower than at the Canskate level. This program is very challenging and therefore may be overwhelming at first, but most skaters love it once they get used to the routine.

At this level lessons are not included in the registration fee. In order to keep costs down, the coaches have arranged to provide group lessons for your skater. These are called PAID GROUP lessons. A two day skater would get a minimum of 4 lessons each week. A small monthly fee is charged & post-dated cheques are collected for the season. Contact one of the coaches for more details. You may still request private lessons if you wish.

HOW DO WE ARRANGE PRIVATE LESSONS?

You must book them through one of the coaches. They will tell you their lesson rate and how they bill you for the lessons. Private lessons may seem expensive but in the long run your child usually progresses at an accelerated rate with one on one coaching.

Brenda Charity: 250-479-1094 Figskate.Coach@outlook.com