What is CanSkate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
For beginners as young as three, older children, adults, and those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun. A skater can join CanSkate at any time during our season.
All you need are will fitted skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
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In CanSkate, skaters progress through six badge levels comprised of three main program skills which are Balance, Control, and Agility.
CanSkate is an ideal program for anyone learning to skate, whether they intend to turn to hockey or continue on with figure skating.
What is StarSkate?
The STAR 1-5 program offers the best-in-class figure skating curriculum in Canada, targeting athletes looking for a future in the sport. Taught by Skate Canada NCCP coaches, the program introduces participants to the basic figure skating elements to create the foundation for singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.
STAR 6- Gold is an assessment and event structure for skaters who completed the STAR 1-5 Program. This structure builds on the skills acquired in STAR 1-5 and introduces skaters to more advanced figure skating elements.
Disciplines
Figure skating has four disciplines that lead to a high performance pathway.
Singles: Single skating is a term used to describe the discipline of freeskate. Generally, this is the most recognized form of figure skating.
Pairs: Pair skating involves two individuals skating as a unit performing freeskating moves. Pair skating also includes lifts, death spirals and throws.
Ice Dance: Inspired by ballroom dancing, this discipline incorporates musicality, performances and athletisim to all your favourite rhythms.
Synchronized: 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. Synchronized Skating categories accommodate skaters at any age and skill level.
Who is it for?
All skaters in this program must have passed CanSkate Stage 6 or equivalent. Skaters may be any age. Adaptive skaters who have the required skating ability welcome.
What is PowerSkate?
Get a step up on the competition with PowerSkate, a high-energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette players. This program focuses on balance, control and agility skills including components of power and speed. Skating skills, techniques and performance drills are taught in a progressive format by Skate Canada coaches certified through the NCCP to enhance the skating ability required in game situations.
Some of the top players in the NHL have trusted Skate Canada’s best-in-class programs to help them reach hockey’s biggest stage including Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene, Mark Scheifele and Jeff Skinner.
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Skate Amherstburg looks to the future and hopes to implement a CanPowerSkate program for our younger skaters coming up through CanSkate.
If you have questions about this program or if you would like to express interest in a future CanPowerSkate program, please email us.
What is Synchronized Skating?
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. Skate Canada’s SynchroSkate program includes a number of Synchronized Skating categories which accommodate skaters at any age and skill level.
Specific technical requirements have been determined for each level based on skill development and age restrictions. There are no test prerequisites to participate on any level of Synchro team.
Where do I begin?
Skate Amherstburg has three Synchronized Skating teams. At the beginning level, a skater should sign up for our Development Team, coached by Felicia Laramie. These tend to be younger skaters who are about at the Star 1 level, however not limited to this. A skater who has never skated Synchro would do well to begin here to learn the necessary elements needed to progress.
When ready to move to the next level, a skater tries out for the Skate Amherstburg Starlights, coached by Shelley Knapp. At the beginning of each season, candidates skate during the Starlight session, if they are not selected for the team at that time, they are welcome to return to the Development Team until the following season's tryouts.
Finally, Skate Amherstburg also hosts an adult team called the Diamond Divas, also coached by Shelley Knapp. This team is always welcoming new members, and new skaters will be asked to demonstrate their synchro skills to join.
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The Skate Amherstburg synchronized skating teams often attends competitions each season. Dates change each year, and are discussed with each team individually.