Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I sign my child up for Pre-can or Canskate?

If your child has previously participated in PreCan and has successfully completed the Yellow Group, they will move into the Red Group.

Once a skater is in the Red Group and demonstrating basic skating ability, they are ready to transition into the CanSkate program offered through Skate Canada.

At that point, you can register your child for CanSkate instead of PreCan.

Q: What is PreCanSkate?

PreCanSkate is an introductory learn-to-skate program designed for very young children who are not quite ready for the full CanSkate program offered by Skate Canada and implemented by clubs within Skate Ontario. If you have a 3 year old you want to learn to skate, then this is the program to start with. 

It focuses on basic movement, balance, and comfort on the ice in a supportive and playful environment.

Q:  Who is PreCanSkate for?

PreCanSkate is typically for:

• Children ages 3+ 
• Very young skaters who are new to the ice
• Young skaters who may need extra support before joining the main CanSkate program

Many clubs keep group sizes smaller and use more helpers to make it easier for young skaters to build confidence.

Q: What skills are taught in PreCanSkate?

PreCanSkate focuses on foundational skating readiness skills, such as:

• Standing up and balancing on skates
• Marching or walking on the ice
• Basic forward movement
• Learning how to fall safely and get up
• Beginning stopping skills
• Confidence and comfort on the ice

Lessons are often taught through games, obstacle courses, and fun activities to help young children stay engaged.

 Q: What level comes after PreCanSkate?

After skaters gain basic balance and confidence, they usually move into CanSkate Stage 1, which is the official beginner stage of the Skate Canada CanSkate program.

The typical pathway looks like this:

1. PreCanSkate – introduction to ice and basic balance (young tots)
2. CanSkate (Stages 1–6) – fundamental skating skills
3. Pre-Elite / Intro Figure Skating – introduction to figure skating elements
4. STARSkate – skills, tests, and competitions
5. Senior Competitive Skating – highest competitive level

Q: Do all clubs offer PreCanSkate?

No. PreCanSkate is optional and not every skating club offers it. Some clubs place beginners directly into CanSkate Stage 1 if they are ready.

Q:What is CanSkate and who is it for?

CanSkate is the official beginner skating program developed by Skate Canada. It teaches the fundamental skills needed for all ice sports, including figure skating, hockey, ringette, and speed skating. 

• Designed for children ages 3 and up, as well as teens and adults who are new to skating.
• Skaters learn balance, control, and agility through fun group lessons.
• Skills are organized into 6 stages that build progressively.

Most skaters spend 1–3 seasons in CanSkate depending on age and practice frequency.

Q: What level should my child reach before moving out of CanSkate?

Skaters should typically complete CanSkate Stage 6 before advancing to the next level.

At Stage 6, skaters should be comfortable with:

• Forward and backward skating
• Crossovers
• Basic turns and stops
• Introductory edges and power

Once these skills are achieved, skaters may move into figure skating development programs or other ice sports.

Q: What program comes AFTER CanSkate for figure skating?

For skaters interested in figure skating, the next step is usually a Pre-Elite or introductory figure skating program.

These programs introduce:

• Basic jumps (waltz jump, salchow)
• Simple spins
• Edge quality and skating skills
• Introduction to figure skating elements

This stage helps skaters transition from group skill development to figure skating technique.

Q:What is the STARSkate program?

The STARSkate program is the main recreational and competitive development program for figure skating under Skate Canada.

STAR stands for:

• Skills
• Tests
• Achievement
• Recognition

Skaters work through progressive levels:

• STAR 1–5 (introductory competitive or development stage)
• STAR 6–10 (advanced skills, jumps, spins, and programs)

Skaters may participate in tests, competitions, or showcase performances depending on their goals.

Q: What is Senior skating?

Senior refers to the highest competitive level in figure skating within the Canadian competitive structure.

Skaters at this level:

• Perform advanced jumps, spins, and step sequences
• Compete at high-level events sanctioned by Skate Canada
• May qualify for national or international competitions.

This level requires many years of training, coaching, and dedication.

Q: Does my child have to compete to stay in figure skating?

No! The Skate Canada structure allows skaters to choose between:

• Recreational development
• Test-based progress
• Competitive pathways

Many skaters enjoy skating through skills development, ice shows, and club events without competing.

Q: What is the order of the skating programs

Pre-can→ CanSkate → Pre-Elite → STAR → Senior

If you have any further questions, please feel free to send us an email at mindensk8ingclub@gmail.com