Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy the skates and helmet or are they available for rent?

All participants must provide their own equipment. Required equipment includes skates (figure, hockey, or recreational) and helmets. We encourage face masks for anyone new to skating. And we prefer lace up skates.

Does my skater need a helmet if they can already skate?

Yes. For insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet until the completion of stage 5.

If I forget a helmet, are there helmets available that my skater can borrow?

NO. Unfortunately we do not have any helmets available to borrow.

What else might we need?

Remember it is cold in the arena so your child will need mitts, ski pants, and layers of clothing. Winter jackets are not preferred.

I've never registered with RDSC before. How do I create an account?

Click on the login button in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say "First Time Registering with RDSC?”. Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration.

Why do I need to complete my registration within a limited time period?

Registration spots for all of our programs are limited. To ensure that your spot is saved during the registration process and that all users have an equal opportunity to register for programs, you must confirm your registration with payment by credit card.

I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?

Thank you again for your patience as we transition to this new system. Any inquiries regarding registration can be sent via email to skatereddeer@hotmail.com and the office administrator will respond within 48 hours.

My child is interested in hockey or ringette. Is this program geared only to figure skaters?

No. This program provides a solid background for all ice sports, such as hockey, ringette, figure skating and speed skating.

Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program?

No. This program is suitable for new skaters, as well as those with some experience.

My children have very different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same session?

All 6 levels of CanSkate are taught on the same session, so family members with different skating abilities can sign up for the same session and will be placed in different groups.

Is the CanSkate program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills?

By the time they complete CanSkate, skaters should have several skating skills, some of which are listed here: fast forward and backward perimeter stroking, forward and backward crosscuts, side stops with speed, turns, basic spins, and jumps.

If I am sure that my skater is too advanced for the CanSkate level, what are his/her options with your club?

Skaters who our coaches have assessed as being too advanced for the CanSkate program will have the option of either going up to the PreStarSkate group program (figure skating) or CanPower skate. Further information about the STARSkate program can be found by going to the figure skating tab. Further information about CanPower skating can be found under the power skating tab.

Is there a power skating program at your club?

RDSC offers a fall, winter, spring and summer CanPower skate programs. Please see the Power skating section of our website for more details.

My child has previous experience in another program. How will he/she be placed in the CanSkate program?

Our program levels do not correspond to recreational programming offered through city programs. All new CanSkate members are placed into a CanSkate group and then assessed by our professional coaches, and moved to the appropriate level as needed.
A skater who comes from another Skate Canada club will be placed in the appropriate stage, based on the final standing at the other club. Please let us know your achievements.

What is the refund policy for CanSkate?

We do not offer a refund for our programs unless you provide a doctors note and are unable to finish the session. You must be injured or unwell for over half the classes. We will provide a refund less the classes you have attended plus a $60 withdrawal fee.

How do I transfer to another CanSkate class?

Please email skatereddeer@hotmail.com and request a class day change based on program availability.

Can I move my child to a different class day for a couple of weeks due to a temporary conflict and then return to the original class day?

No. If there is space available, you can move your skater on a permanent basis, but you cannot move back and forth between class days.

If there are no spaces left in a class, do I have to pay to have my child’s name put on a waitlist?

There are no fees for the waitlist.

How do I put my child’s name on the waitlist?

If a class if full, instead of a "Register" button beside the session, there will be a "Waitlist" button. When you should click that button, the site will allow you to add a child from your profile to the waitlist. Once a position has become available, you will be notified by email that a position is available. You can then log into the website and either register your child or remove them from the waitlist to allow the next person on the list to take their spot. Once the position is offered, there will be a limited time to complete the registration.

Can I find out where my child’s name is on the waitlist?

If you log into the website and click on "My Account" on the top right hand corner, you can then select "My Waitlist" from the submenu on the left hand side. This list will display each of the programs and children who are on the waitlist for each individual program along with their position on the list.

Can my skater just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons?

No. We do not offer private lessons.

Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena?

No. A parent or other responsible adult must be available in the rink or in the lobby area during the class.

Can I stand on the ice with my child if he/she is uncomfortable?

No. For insurance purposes, only Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice.

What can I do to help my child's confidence on the ice?

We recommend putting your child's skates on at home and have them practice walking around on the carpet. Also have them practicing getting up from the floor and down on their hands and knees. These are just suggestions to make your skaters first experience with skating a positive one.

My skater has to miss one of his/her classes. Can she attend another class to make up for the missed class?

Members are assigned to specific groups on the day for which they registered and cannot attend a class on another day unless they make a permanent move to that class (only possible if there are spaces available). There are no "make-up" classes.

If we have an extended vacation planned, can I register my child for only part of the lessons or get a refund for the lessons missed?

Participants who go away on extended vacations cannot make up the missed classes on another class day or receive a refund for missed classes. Parents who opt to register for only the latter part of a session must wait until that date to register and cannot request that a space be held for their child.

How do I get my tax receipt?

When you register, you will receive an invoice by email. This can be used for your records. 
You will be able to log into the system at any time and reprint a copy of the receipts.

Am I required to volunteer?

Volunteering is not required by the Red Deer Skating Club for this program.

I've never registered with RDSC before. How do I create an account?

Click on "log in" in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say "First Time Registering with RDC?” Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration.

Why do I need to complete my registration within a limited time period?

Registration spots for all of our programs are limited. To ensure that your spot is saved during the registration process and that all users have an equal opportunity to register for programs, you must confirm your registration with payment by credit card.

I see a list of sessions under the "Registration" menu, but why do I not see a "Register" button beside each session?

Registration opens at different times for different programs and sessions. If there is no "Register" button beside the session you with to register for, registration may not yet be available for the session.

I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?

Contact us at skatereddeer@hotmail.com or 403.358.1701 with the details of your situation.

Is CanPower only geared only to hockey players?

This program was designed for both hockey and ringette players. Developed by a team of hockey, figure skating and ringette experts, CanPower is the only nationally regulated power skating program in Canada.

Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for CanPower?

Yes. CanPower is not a learn-to-skate program. Skaters must be able to skate forwards and backwards, and be able to stop independently (without using the boards). Any skaters with this skating experience will do well in the program. Our coaches assess skating skills during the first session, and if any participant is unable to meet these requirements will be withdrawn from the course (and will receive a pro-rated refund). For skaters who are joining CanPower from our CanSkate program, you should be in CanSkate Lever 4 or higher. Or have two years previous hockey experience.

My children have different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same CanPower session?

We accept skaters from age 6 through 16 in an effort to allow siblings at different skating levels to participate in the same session. However, all participants must have the ability to skate forwards and backwards and stop independently. Depending on the number of skaters in a session, they will be placed in smaller groups according to age and/or ability so that coaches are able to work with skaters of a similar skill level.

What is the coach to Student Ratio?

A full session can include up to 30 students, with a coach-to-skater ratio of no greater than 1 to 6.

Is the CanPower program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills?

We have found that even skaters who play on more competitive (A/AA/AAA) teams benefit from our CanPower program. We group skaters according to age and/or ability so that coaches are able to work with skaters of a similar skill level. Areas of focus can include: balance, stride, acceleration techniques, strong and controlled edges, quick turns, crisp stops and powerful starts plus proper cross-over technique. The feedback that we have had from parents is that our CanPower coaches focus on very detailed areas of skating technique that a hockey coach may not have the time to focus on during a team practice. For instance, it's not unusual to see a coach get down on the ice to help our skaters find the proper foot position or blade placement, or they might pushing a skater's shoulder to help them feel the difference in their balance on their skates when their knees are properly bent. If your skater registers for a session and you feel that they are too advanced, we encourage you to speak with one of the coaches and, if necessary, you can always revisit our withdrawal policy.

If my skater is not advanced enough for CanPower, what should they register for?

RDSC offers CanSkate for skaters from age 3-16 these lessons serve as an excellent base for developing the skating skills required to participate in CanPower.

How do I withdraw from a course?

Refunds will be given after registration but before the first class with and Administration fee of $60.00. Please contact the Administrator: skatereddeer@hotmail.com

Can I move my child to a different class time due to a temporary conflict and then return to the original class time?

No. If there is space available, you can move your skater on a permanent basis, but you cannot move back and forth between class times

If there are no spaces left in a class, do I have to pay to have my child’s name put on a waitlist?

There are no fees for the waitlist.

How do I put my child’s name on the waitlist?

If a class if full, instead of a "Register" button beside the session, there will be a "Waitlist" button. When you should click that button, the site will allow you to add a child from your profile to the waitlist. Once a position has become available, you will be notified by email that a position is available. You can then log into the website and either register your child or remove them from the waitlist to allow the next person on the list to take their spot. Once the position is offered, there will be a limited time to complete the registration.

Can I find out where my child’s name is on the waitlist?

If you log into the website and click on "My Account" on the top right hand corner, you can then select "My Waitlist" from the submenu on the left hand side. This list will display each of the programs and children who are on the waitlist for each individual program along with their position on the list.

Will the waitlist be carried forward to the next session?

No. Your skater’s name will be kept on the waiting list, without charge, until partway through the session. The lists will then be deleted. Names from the waitlist will not be carried forward to a future session.

Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena?

No. A parent or other responsible adult must be available in the lobby during the class.

Can I stand on the ice with my child if he/ she is uncomfortable?

No. For insurance purposes, only Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice.

My skater has to miss one of his/her classes. Can he/she attend another class to make up for the missed class?

Members are assigned to specific groups on the day for which they registered and cannot attend a class on another day unless they make a permanent move to that class (only possible if there are spaces available).

If we have an extended vacation planned, can I register my child for only part of the lessons or get a refund for the lessons missed?

Participants who go away on extended vacations cannot make up the missed classes on another class day or receive a refund for missed classes. Parents who opt to register for only the latter part of a session must wait until that date to register and cannot request that a space be held for their child.

Do I have to buy the skates/helmet/equipment/stick or other hockey gear, or are they available for rent?

All participants must provide their own equipment – CSA approved hockey helmet and full hockey gear that includes a neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin pads, gloves and a stick. Mouth guards are recommended but no required. Skaters who are missing any gear will not be able to participate.

If I forget a helmet, are there helmets available that my skater can borrow?

No. All helmets must fit properly to provide adequate protection and RDSC does not provide helmets.

Do RDSC's CanPower sessions qualify for Child Tax Credits?

In order to qualify for Child Tax Credits, sessions must be offered on 5 consecutive days or over 8 consecutive weeks. The spring, summer and fall CanPower sessions for this season are of short duration, so they do not quality for Child Tax Credits. The two winter sessions will qualify
For more information, please see the following link to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Am I required to volunteer?

Volunteering is not required by the Red Deer Skating Club for this program.

Do I have to buy the skates and helmet or are they available for rent?

All participants must provide their own equipment. Required equipment includes skates (figure, hockey, or recreational) and helmets. We prefer lace up skates.

Do I need a helmet if they can already skate?

Yes. For insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet until the completion of stage 5 or strong skating skills. It is at your discretion if you have previous skating experience or you can be assessed by a coach

If I forget a helmet, are there helmets available that my skater can borrow?

NO. Unfortunately we do not have any helmets available to borrow.

Are there dressing rooms?

Yes, dressing rooms are available at every arenas: Look on the TV monitors beside the office for the assigned dressing room.

I've never registered with RDSC before. How do I create an account?

Click on the login button in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say "First Time Registering with RDSC?”. Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration.

I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?

Thank you again for your patience as we transition to this new system. Any inquiries regarding registration can be sent via email to skatereddeer@hotmail.com and the administrator will respond within 48 hours.

I am learning how to skate or would like to improve my skating> Is this program geared only to figure skaters?

No. This program provides a solid background for all ice sports, such as hockey, ringette, figure skating and speed skating.

Do I need have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program?

No. This program is suitable for new skaters, as well as those with some experience.

What is the refund deadline for the Adultskate session?

A refund will be issued for withdrawals after registration but before the first scheduled class begins.
* ALL withdrawals are subject to a $60 processing/administration fee.

Can I just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons?

No. We do not offer private lessons for group program participants

I had to miss a class. Can I attend another class to make up for the missed class?

Members are assigned to specific groups on the day for which they registered and cannot attend a class on another day.

If we have an extended vacation planned, can I register for only part of the lessons or get a refund for the lessons missed?

Participants who go away on extended vacations cannot make up the missed classes on another class day or receive a refund for missed classes.

Am I required to volunteer?

Volunteering is not required by the Red Deer Skating Club for this program.

The recommendation of the Skate Canada Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) is that youth skating at this level skate two to five days a week, 45 to 60 minutes of on ice training.
The Skate Canada LTAD is a well researched document which speaks to how to support your skater’s development through all elements of training (on-ice/off-ice/nutrition etc) as well as how support your skater’s emotional and academic development outside of their skate training. To read more about how to support your skater, we would encourage you to refer to the Skate Canada LTAD brochure located online at: LTAD

Private coaching is not mandatory at this stage, however, is beneficial for developing your skater. If you are considering private coaching, we would encourage you to speak with the coaches on you skater’s session to assist you in assessing the individual needs of your skater.

All coaches within skating clubs must attend NCCP courses and be “in training, trained, or certified”. First aid certification and a police background check are also requirements. Additionally, all Professional Skate Canada Coaches must register yearly as Coaching Members within Skate Canada in order to be able to coach on these sessions.

When deciding how to choose a coach your club should provide a list of their available coaches along with their specific qualifications. When choosing a coach for your child, here are some things you may want to consider:

• Select a coach carefully. Choose the right person for their teaching and coaching abilities, but also consider that the Coach will be the role model for your child.The Coach will be spending considerable time with your child, so it should be someone your child feels comfortable with.
• Coaches are the experts. Work together with your coach to create realistic goals and objectives for your child.
• Take time when selecting a coach. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words. Watch the coaches teaching other children and see how they interact and present themselves.
• Coaching fees may vary according to the certification level an experience of the coach. Ask what the fees are up front so there are no misunderstandings later.

The purchase of a boot and blade is a major decision which can represent a substantial financial investment.

Fitting Basics:

A skater’s size, weight, and skating level are very important. These aspects will determine what boot and blade to purchase and how long they will last. While seated, the boot should be snug in the heel, arch, and ball of the foot areas for best support. Toes should be able to wiggle freely but not slide to any great degree. After the boot is laced and the skater stands, the boot should feel slightly tighter. There should be little to no movement when the skater tries to life her or his heel. The toes should just be touching the front of the boot.
Toes should feel slight pressure but not severe bending or pain. Toes should also not be cramped or curled under.
It is important to have a correctly fitted boot for optimal skater performance.
The boot must be snugly fit so that it responds exactly to the skater’s movement. Additional room in the skate can cause the foot to slide and thus may impede the Skater’s progress.

Remember:

Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel – there should be room for movement, but the ankle, instep and heel must be firmly supported
The tongue should be sufficiently wide so that it will stay in place and it should be well padded to prevent the laces from cutting into the foot
The front opening of the boot should be sufficiently wide to pull the laces tight
Avoid buying skates a size larger, as they tend to break down faster and hamper your child’s progress and more importantly could create long term foot problems
Buying used Skates and Blades: Good used skates can be okay for your child, especially in the beginning stages. If you do buy used skates, you may have to know a bit about the brand and model of the boot and blades you purchase. Ask your Coach about suggestions on what to look for. Sometimes a good used boot and blade set is better than an inexpensive, lower quality “sharpening life” left in it. Many skate companies have a website that describes an appropriate boot / blade combo for a particular level of skating.

Please note – At the Preliminary level, the focused is now on figure skating techniques, and as such it is important to purchase proper figure skates. Purchasing skates, whether new or used, should be done at a store specializing in figure skating. If you are concerned about how to purchase skates, again, please feel free to speak with your coach about how to purchase skates appropriate for your child’s skating level. Staff at a specialized skating store are also knowledgeable and able to assist in making a proper choice.

Sharpening of Skates:

Make sure you take your skates to a reputable figure skater sharpener who is familiar with the edges needed in figure skating. Do not remove the bottom pick, as it is essential for proper balance. Get skates sharpened approximately once for every ten skating sessions.

General Care of Boots and Blades:

Proper care of the boots and blades can help them last longer. When removing skates, unlace them enough before taking them off so that the back of the boot does not break down or rip. Blades and soles must be dried carefully with a soft cloth. Remove guards and wipe / wash them. Grit and dirt become lodged in the tracks of the guards. Replace guards occasionally. Let skates air out. Do not put gaurds back on the blades until the next skating session. Cover dried blades with soft blade covers (terry cloth or soft fabric). Take skates out of bag at home to let them air dry at normal temperatures to avoid rotting and rust.

Parents will have to plan their budget well in advance of each skating season. The costs you will incur will depend on your child’s participation in the sport. Here are some suggested items you should have in your yearly budget:

• Club Membership
• Skate Canada Membership
• Skates and accessories like guards, blade covers, skate bag as well as appropriate skating attire
• Extra Ice costs
• Coaching Costs – Lessons, Competitions and Test Days
• Carnival Fees
• Music Fees for burning of CD’s for solo music

The RDSC does not have specific guidelines for when a skater is ready to move to the Starskate program. It is an individual decision that needs to be made as a team with the coach, skater and parent.

Skating skills are exercises containing edges, turns and field movements designed to expand on the fundamental movements for skaters of all levels. The basic components of all disciplines of figure skating are contained in the program. Edge quality, control, power and speed are basic skating fundamentals that are mastered in the skating area. Skating skills consist of the following eleven test levels:

• Star 1 - 10 and Gold

In a Freeskate, skaters learn how to jump and to spin in a variety of positions and to incorporate those and other skills in a program of a specified length using connecting steps and music. It is also divided into eleven different level:

• Star 1 - 10 and Gold

Each freeskate test is divided into two parts: Elements in Isolation and Free Program. The Elements in Isolation consist of stroking exercises (which all must be assessed as Satisfactory or better in order to pass), jump and spin elements, field movements and step sequences. The Free Program is a program of a specified length skated to music of the skater's choice. The program must demonstrate certain elements in order to be passed.

The Discipline of Dance consists of eleven levels of tests. It teaches timing, musicality, rhythm, interpretation and structure, as well as, basic skating skills such as edges, flow, control and unison. Dancers skate with partners, solo or shadow to various musical rhythms, including waltz tango and blues. Each compulsory Dance has a series of steps that must be skated in a specific pattern. Dancers progress through the eleven different test levels and can skate the Dance tests in any order within each level. A skater must pass a specified number of the test Dances at one level before proceeding to the next except for Star 9 to Gold they must pass two of the three dances in the set.

• Star 1 Dance Skills
• Star 2 Dutch Waltz, Canasta Tango
• Star 3 Baby Blues, Dance Skills 3B
• Star 4 Swing, Fiesta Tango
• Star 5 Willow Waltz, Dance Skills 5B
• Star 6 Ten-Fox, European Waltz, Fourteen Step
• Star 7 Foxtrot, Tango, American Waltz
• Star 8 Kilian, Rocker Foxtrot, Starlight Waltz
• Star 9 Paso Doble, Blues, Silver Samba
• Star 10 Cha Cha, Westminster Waltz, Quickstep
• Gold Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Rhythm Dance

Waltz Jump

A waltz jump begins with along glide on a right back outside edge. The skater steps forward onto a left forward outside edge, kicking the right leg up and through to begin the lift into the air. The arms should be held away from the body since this is only a half rotation jump. As with all jumps, the skater lands on a right back outside edge. The waltz jump and the axel are the only jumps where the skater takes off while facing forwards.

Salchow Jump

It was invented by Ulrich Salchow. The salchow is an edge jump which starts with the skater going forwards and stepping into a mohawk to a right back outside edge. Without pausing, the skater continues the momentum established by the mohawk by stepping onto a shallow left forward outside edge. The right shoulder should be firmly back and the left should be a strong check following a three turn onto a left back inside edge. The right shoulder should stay firmly back during and after the three turn. The skater brings the free leg around up and through in a scooping motion from the back inside edge to lift the jump into the air. By the time the blade leaves the ice, the skate is actually facing forwards. Some skaters like to substitute the mohawk for the three turn although it is recommended a beginner use the three turn approach.

The Toe Loop

The toe loop begins with a skater moving forwards with both feet on the ice and apart. The skater does a right forward inside three turn with a check at the end of it. The skater reaches back with the left free leg and jabs the toe pick into the ice, thus pole vaulting off the toe pick and into the air.

Loop

The loop starts with both feet on the ice about a foot apart on a right back outside and left back inside edge. the weight is squarely over the right hip. The skater begins the jump by bending the knees and falling onto a deep right back outside edge. The left leg drifts across the right as the edge deepens. As the edge is about to turn into a three turn, the skater jumps off the right leg straight up into the air. It should feel like you're popping straight up.

Flip

The flip jump starts on a left forward inside edge with the right leg off the ice and in front of the body. The left shoulder is in front and the right shoulder is in back. The skater pushes forwards off the right toe. As the left foot passes the right foot, it switches from an inside edge to an outside edge. The motion is like a skate boarder standing on his skate board with his left leg and pushing forwards with the right leg. The skater uses the momentum from the toe pick push to do a left forward outside three turn to a left back inside edge. The skater reaches back with the right leg and jabs the toe pick into the ice thus pole vaulting into the air.

Lutz

It was named for inventor Alois Lutz. The lutz jump is similar to the flip jump in that it is a toe jump which takes off from the left foot. The difference is in the setup and the take off edge. The jump starts with a long glide on a very shallow left back outside edge. The skater reaches back with the right leg with the left shoulder across and the right shoulder back. The skater jabs the toe pick into the ice and pole vaults into the air. In theory, the take off happened on a left back outside edge as opposed to the inside edge the flip takes off from.

Axel

It was named for Axel Paulson, the 1908 Gold Medallist who invented it. The axel is the only major jump where the skater takes off while going forwards. The setup begins by gliding on a right back outside edge. The skater steps onto a left forward outside edge kicking the right leg up and through lifting into the air. Up to this point, the axel is identical to the waltz jump. After leaving the ground, the skater pulls the arms and the legs in, which forces the jump to rotate a little less than one turn. The jump itself is one and a half rotations. The first half rotation should take place while the skater is in an open position. 

The recommendation of the Skate Canada Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) is that youth skating at this level skate two to five days a week, 45 to 60 minutes of on ice training.
The Skate Canada LTAD is a well researched document which speaks to how to support your skater’s development through all elements of training (on-ice/off-ice/nutrition etc) as well as how support your skater’s emotional and academic development outside of their skate training. To read more about how to support your skater, we would encourage you to refer to the Skate Canada LTAD brochure located online at:LTAD

Private coaching is mandatory at this stage and, is beneficial for developing your skater. When you are considering private coaching, we would encourage you to speak with the coaches on you skater’s session to assist you in assessing the individual needs of your skater.

All coaches within skating clubs must attend NCCP courses and be “in training, trained, or certified”. First aid certification and a police background check are also requirements. Additionally, all Professional Skate Canada Coaches must register yearly as

• Coaching Members within Skate Canada in order to be able to coach on these sessions.
• When deciding how to choose a coach your club should provide a list of their available coaches along with their specific qualifications. When choosing a coach for your child, here are some things you may want to consider:
• Select a coach carefully. Choose the right person for their teaching and coaching abilities, but also consider that the Coach will be the role model for your child.
• The Coach will be spending considerable time with your child, so it should be someone your child feels comfortable with.
• Coaches are the experts. Work together with your coach to create realistic goals and objectives for your child.
• Take time when selecting a coach. Remember that a picture is worth a thousand words. Watch the coaches teaching other children and see how they interact and present themselves.
• Coaching fees may vary according to the certification level an experience of the coach. Ask what the fees are up front so there are no misunderstandings later.

The purchase of a boot and blade is a major decision which can represent a substantial financial investment.

Fitting Basics:

A skater’s size, weight, and skating level are very important. These aspects will determine what boot and blade to purchase and how long they will last. While seated, the boot should be snug in the heel, arch, and ball areas for best support. Toes should be able to wiggle freely but not slide to any great degree. After the boot is laced and the skater stands, the boot should feel slightly tighter. There should be little to no movement when the skater tries to life her or his heel. The toes should just be touching the front of the boot.
Toes should feel slight pressure but not severe bending or pain. Toes should also not be cramped or curled under. It is important to have a correctly fitted boot for optimal skater performance.The boot must be snugly fit so that it responds exactly to the skater’s movement. Additional room in the skate can cause the foot to slide and thus may impede the Skater’s progress.

Remember:

Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel – there should be room for movement, but the ankle, instep and heel must be firmly supported
The tongue should be sufficiently wide so that it will stay in place and it should be well padded to prevent the laces from cutting into the foot
The front opening of the boot should be sufficiently wide to pull the laces tight
Avoid buying skates a size larger, as they tend to break down faster and hamper your child’s progress and more importantly could create long term foot problems
Buying used Skates and Blades: Good used skates can be okay for your child, especially in the beginning stages. If you do buy used skates, you may have to know a bit about the brand and model of the boot and blades you purchase. Ask your Coach about suggestions on what to look for. Sometimes a good used boot and blade set is better than an inexpensive, lower quality “sharpening life” left in it. Many skate companies have a website that describes an appropriate boot / blade combo for a particular level of skating.

Please note – At the Preliminary level, the focused is now on figure skating techniques, and as such it is important to purchase proper figure skates. Purchasing skates, whether new or used, should be done at a store specializing in figure skating. If you are concerned about how to purchase skates, again, please feel free to speak with your coach about how to purchase skates appropriate for your child’s skating level. Staff at a specialized skating store are also knowledgeable and able to assist in making a proper choice.

Sharpening of Skates:

Make sure you take your skates to a reputable figure skater sharpener who is familiar with the edges needed in figure skating. Do not remove the bottom pick, as it is essential for proper balance.

General Care of Boots and Blades:

Proper care of the boots and blades can help them last longer. When removing skates, unlace them enough before taking them off so that the back of the boot does not break down or rip. Blades and soles must be dried carefully with a soft cloth. Remove guards and wipe / wash them. Grit and dirt become lodged in the tracks of the guards. Replace guards occasionally.
Cover dried blades with soft blade covers (terry cloth or soft fabric). Take skates out of bag at home to let them air dry at normal temperatures to avoid rotting and rust.

Parents will have to plan their budget well in advance of each skating season. The costs you will incur will depend on your child’s participation in the sport. Here are some suggested items you should have in your yearly budget:

• Club Membership
• Skate Canada Membership
• Skates and accessories like guards, blade covers, skate bag as well as appropriate skating attire
• Extra Ice costs
• Coaching Costs – Lessons, Competitions and Test Days
• Choreography Fees
• Costumes
• Ice Show or Carnival Fees
• Music Fees for burning of CD’s for solo music
• Off ice Fees for skater’s conditioning
• Seminars
• CD’s that recorded your Competition skate
• Travel and Accommodations for Competitions and Test Days

Skating skills are exercises containing edges, turns and field movements designed to expand on the fundamental movements for skaters of all levels. The basic components of all disciplines of figure skating are contained in the program. Edge quality, control, power and speed are basic skating fundamentals that are mastered in the skating area.

In a Freeskate, skaters learn how to jump and to spin in a variety of positions and to incorporate those and other skills in a program of a specified length using connecting steps and music.

Each freeskate test is divided into two parts: Elements in Isolation and Free Program. The Elements in Isolation consist of stroking exercises (which all must be assessed as Satisfactory or better in order to pass), jump and spin elements, field movements and step sequences. Of the 14 elements performed at each level, 12 must receive Satisfactory or better evaluations in order to pass that portion of the test. The Free Program is a program of a specified length skated to music of the skater's choice. The program must demonstrate certain elements in order to be passed.

The Discipline of Dance consists of seven levels of tests. It teaches timing, musicality, rhythm, interpretation and structure, as well as, basic skating skills such as edges, flow, control and unison. Dancers skate with partners and sometimes by themselves to various musical rhythms, including waltz tango and blues. Each compulsory Dance has a series of steps that must be skated in a specific pattern. Dancers progress through the eleven different test levels and can skate the Dance tests in any order within each level.

A skater must pass a specified number of the test Dances at one level before proceeding to the next.

The objective of the Interpretive program is to encourage and develop skaters' creativity, expression, musicality, movement, interpretation of music, as well as the use of space, rhythm, line and style. The program provides skaters with the opportunity to explore the performance aspect of skating without focusing on technical elements. The artistic tests consist of skating to and interpreting a piece of music 2.0 to 3.0 minutes (+/- 10 seconds) in length. Skaters must take artistic tests at a high test day.

The Waltz Jump

A waltz jump begins with along glide on a right back outside edge. The skater steps forward onto a left forward outside edge, kicking the right leg up and through to begin the lift into the air. The arms should be held away from the body since this is only a half rotation jump. As with all jumps, the skater lands on a right back outside edge. The waltz jump and the axel are the only jumps where the skater takes off while facing forwards.

The Salchow Jump

It was invented by Ulrich Salchow. The salchow is an edge jump which starts with the skater going forwards and stepping into a mohawk to a right back outside edge. Without pausing, the skater continues the momentum established by the mohawk by stepping onto a shallow left forward outside edge. The right shoulder should be firmly back and the left should be a strong check following a three turn onto a left back inside edge. The right shoulder should stay firmly back during and after the three turn. The skater brings the free leg around up and through in a scooping motion from the back inside edge to lift the jump into the air. By the time the blade leaves the ice, the skate is actually facing forwards. Some skaters like to substitute the mohawk for the three turn although it is recommended a beginner use the three turn approach.

The Toe Loop

The toe loop begins with a skater moving forwards with both feet on the ice and apart. The skater does a right forward inside three turn with a check at the end of it. The skater reaches back with the left free leg and jabs the toe pick into the ice, thus pole vaulting off the toe pick and into the air.

Loop

The loop starts with both feet on the ice about a foot apart on a right back outside and left back inside edge. the weight is squarely over the right hip. The skater begins the jump by bending the knees and falling onto a deep right back outside edge. The left leg drifts across the right as the edge deepens. As the edge is about to turn into a three turn, the skater jumps off the right leg straight up into the air. It should feel like you're popping straight up.

Flip

The flip jump starts on a left forward inside edge with the right leg off the ice and in front of the body. The left shoulder is in front and the right shoulder is in back. The skater pushes forwards off the right toe. As the left foot passes the right foot, it switches from an inside edge to an outside edge. The motion is like a skate boarder standing on his skate board with his left leg and pushing forwards with the right leg. The skater uses the momentum from the toe pick push to do a left forward outside three turn to a left back inside edge. The skater reaches back with the right leg and jabs the toe pick into the ice thus pole vaulting into the air.

Lutz

It was named for inventor Alois Lutz. The lutz jump is similar to the flip jump in that it is a toe jump which takes off from the left foot. The difference is in the setup and the take off edge. The jump starts with a long glide on a very shallow left back outside edge. The skater reaches back with the right leg with the left shoulder across and the right shoulder back. The skater jabs the toe pick into the ice and pole vaults into the air. In theory, the take off happened on a left back outside edge as opposed to the inside edge the flip takes off from.

Axel

It was named for Axel Paulson, the 1908 Gold Medallist who invented it. The axel is the only major jump where the skater takes off while going forwards. The setup begins by gliding on a right back outside edge. The skater steps onto a left forward outside edge kicking the right leg up and through lifting into the air. Up to this point, the axel is identical to the waltz jump. After leaving the ground, the skater pulls the arms and the legs in, which forces the jump to rotate a little less than one turn. The jump itself is one and a half rotations. The first half rotation should take place while the skater is in an open position.