Winter can be a very long season if you are indoors from November to March.

An easy way to pass the time is to strap on a pair of skates for some winter fun. There is nothing like the feel of the ice under your feet, the cold air on your cheeks and the wind in your face as you make your way around the pond or the rink. 

Learning to skate was a rite of passage for many of us growing up in Canada. But not everyone had the opportunity or took the opportunity to learn. More and more adults are showing an interest in learning to skate. There are many options available for your first time on skates or to polish up your skills. 

 

 

Skating programs available 

Skate Canada offers learn to skate programs for individuals of all ages in many communities across the country. There are more and more adults interested in learning to skate so Skate Canada is expanding the programs offered to meet the various needs and skill levels for those over the age of 18. 

The following is a list of offerings and a brief description of the program available through AdultSkate: 

• CanSKate – this is the entry level program that teaches the basics of skating. This program is suited for the beginner or for someone who is looking to improve their basic skills. 

• STARSkate – this program provides further opportunities to develop figure skating skills in ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Interested individuals have the opportunity to participate in the national standardized testing system as well as compete in club and interclub competitions. 

• CanPowerSkate – this program is geared towards hockey and ringette skaters to develop skating skills for these programs. It provides an alternative program to figure skating.  

• SynchroSkate – this is a team skating program that involves groups of eight or more skaters performing moves and formations in sync. With three adult categories, synchro skating provides opportunities for skaters of various ages and skill levels to advance their skills and compete at the national level as well.  

• Adult Championships – Adult Figure Skating Championships are held annually which provides those with the desire to compete a venue to test their skills against like-minded adults. This is a huge attraction to adult skaters in US and is interest is growing in Canada as well. In 2016, 921 adult figure skaters, including 42 synchronized teams, participated in the Skate Canada Adult Figure Skating Championships.  

 

 

Equipment you need to get started 

Want to try it out? All you need to get started is a pair of skates, a CSA approved hockey helmet, warm clothes – pants, jacket and mittens. If this is your first time or you just feel the need to be extra cautious, it may be a good idea to throw in a pair of kneepads and wrist guards!  

 

 

Club information 

To find more information on skating clubs in your community, click on the link below: 

 

SkateCanada Section Office	Website link
SkateCanada	https://skatecanada.ca/skating-lessons/find-a-club/
British Columbia/Yukon	http://www.skatinginbc.com/clubs
Alberta/NWT/Nunavut	http://skateabnwtnun.ca/clubs/contact-a-club/
Saskatchewan	http://www.skatecanadasaskatchewan.com/clubs/
Manitoba	http://sec0manitoba.wpengine.com/about-us/our-skating-clubs/
Northern Ontario	http://www.scno.net/resources/clubs/clubs-in-northern-ontario/
Western Ontario	http://www.skating-wos.on.ca/clubs/list.htm
Central Ontario	http://www.skatecanada-centralontario.com/coscubdirectory.htm
Eastern Ontario	http://skate-eos.on.ca/
Quebec	www.patinage.qc.ca/
New Brunswick	https://skatecanada.ca/skating-lessons/find-a-club/
Nova Scotia	http://skatecanada.ns.ca/about-us__trashed/skating-clubs/
Prince Edward Island	http://skatecanadapei.ca/skating-clubs/
Newfoundland/Labrador	http://www.skating.nf.ca/?page_id=15

 

 

Learn more with SWSCD

Interested in learning more about other sports?  SeeWhatSheCanDo can help you do just that. We invite you to check out the links below.

Auto Racing: The ultimate women's guide to auto racing: Insights from champion racer Amanda Balson

Curling: Must-have tips and resources for beginners to high performance curlers

Cycling: Mountain bike racing: From the perspective of a newbie

Dance: Beginner tips for aspiring adult dancers

Dodgeball: You’ve played the game. Meet the sport

Dragon Boat Racing: A great way to experience the spirit of teamwork

Fitness: The New Barre in Town: The workout that’s as fun as it is effective

Golf: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Golf

Ice Hockey: Give sledge hockey a try: A guide to a hockey player’s first time in the sled and Learn to play hockey: Its never too late 

Martial Arts: This is how we really ‘roll’: busting myths and learning the (fun!) truth about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Outdoor Adventure: How to get started with rock climbing

Ringette: Diary of a ringette first-timer. Why you should give it a try

Rugby: Rugby 101: A quick start guide – Part 1, Rugby 101: A quick start guide – Part 2 and A few reasons why your daughter should give rugby a try

Synchronized Swimming: Synchronized Swimming: From Tryouts to Competition Day

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo 

Do you have a story about someone who inspires you to be active? We’d love to hear your story. Tell us about this special someone directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando in your social media posts.

Check out our Athlete Advisor, your online business directory for more information on skating in your community. Find, rate and review clubs, programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.

Find or start a skating group or organize an evening on the ice in our SWSCD Hub.  

Look for advice, stories and news on our Figure Skating activity page.