STARSkate FAQ's

Do I need skating experience to register for the STARSkate I program?

How do I get a private coach?

Do I need a private coach?

How do I pay the coach and how much is it?

How many times per week do I need to skate?

How do I move up to the next level?

How does the format differ from CanSkate?

Do I need skating experience to register for the STARSkate I program?

Yes, skaters must be passed stage 5 of the CanSkate program to participate in the STARSkate I program.

How do I get a private coach?

If you already have a coach in mind, you can contact them directly to enquire about their availability.  If you don't know any of our coach, sign up for the session you would like and inform our office (office@skateoakville.ca) that you are looking for a coach.  We will contact you with the coaches who are available during your session time.  It may take some time to connect you with a coach, but we will do our best to find you someone as soon as we can.

Do I need a private coach?

Not at first but eventually you will need a private coach.  Some skaters prefer to be in the program for a little bit to see which coach they connect best with, before hiring someone.  Some skaters will have lessons set up right away.  Your skater will need a private coach to track their progress and to determine when your skater is ready to move on to the next level.  There are no report cards and level tracking in the STARSkate I program, so skaters will need a private coach to help direct their progress.  There are no group lessons on STARSkate II so you will need to connect with a coach to move on to SSII.

How do I pay the coach and how much is it?

The agreement is between you and the coach.  Most coaches bill their skaters on a monthly bases and you make payment directly to them.  

How many times per week do I need to skate?

Skaters in STARSkate II, III or IV are required to skate at least 2 session per week to participate in our test days.  Skaters in STARSkate I are required to skate at least once per week.  This is the minimum the more you skate the faster you progress.

How do I move up to the next level?

Skaters move up to the next level by aquiring Skate Oakville Points.  Points are awarded based on STARSkate testing levels.  Your coach will guide your through the testing process and let you know when you are ready to test.  There is more information on our Levels & Criteria page.

How does the format differ from CanSkate?

STARSkate I sessions start with a 30 minute group lesson followed by 30 minutes of unstructured ice time.  In this time skaters practice their skills.  Some skaters will also use the unstructured time for private lessons.

STARSkate II, III, & IV are 50 minutes of unstructured ice time.  At these levels it is necessary to have a private coach.