Learn to Skate

Two young skaters very happy to be on the ice

Learn to Skate

Skate Oakville offers learn to skate lessons delivered using the nation’s premiere program, CanSkate. This best in class program has been recently updated by Skate Canada and all of the learn to skate coaches at the club are certified to deliver it using the latest techniques and tools. CanSkate now features a fresh look, new awards, improved tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee success in developing stronger basic skating skills and developing them faster. It also includes specific skills useful in hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating thereby preparing all skaters for virtually every ice sport. It has also been tailored to teach new skaters of all ages from young children up to adults even if the goal is simply to learn how to skate for fun and to stay active. Check out the tabs below to learn more about the different options offered, session timing and frequently asked questions.

Program Descriptions

CanSkate is Skate Canada's official "Learn To Skate" program. It is highly regarded by other ice sport organizations as the favoured curriculum to develop the skills needed to participate in their sports. This group format program teaches skaters of all ages the basics of skating in 3 areas: agility, control, and balance. No previous skating experience is required for CanSkate, TeenSkate and Adult LTS. Skaters move through the stages of the program as they learn & master the required skills.

CanSkate - 3 to 5 years

A 30 minute program for young skaters ages 3 to 5. No previous skating experience is required. We provide a small group environment where children are encouraged to stand on their own and balance and control at their own pace. Skaters are assessed at their first class and grouped by ability. Skaters that are able to stand and move on their own begin working on the CanSkate badges. All participants must provide their own skates and CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets and gloves. It is highly recommended for skaters at this level to wear a face cage on their helmet. Snow pants or waterproof pants are recommended as skaters start by sitting on the ice.

CanSkate - 5 to 12 years

A 50-minute program for skaters ages 5 to 12 where the six stage badge levels are taught. No previous skating experience is required. We keep track of your child's progression through the badges and group them accordingly. Skaters new to us are assessed and grouped on the first day. The session has a group warmup(everyone), then station rotations with their group where they learn and practice new skills, and finally a coach led group cool down. All participants must provide their own skates and CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets, and gloves.

Intro to Figure Skating - must be registered in another CanSkate session.

This program is for skaters that are interested in pursuing figure skating. Skaters at CanSkate Stage 4 and above can join this program. Skaters must continue in their CanSkate session in addition to Intro to Figure Skating until Stage 6 is completed. The Intro to Figure Skating session is a 50-minute group session. Skaters in this program must wear figure skates.

Preteen/TeenSkate - 11-17

Preteen/TeenSkate runs like a CanSkate session but is a more comfortable environment for older beginners and teens working on the six Stage badges. See CanSkate for full description. No previous skating experience is required. All participants must provide their own skates and CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets and gloves.

Adult LTS - 18 and up

AdultSkate is a 50 minute learn to skate program for adults. No previous skating experience is required. All participants must provide their own skates and CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets and gloves. It is taught in group format where skaters are grouped according to their ability. Adults will work on skating skills that will enable them to enjoy the sport.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional important information.

PreSTAR - Passed CanSkate Stage 5

Skaters passed CanSkate stage 5 are eligible to take one STAR A group session in addition to their CanSkate session. This will help with the transition from CanSkate to STARskate. Skaters must wear figure skates and a helmet.

STAR Bridging Program Information

PrePower/Canpower

Designed for hockey players and experienced skaters, our PrePower and CanPower programs focus on the development of skating skills for sports outside of figure skating, such as hockey and ringette.

These programs emphasize quality technique in skating fundamentals essential for success in hockey, ringette, and similar sports. They are ideal for skaters who are:

Looking to transition from CanSkate into hockey or ringette
Participating in hockey programs with other organizations and want additional skill development
Skaters with some experience looking to improve their skills in hockey, ringette, or like sports

Please note: Skate Oakville does not offer hockey instruction beyond PowerSkate. These are standalone programs and do not require concurrent enrollment in a CanSkate course.

A CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet and full equipment required.

New to Skate Oakville?

If you haven't participated in our CanSkate program before, please email us at office@skateoakville.ca with a description of your previous skating or hockey experience. We'll assess your eligibility based on your ability to perform the required skills listed below.

Eligibility Requirements

PrePower

For skaters who have completed Stage 1 of CanSkate.

Skaters should be able to:

Perform forward pushes in a push glide sequence
Be working on backward strides
Have the concept of stopping and turning backwards

CanPower

For skaters who have completed Stage 4 of CanSkate.

Skaters should be able to:

Execute a forward stride
Skate backwards
Perform/ working on crossovers
Stop with control
Turn from forward to backward

Equipment: jock/jill, shin pads, hockey socks, hockey pants, shoulder/elbow pads, neck guard, hockey gloves, jersey, stick, CSA approved hockey helmet, hockey skates.

What Comes After CanSkate?

Once all six levels of the CanSkate program are achieved a skater is eligible to begin our figure skating program known as STARskate. The program introduces athletes to the basics of figure skating and continues to move them through to more advanced skills in figure skating. A skater will begin in STAR A. For more information, visit our STARSkate page.

For adult skaters, please see Intro to STAR and our available open sessions.

Schedule Fall and Winter

Fall: Friday September 12, 2025 thru Sunday December 14, 2025

Winter: Monday January 5, 2026 thru Sunday March 26, 2026

Monday - River Oaks Community Centre

4:30-5:20pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
5:30-6:20pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
6:30-7:20pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
River Oaks Registration

Tuesday - Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

4:45-5:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
5:45-6:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
6:45-7:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
SMSC Registration

Wednesday - River Oaks Community Centre

4:30-5:20pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
5:30-6:20pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
6:30-7:20pm Pre Teen/Teen CanSkate (ages 11-17 years)
River Oaks Registration

Thursday - Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

4:45-5:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
5:45-6:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
6:45-7:35pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
7:45-8:35pm Adult LTS (18 years plus)
SMSC Registration

Friday - Trafalgar Park

5:00-5:50pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
6:00-6:50pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
7:00-7:50pm Pre Teen/Teen CanSkate (ages 11-17 years)
Trafalgar Park Registration

Saturday - River Oaks Community Centre

9:00-9:50am CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
10:00-10:30am CanSkate (ages 3-5 years)
10:30-11:00am CanSkate (ages 3-5 years)
11:10-12:00pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
12:00-12:50pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
River Oaks Registration

Sunday - River Oaks Community Centre

8:00-8:50am CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
9:00-9:50am CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
10:00-10:30am CanSkate (ages 3-5 years)
10:30-11:00am CanSkate (ages 3-5 years)
11:10-12:00pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
12:00-12:50pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
1:00-1:50pm CanSkate (ages 5-12 years)
2:00-2:50pm Intro to Figure Skating
River Oaks Registration

Fees

Learn to Skate fees are $215 for a ten-week session plus an annual $63 Skate Canada Fee. Full payment is required at the time of registration.

The mandatory $63 Skate Canada Fee is only charged once per year (Sept 1 to Aug 31) per skater, so any subsequent registrations within that year will only be charged the fee for the session(s) selected. The Skate Canada Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Refunds

Learn to Skate Sessions:

Refund requests must be in writing or by email to the office (office@skateoakville.ca) at least 24 hours before the 3rd class. We do not accept changes or withdrawals in person or over the phone.
There are no refunds after the 3rd class.
The $63 Skate Canada fees are non-refundable for any reason.
All refunds are pro-rated from the time of notification (24-hour notice required).
Refunds for injury with a doctor's note will be issued at any time throughout the program.

Missed Classes

We use the same policy for missed classes as the Town of Oakville. "Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided."

Helmet Policy

CanSkate (3-4 yrs) - A CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet for all skaters in these programs. A face cage is highly recommended.

CanSkate (5-12 yrs), TeenSkate, AdultSkate - A CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet is required for all skaters in these programs. Helmet face cages are optional.

The helmet must be in good condition, not broken or missing pieces, and must fit properly.

All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools, that offer a CanSkate program, must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants, up to and including Stage 5, must wear a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet while on the ice. Skaters in Intro to Figure Skating and/or Intro to Synchro must follow the Helmet Policy for the age group they fit into.

Helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

This policy must be agreed to at the time of registration. Equipment is not provided by Skate Oakville, nor are rentals available for any reason at any time during our programs. No exceptions will be made to this policy at any time or for any reason. Skaters who show up for classes without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

For more information on Skate Canada's Helmet Policy and regulations, please click here.

Equipment Policy

All skaters in all programs are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets. Skaters also need to provide their own warm clothing and gloves while they are on the ice. Helmets must be in good condition, not broken or missing pieces, and must fit the skater properly. There are absolutely no rentals available at any location or for any reason during our programs. This policy must be accepted at the time of registration. No exceptions will be made to this policy. Skaters that show up to classes without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

Accessibility Standards Policy

Skate Oakville understands that barriers may exist for persons with a disability to take part in our programs. A disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It is the goal of Skate Oakville to accommodate the needs of all persons. To that end, if you or your skater requires one on one assistance or special accommodations of any kind, please reach out to the Skate Oakville office in advance of registration so we may ensure that supports are in place before the start of your program.

Learn to Skate Required Equipment

CSA Approved Figure Skating or Hockey Helmet
Appropriate Skates
Skate Sharpening
Skating Attire

CSA Approved Figure Skating or Hockey Helmet

CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmets are required for all skaters participating in our Learn to Skate programs. Specific helmets designed to accommodate religious headwear are available. Please contact the Skate Oakville office (office@skateoakville.ca) for more information. Face cages are not mandatory but strongly encouraged for skaters under five.

Where can I purchase a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet?

Canadian Tire
Sport Chek
Corbett's Source for Sports
Pro Hockey Life
The Figure Skating Boutique

Recommended: Figure Skates or Hockey Skates

Here are things to look for when buying skates

Comfortable, snug fit
Laces
Supportive
Sharpened (skates do not come pre-sharpened)

Avoid the following:

Buckles and Clips
Straps
Too much growing room

Figure Skates

Jackson Skate 151 or 200
Cameo 1851
Jackson Mystique or Excel

Where can I purchase Figure skates?

Important Note

Some stores like Canadian Tire carry Jackson skates which are acceptable. When purchasing skates from stores like Canadian Tire or Sport Chek, ensure the skates are Jackson brand. Any other figure skates offered at these stores are not suitable. DO NOT get figure skates sharpened at Canadian Tire. This can damage your blades.

Hockey Skates

Bauer

Where can I purchase Figure skates?

Skate Sharpening

Hockey Skates may be sharpened at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and other sports stores

Figure Skates Must be sharpened by a professional, otherwise they can be damaged.

Recommended Skate Sharpening Places

Skate Oakville Mark Bradshaw professionally sharpens skates. For more details, please email coachmarkbradshaw@gmail.com.
Ice and Nice This skate shop in Burlington sharpens skates professionally. Please contact them to make an appointment.
Paul Fisher regularly sharpens skates at different arenas in the area. Please email Paul fishersharpening@gmail.com for more information.

Other Skate Maintenance Tips

Hard guards should be worn when on non-padded surfaces. Walking on the floor without protecting your blades can severely damage your skates

Dry off your blades after each session with a small towel

Skating Attire

Mittens or gloves are mandatory
Warm and waterproof clothing is recommended. Beginners are encouraged to wear splash pants or snow pants as they will begin sitting on the ice.
It is not recommeded for skaters to wear padding including knee pads as these can inhibit proper movement.

Proper Equipment for CanSkate Video

Learn to Skate FAQ

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

No experience is necessary for any of our Learn to Skate programs, but skaters should be comfortable enough to be on the ice without a parent. There is a Stage 1 group at every age level and on every session. You do not need to worry about the Stage/Level when registering for one of our programs; just select the proper age group and the date and time that work best for you!

Do I need to go on the ice with my child?

No. Parents are not permitted to be on the ice surface during any sessions for any reason.

Do I need my own skates?

Yes. Every participant needs to supply their own skates and a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet. Rentals are not available at any location, at any time, for any reason. Skaters that show up without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice. No exceptions will be made to our equipment and/or helmet policy. Skaters should be dressed warmly in layers, including gloves or mittens.

What kind of skates do I need?

Both figure skates and hockey-style skates are fine for our learn to skate programs. Leather, lace-up skates are preferable to vinyl. Most hockey skates will be suitable for our programs. Figure skates should be leather, lace-up skates. They should not be plastic and should not be flimsy in the ankle area. The inside should not be lined with fur as it will not allow the skate to mould properly to the foot.

Moulded plastic skates with velcro or buckle closures are not recommended. Balance Blades brand and Grow With Me brand is not suitable for our programs. BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs. If your skater is interested in pursuing figure skating, we recommend having them start in figure skates as early as possible as there is a difference between figure skates and hockey skates. Figure skates are required for the STARSkate (figure skating), all Competitive and Synchronized Skating programs.

Where can I buy skates?

You can buy used skates from places like Play it Again Sports.

Sport Chek, National Sports,Corbettsand Pro Hockey Life often carry the correct type of skates for our programs.

Other places you can purchase skates:Figure Skating Boutique,Esta,Ice and Nice

Are there types of skates I should not buy?

Moulded plastic skates with velcro or buckle closures are not recommended. BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.

Vic and WinWell brands are not recommended for our programs as they are not sturdy enough for beginners and do not provide enough support in the ankle area.

Balance Blade and Grow With Me brand skates are not suitable for our programs.

Do the skates need to be sharpened?

Yes. Skates should be sharpened after purchasing. Learn to Skate, and entry-level skaters should have their blades sharpened before each new season. If you notice any rust on the blade, or chips or dents on the blade from improper care, storage, or not using hard guards, you should sharpen the blade.

Figure skates should be sharpened by figure skating experts and not by local sports stores or hockey stores. Figure Skating Boutique,Esta, and Ice and Nice all offer figure skate sharpening in the GTA.

Hockey skates can be sharpened at local sports stores or hockey stores.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. A CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet is required for all skaters in learn to skate programs. Skaters on CanSkate (3-5 years) must also have a face cage. Skaters registered in Intro to Figure Skating and/or Intro to Synchro must follow the guidelines for their age group. The hockey helmet must be in good condition, not broken or missing pieces, and must fit properly. No exceptions will be made to our helmet policy.

All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools that offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet while on the ice.

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Equipment is not provided by Skate Oakville. You must supply your own equipment. Rentals are not available at any time or location or for any reason. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

For more information on Skate Canada's Helmet Policy and regulations, please click here.

I forgot my helmet. Can I go on the ice this one time without it?

No. All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools that offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet while on the ice.

No exceptions will be made to our helmet policy. All participants must have a CSA approved figure skating or hockey helmet in order to participate in our classes. The hockey helmet must be in good condition, not broken or missing pieces, and must fit properly. We do not have extras for skaters to borrow, nor do we offer rentals for any reason, at any time, during any of our programs. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

For more information on Skate Canada's Helmet Policy and regulations, please click here.

Do I need to stay in the arena while my skater is on the ice?

Yes. Skaters under 18 are required to have a parent or responsible adult guardian in the arena at all times. Parents/guardians should be visible to the coaches and convenors at all times. Parents/guardians are not to leave the arena during their skater's program. Do not assume our coaches or staff are supervising or responsible for your skater.

How do I register my child for the right level?

Make sure you register your child for the right age group, and we will take care of the level. Each session has a group of skaters at each level.

If you have already skated with us, we have a record of what levels you achieved in the last session. If you are new to us, we will assess and place your skater at the appropriate level during the first week. Skaters will move through the stages as they progress and master new skills.

Where are the locations this program is offered?

At this time, the CanSkate program is only being offered at three locations:

Do you offer make-up classes if I miss a session?

No. We use the same policy for missed classes as the Town of Oakville. "Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided."

Where can I register for a program?

Registration dates vary from year to year and by season. Registrations for available programs are accepted up until the 3rd class.

We recommend that you create an online profile ahead of the registration date and be ready to register your skater online once the registration opens.

How should I register for a program?

The only way to register for one of our programs is online. Our online system is live and will give you the most up-to-date information on available sessions.

Registrations will not be taken over the phone at any time or for any reason.

Create an account with us online before the registration date and set up your online profile so you can be ready to register right when it opens.

Can you hold a spot for me?

No. Registrations are first-come, first-served. Once registration opens, it is available online 24/7. If the program you want is available, you are able to register for it online.

Do you offer one-on-one or private lessons for beginners?

No. We do not offer one-on-one or private lessons for beginners, we only offer the group format CanSkate program. Skaters will begin working with private coaches in the STARSkate (figure skating) program.

The session I want is full, how do I register for it?

You can place your skater on the waitlist for the program that you prefer. This can be done through your online profile. Should a spot become available, you will receive an email letting you know that you can register. If you need to change from a session you're currently registered on, you must email office@skateoakville.ca to do so.

You are also able to register for another session and be on the waitlist for your preferred session. This is highly recommended as skaters on waitlists are not guaranteed a spot in the program.

When will my skater come off the wait list?

There is no guarantee that a spot will become available for your preferred session. Withdrawals from sessions are unpredictable, and there is no way to know if there will be moved during any specific session.

Will you be adding more sessions or opening up more spots on sessions to accommodate skaters on the wait list?

We cannot always accommodate more skaters on a session or add sessions to accommodate waitlisted skaters.

Do I need to wait until I receive my skaters report card to register for the next session?

No! We keep track of your skater's progress through our online system. This ensures that they are placed into the correct group for their level each time they register with us and is updated before new terms begin. We recommend registering as early as possible to ensure enrollment in our programs.

How many times a week should my skater be skating?

For those just starting out, once a week is a plenty. If your skater really enjoys skating, is looking to progress faster, and you have flexibility in your schedule, you can register for more than one session a week. You must pay the full session fees each time you register.

I have a questions about my skaters report card, progress, or group. Who should I talk to?

Please speak directly to the convenor of your session. They are typically stationed at the name tag table before and after sessions and are available to answer any questions you have regarding your skater's report card, progress or group. The convenor of your session is the best person to speak to regarding your skater as they are on the ice during your skater's session and work with the coaches on their session.

Do you offer drop-in sessions?

No. You must register your skater for a specific day and time, and you are only permitted to skate on your registered session.

Can I try a session without committing?

No. You must register for a session before stepping on the ice. For withdrawals from programs, please see the Learn to Skate refund policy available under the Policies tab.

Do you offer public skating?

No. Public skating is offered through the Town of Oakville, please visit their website for more information.

Why does my rink change from time to time?

The rinks are always subject to change without notice, and the Town of Oakville does not need to give Skate Oakville advance notice when changing rinks. Always check the TV screens located at the arena for the most up-to-date rink and change room assignments.

How do I know about No Skating Days?

You can also view "No Skating Days" in your family calendar through your online account. Signs are often posted ahead of time at your session to inform you of "No Skating Days", and we send out emails a few days in advance. Be sure you are subscribed to get these emails.

How long will it take my skater to learn how to skate?

Each skater learns at their own pace. Some skaters will catch on quickly, and others will take a little longer to get going. It is important to encourage your skater to continue going to lessons and to participate fully with the rest of their group, as you would with other sports. As with many other sports, you must first learn the basic skills before moving on to more challenging skills.

There is no set timeline for how long it takes to complete all the stages of CanSkate. If you have questions about your skater's level, please speak to the coach convenor for your session. The convenor is typically at the name tag table before and after sessions.

Why don't you use the pushcarts/chairs/etc. to help children learn to skate?

We do not use the pushcarts/chairs or any form of skating assisting objects as it does not teach skaters the proper balance points on their skates. These objects tend to have the skater leaning forward, and thfskatesey will not be learning how to properly balance themselves on their blades without assistance. Once the object helping them stand is removed, they have to start from scratch and learn how to balance properly all over again.

What does my skater have to accomplish before moving to the Figure Skating program?

Skaters must have passed Stage 6 of the CanSkate program before moving on to the Figure Skating (STARSkate) program. Skaters in the Figure Skating program are required to wear figure skates.

If your skater has passed Stage 6 of CanSkate at another Skate Canada club, please provide our office with their report card, so you are able to register for the appropriate program.

Did You Know?

Skate Oakville has one of the largest CanSkate programs in Canada. Training over 2000 skaters annually, we offer class options at 3 different locations in Oakville, over 7 days of the week.

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