CanSkate Frequently Asked Questions
I've never registered with the WFSC before. How do I create an account?
Select 'Login' at the top right corner of the webpage. The page will display a form underneath the heading: 'First Time Registering?' Follow the instructions and fill in the form completely. Once finished, select ‘Create Account’.
Why do I need to complete my registration within a specific time period?
Spots in all of our programs are limited. To secure your spot and ensure everyone has an equal chance to register, please complete your registration by submitting payment via Credit Card or Cheque.
I see a list of sessions under the "Registration" menu, but why don’t I see a "Register" button beside each session?
Registration for programs and sessions opens at different times. If you don’t see a “Register” button next to the session you want, it means registration isn’t open yet –please check back soon!
Which CanSkate/PreCanSkate Program is appropriate for my child?
Pre-CanSkate: For children who are new to skating. Focuses on basic balance, coordination and having fun on the ice. This session is for children ages 3 to 5 years old. A CHILD MUST BE AGE 3 AND UNDER AGE 6 BY THE FIRST DAY OF SKATING. No one over the age of 6 will be allowed on these sessions
CanSkate: For children who are ready to start learning fundamental skating skills. Builds on balance, control and basic skating techniques in a fun, structured environment. This session is for children ages 5 and up OR must have completed minimum badge 1.
A CHILD MUST BE AGE 5 BY THE FIRST DAY OF SKATING if they have no previous CanSkate experience.
CanSkate 9+: For children with or without previous skating experience aged 9 years and older at the start of the first class.
I have registered, but I also noticed additional fees added to my invoice. What are these fees?
There is an annual $65 Skate Canada Membership fee, which is valid from September 1 to August 31.
All skaters need a Skate Canada Membership to participate.
The fee is paid annually and is required in addition to any program registration fees. It allows you child to:
· Participate in Skate Canada – sanctioned programs and events
· Be covered by Skate Canada insurance while on the ice
· Receive access to member resources and communications
I am having difficulty registering. Who can I contact for help?
Questions about registration can be sent to wfscregistrar@gmail.com and you will receive a response within 48 hours.
Finding the Best Program
How old should my child be before he/she starts skating?
Most children are ready to start learning to skate between the ages of 3 and 5. The right time to begin depends on your child’s attention span and interest in skating.
My child is interested in hockey/ringette. Is this program only for figure skaters?
No, CanSkate is a fundamental skating program designed to teach children of all interests the basic skills of balance, control and movement on ice. While it’s great for future figure skaters, it’s also ideal for kids who may want to play hockey, ringette or just skate for fun.
Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program?
No previous skating experience is required for CanSkate. The program is designed for beginners and skaters of all levels. Children will learn fundamental skating skills in a fun, supportive environment.
My children have very different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same session?
CanSkate sessions include 6 levels and are designed to accommodate children of different skill levels. Skaters are grouped according to their ability during the session, so each child can progress at their own pace while still enjoying the program together.
What is the coach to Student Ratio?
Group sizes range from 6-10 skaters and are taught by a professional coach with one or more trained assistants to ensure each child receives attention and guidance.
Is the CanSkate program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills?
Yes! CanSkate is designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels. Skaters are grouped according to their ability within the session, so each child can progress at their own pace and continue to be challenged, whether they are beginners or more experienced skaters.
Upon completion of CanSkate, skaters will have learned key skills, such as: forward and backward stroking, crosscuts, side stops, turns, basic spins, and jumps – building a strong foundation for all ice sports.
If I am sure that my skater is too advanced for the CanSkate level, what are his/her options with your club?
If your skater is beyond the CanSkate level, there are several options available:
- STARSkate Program: Designed for skaters who have mastered CanSkate skills and want to continue developing figure skating techniques, including jumps, spins and performance skills.
- Hockey or Ringette Development Programs: Focused on advanced skating skills applicable to ice sports (Power Skating).
Skaters who have achieved Stage 6 may qualify for WFSC STARSkate 1/ 2 level. For more information about STARSkate, please visit the STARSkate section page online.
Is there a Power Skating program at your club?
Currently, WFSC offers 3 sessions per week. Skaters must have previous skating experience and be able to skate unassisted. This program is not designed as a learn to skate program.
Power Skating helps skaters improve their speed, agility, balance and overall skating technique. It focuses on strengthening stride efficiency, edge control, stops, turns and quick movements – skills that benefit hockey players, ringette players or anyone who wants to skater better and faster.
My child has previous experience in another program. How will they be placed in the CanSkate program?
All new CanSkate members are placed in Stage 1 and will be 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.
Skate Canada Fee
I paid a Skate Canada membership fee when my child joined the program. Will I have to pay it again?
The Skate Canada fee is an annual membership and is valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 of the following year, regardless of when you join the program. The fee is required by Skate Canada and is not retained by the club. This fee is non-refundable.
Withdrawing from the Program/Transferring to Another Class
How do I withdraw from a course?
Refunds are based on the date of receipt of a WFSC Refund Request Form, dropped into the WFSC dropbox on the office door. Please see our Refund Policy for Recreation Programs for additional details.
How do I transfer to another CanSkate class?
There is no automated system to do that at this time. Please email the club to request a class day change.
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?
If there is space available, you can move your skater on a permanent basis; however, you cannot move back and forth between class days.
If we want to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline, can we get a credit for future lessons?
WFSC provides a clear refund policy and allows sufficient time to try a program before the withdrawal deadline. Credit notes are not issued after the deadline, except for medical withdrawals. For full details, refer to our Refund Policy for Recreation Programs.
Wait List
If there are no spaces left in a class, do I have to pay to have my child’s name put on a waitlist?
No
How do I put my child’s name on the waitlist?
If a class is full, click the “Waitlist” button to add your child. When you 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’ll receive an email. 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.
Private Lessons
Can my skater just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons?
In accordance with Skate Canada, CanSkate is strictly a group lesson program. Group lessons have been designed to accelerate skaters through the program and ready them for the ice sport of their choice in a fun, interactive, safe and inclusive environment. Skaters at this level learn best alongside their peers. Private lessons in CanSkate are strongly discouraged broadly, with the exception of those skaters who may be adaptive and require extra attention for skill development. In cases such as this, coaches may deliver private lessons during warm-up, group activity or cool-down portions of the session.
The priority is for WFSC to ensure that the essence of the CanSkate program remains true to its objectives. The program requirements including full use of ice by all skaters and groups must be maintained throughout the session.
Parent Roles
Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena?
No. A parent or other responsible adult must be available in Rink 3 or 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.
Missed Classes
My skater has to miss one of 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).
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.
Equipment Requirements
Do I have to buy the skates and helmet or are they available for rent?
All participants must provide their own equipment – CSA approved hockey helmet (for all new WFSC members until completion of stage 5), skates (figure, hockey, or recreational) and gloves.
Does my skater need a helmet if they can already skate?
Yes. For insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a helmet until the completion of CanSkate Badge 5. See the full Skate Canada Safe Sport Guide for additional details.
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 WFSC cannot provide helmets.
Are the molded skates a good option?
No, molded skates are not recommended for CanSkate. They cannot be “broken in” and are inflexible, they give the skater less control on the ice which can slow skll development and progress. Properly fitted, supportive skates are a much better choice for learning and building confidence.
How do I buy skates for my child?
There's no such thing as weak ankles, however, there are many skates being sold with weak ankle support! Pay attention to the thickness of the leather in the ankle area. Look for thick leather in this area. They will mold to the feet over time. Your child should be able to wiggle their toes and the heel should fit snuggly. A properly fitted skate is usually one size smaller than your normal shoe size. Avoid wearing thick socks. A thin acrylic blend of sock or stocking allows the skate to have a snug fit that allows the toes to be relaxed in the toe box.
Buying Skates for Your Child
1. Proper Fit: Skates should fit snugly around the foot and ankle without causing discomfort. Your child’s heel should not lift and toes should have a little room to move.
2. Support: Look for skates that provide firm anke support to help your child balance and control their movements.
3. Type: For CanSkate, avoid molded skates. Look for figure skates or hockey skates that are flexible enough to break in and allow proper control.
4. Try Them On: If possible, have your child try skates on in-store or at a fitting event to ensure the best fit.
