CanSkate Frequently Asked Questions
I've never registered with the WFSC before. How do I create an account?
Click on 'Login' in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say 'First Time Registering?' 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 either credit card or cheque.
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 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.
I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help?
Questions about registration can be sent to recchairwfsc@hotmail.com, and one of our board members will respond within 72 hours.
Suitability of the Program
Generally, most children are ready to learn to skate between the ages of 3 and 5. The decision to start them in a program depends on their attention span and their level of interest in skating. It's important to make sure that the skates fit them properly and that their ankles are well-supported.
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.
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. Due to ongoing Covid restrictions skater must be able to get up unassisted.
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.
What is the coach to Student Ratio?
Group sizes range from 6-10 and are taught by a professional coach with one or more assistants.
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 have achieved Stage 5 may qualify for WFSC Star 1/2 Level. Further information about the STARSkate program can be found by going to our STARSkate section.
Is there a powerskating program at your club?
WFSC is offering 2 sessions per week. Skater must have previous skating experience and be able to skate unassisted. This program is not designed as a learn to skate program.
My child has previous experience in another program. How will he/she be placed in the CanSkate program?
All new CanSkate members are placed in stage 1, 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 only 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?
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 we want to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline, can we get a credit for future lessons?
WFSC clearly explains their refund policy and offers sufficient time to try the program before the withdrawal deadline occurs. There are no credit notes provided after the deadline, except in the case of medical withdrawals. For further 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 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.
Private Lessons
Can my skater just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons?
No. We do not offer “private lesson only” CanSkate sessions, but group lesson members have an opportunity to take 10-minute private lessons (at extra cost) during the cool down portion of the class. Availability is limited.
Note: Although private lessons are available for all stages, we suggest that parents of stage 1 skaters take some time to assess their child’s progress in group lessons before considering the addition of private lessons.
If my child starts to take the supplemental private lessons, who makes the decision that he/she is ready for the next level?
Once a child begins to take private lessons, the private coach makes the decision to pass a child and parents should talk directly to that coach to get updates.
Where can I get further information about private lessons?
Contact one of our coaches for information and availability. Their contact information can be found on our Coaches page.
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. Because they cannot be “broken in” and are inflexible, they allow the skater less control. Your skater will progress at a slower rate.
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.
