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Learn-to-Skate Frequently Asked Questions
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- Is this program geared only to figure skaters? No, this program provides a solid background for all ice sports, such as hockey, ringette, figure skating and speed skating.
- Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program? No, this program is suitable for new skaters, including adults, as well as those with some skating experience.
- 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 all family members aged 5 and up, with different skating abilities can sign up for the same session. Skaters will be assessed for skating skills on the ice, and will be placed in age and skill appropriate groups after assessment. If you would like a child young than age 5 to be registered in the same session as a sibling, please contact us to arrange.
- My child is under the age of 5, brand new to skating, and wishes to participate in the PreCanSkate program. How do we register for that? PreCanSkate is the FIRST stage of our CanSkate program. These young skaters can register and they will be placed in a group with other skaters of similar age and skill level. Once the PreCanSkate skills have been mastered, these young skaters will progress into the main CanSkate program.
- I am an adult who wishes to learn to skate. What program do I register in? CanSkate! Our adult/teen skaters share the ice with our youth skaters -- ideal for parents learning to skate while their kids are on the ice.
- Is the CanSkate program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills? By the time a skater completes the CanSkate program, they will have skating skills such as 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 their options? Skaters who our coaches have assessed as being too advanced for the CanSkate program will have the option of either transitioning to our PreSTARSkate, CanPowerSkate or STARSkate program.
- Is there a power skating program at your club? We offer a CanPowerSkate program.
Placement within the CanSkate Program:
- My child has previous experience in another program. How will they be placed in the CanSkate program? Our program levels do not correspond to recreational programming offered through other programs. All new CanSkate members are placed into groups and then assessed by our professional coaches, and moved to the appropriate level as needed.
- I've never registered with BSC before. How do I create an account? Click on the login button in the top right corner of the webpage. The right hand side of the page will say "First Time Registering with BSC?”. Fill in the form and follow the instructions for registration. View our registration instructions here: https://borderskatingclub.uplifterinc.com/registration/How-to-Register/
- 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 etransfer.
I am having troubles registering. Who can I contact for help? Any inquiries regarding registration can be sent via email to borderskatingclub@gmail.com
- I paid a Skate Canada membership fee when my child joined another program. Why don't I have to pay it with Border Skating Club? The Skate Canada fee is an annual membership and is valid from Sept 1 to Aug 31, regardless of when you join the program. This fee is paid by Border Skating Club to keep fees for the program transparent. Skate Canada fees are non-refundable.
Withdrawing from the program or transferring to another session:
- What is the refund deadline for the Learn-to-Skate Session? A refund will be issued for withdrawals after registration but before the first scheduled class begins, less the Skate Canada fee.
- What if my skater is registered in PreCanskate or a first time skater and is not ready to engage the program? A refund will be given to parents of NEW skaters if the refund request is received in writing within 3 lesson days of the program start date.
* ALL withdrawals are subject to a $30 processing/administration fee and Skate Canada Fee.
- How do I withdraw due to injury? Any skater that misses four or more consecutive sessions due to an injury is entitled to a pro-rated amount for the remainder of the season less the Skate Canada Fee. A doctor’s note must be provided to the Board President indicating that the injury is prohibiting the skater from participating.
- How do I transfer to another CanSkate session? Please email borderskatingclub@gmail.com and request a session day change (based on availability).
- Can I move my child to a different session 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 session days.
- 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, there is no fee associated with the waitlist.
- 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 "Join Waitlist" button. When you click this 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 login and either register your child or remove them from the waitlist to allow the next person on the list to take the 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 login and click on "My Account" on the top right 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.
- Can my skater just sign up for private lessons without taking part in any group lessons? No, we do not offer “private lesson only” sessions. In order to do private lessons skaters must be signed up for at least 1 Learn-to-Skate session.
- Where can I get further information about private lessons? Please see Selecting a Private Coach or speak to the BSC board representative. You can also visit or CanSkate Private Lesson Page
- Can I drop my child off for classes and leave the arena? No, a parent or other responsible adult must be available in the rink or in the lobby area during the class.
- Can I stand on the ice with my child if they are uncomfortable? No, for insurance purposes, only Skate Canada members are allowed on the ice.
- I see that BSC is a volunteer run club. What can I do to help out? We are always looking for new members to help out. You can join our board, be a CanSkate Parent Rep, help out planning CanSkate party days, help handing out papers to parents when needed, volunteer at our home competition or help out with fundraising. If you are able to skate and want to become a Program Assistant we would love that too! (training and background check will be provided) We appreciate any and all help we can get!
- My skater will miss one of their classes. Can they 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).
- We are a family in financial need but would like our child/children to participate in sport. What can we do? The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program offers financial assistance to families who qualify - Please click here to visit the Jumpstart website. KidSport Fort Frances also provides assistance to eligible families
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How often should skate blades be sharpened?
Skate blades should be sharpened when they are first purchased and then once or twice more during the session. Coaches will advise if they feel your skaters blades need sharpening.
- Do I have to buy the skates and helmet or are they available for rent? All participants must provide their own equipment. There is seasonal skate rental available at the Sports Shop in Internationals Falls.
- Does my skater need a helmet if they can already skate? Yes, for insurance purposes and safety considerations, all skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet until the completion of stage 5.
- What Equipment is required?
Participants are responsible for their own skates & equipment which may be purchased at any sporting goods store or stores such as Canadian Tire or Walmart. Below is a list of equipment and clothing requirements for our programs:
- Mandatory Skate Canada Helmet Policy: All skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet (bike helmets or any other type of helmets will NOT be permitted and skaters will not be permitted on the ice). PreCanSkate skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet with a face mask to protect the face and chin in case of forward falls. For all skaters we recommend helmets with a cage to protect the face.
- Skates (hockey skates or figure skates with a toe pick) should be lace-up skates with hooks, fit properly, done up tightly enough to hold up the ankles, with little to no movement in the ankle. We do not recommend plastic skates with snaps, buckles or adjustable blades. To help break in new skates, try having your skater wear their skates (with skate guards on the blades) at home and practice sitting, standing or walking. Please click here for info on: how to fit skates and helmets
- Clothing: warm, comfortable clothing (tights, sweat pants, sweater and/or jackets, snow pants) and mitts or gloves.
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