Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate Parent Information
Riverview Skating Club
believes all children should have the opportunity to learn to skate.
We accept payments from Canadian Tire Jumpstart, KidSport, and from Riverview Pro-Kids. If you are a low income family and need assistance you can apply through one of these organizations (be sure to apply well in advance of the new season):
Required Equipment for Pre-Canskate and CanSkate:
All skaters MUST wear:
Gloves or mittens: not fuzzy as these can sick to the ice and cause people to fall.
A CSA approved hockey helmet: bike or ice sports helmets are not permitted.
Skates: remember to sharpen them.
Warm clothing that the skater is able to move in.
Guidelines for Skates:
Skates made of leather or firm material are preferable to plastic.
Lace-up skates are best. Avoid velcro or buckles.
Second hand skates are fine provided they fit and provide proper support - avoid skates that have buckling in the ankles.
Skates should be tightly laced to provide support, without wrapping the laces around the top of the boot.
Avoid buying skates that are too big. This makes it harder for the skater to control their feet.
We also recommend having skate guards to protect your blades and enable you to walk wherever you need in the rink.
Note:
Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate skaters are to get ready in the bleachers. The dressing rooms are used by our coaches and figure skaters, and public washrooms are available outside the immediate area of the rink.
SKATES:
Wearing the proper skates is very important for your child’s success in skating. Skaters in CanSkate can wear either hockey or figure style skates. We recommend that you purchase skates that have laces and not clips or dials to tighten. Skates with laces allow for the skate to be better adjusted to fit the child’s growing foot. We also DO NOT recommend that you get adjustable skates. While this may seem like a cost saving option with a young child that is growing rapidly, it is really detrimental to their progress. As you enlarge these type of skates, the blade becomes too short for the boot and it causes difficulty for the skater to maintain proper balance and technique
Helmets:
CSA Helmets are required for all skaters in CanSkate, Pre-CanSkate, Adult Learn to Skate, Pre-Power and Power Skating. Skaters will not be allowed on the ice unless they are wearing a CSA approved hocket helmet. We recommend faceguards for skaters in our Pre-CanSkate session.
Mittens:
Mittens or gloves must be worn on the ice. Not only do they keep skaters' hands warm, they are an important part of their safety equipment. Note that fuzzy mittens can stick to the ice and cause accidents. Stretchy gloves, ski gloves/mittens, and hockey gloves are all great options.