A proper figure skate refers to a type of ice skate that is specifically designed and manufactured for the sport of figure skating. Figure skates differ from other types of ice skates in several key ways, including the blade, the boot, and the design of the skate as a whole.

The blade of a figure skate is longer and narrower than other types of ice skates, and is typically made from high-quality steel. The blade is designed to provide excellent edge control and allow for precise movements on the ice.

The boot of a figure skate is also different from other types of ice skates. Figure skate boots are typically made from high-quality leather or other materials and are designed to provide support and protection for the skater's ankles, as well as allow for a full range of movement. The boot is also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, as the appearance of the skate is an important aspect of figure skating.

A proper figure skate is designed to meet the specific requirements of the sport of figure skating, and is an important tool for skaters as they develop their skills and compete at various levels. Choosing a proper figure skate is an important decision for any figure skater, and should be made in consultation with a coach or knowledgeable figure skating professional.

CanSkate and Learn to Skate are both beginner figure skating programs, but they differ in their focus and delivery.

CanSkate is a program offered by Skate Canada, the governing body for figure skating in Canada. It is a comprehensive program that focuses on developing basic skating skills and preparing skaters for future figure skating programs. The program includes a variety of skating activities and emphasizes fun and physical activity, while also teaching fundamental skating skills such as balance, control, and edge quality. CanSkate programs are instructed by NCCP certified coaches with training and support from Skate Canada.

Learn to Skate is a generic term used to describe beginner skating programs offered by various organizations, including rinks, clubs, and local parks and recreation departments. The focus of these programs is typically to teach the basic skills of skating and provide a foundation for future skating activities. The content and delivery of Learn to Skate programs can vary, based on the organization, but they generally aim to teach the fundamentals of skating in a fun and supportive environment. Learn to Skate instructors run by local recreation clubs are usually volunteers, with varied levels of experience in coaching.

Hockey skates and figure skates are both types of ice skates, but they are designed for different sports and different types of movement on the ice.

Hockey skates are designed for the sport of ice hockey and are typically shorter and wider than figure skates. Hockey skates have a stiff boot for increased support and protection, and a shorter blade for quick starts and stops. The blade is also wider and more flat, allowing for better stability and a more solid stride.

Figure skates, on the other hand, are designed for the sport of figure skating and are typically longer and narrower than hockey skates. Figure skates have a more flexible boot to allow for greater movement and a longer blade for precise and controlled movements on the ice. The blade is also sharpened to a more pronounced angle, allowing for greater edge control and the ability to perform jumps and other figure skating elements.

Base Coaches are contracted each year by the club for the purpose of teaching GSC members. The coaches who have base contracts are allowed to accept new students.

Support Coaches are contracted to assist Base coaches with their lessons. Support coaches do not accept GSC students of their own, but conduct Star Skate lessons in partnership with Base Coaches.

Group Coaches are contracted to coach on all Group Programs. These coaches do not conduct StarSkate lessons, but are the backbone of our PreCanskate, Canskate, and Adult sessions.

Power Skating is a form of figure skating instruction that focuses on improving the technical skating skills of the skater, including speed, balance, agility, and power. Power skating sessions typically involve a combination of drills, exercises, and techniques designed to improve the skater's posture, stride, and overall power and efficiency on the ice. The emphasis is on developing strong, fluid movements and improving the technical aspects of the skater's performance. Power skating is often used as a training tool for hockey players, as well as figure skaters looking to improve their overall skating ability.

Program Assistants are typically skaters from the club’s STARSkate, Competitive or Adult programs who volunteer their time to assist professional coaches in the club’s PreCanskate, CanSkate and/or Adult programs. All Program Assistants work under the supervision of the Program Director or Coach in Charge.

StarSkate is a figure skating program offered by Skate Canada, the governing body for the sport of figure skating in Canada. The program is designed for skaters who have completed the CanSkate program and are looking to further develop their skills in figure skating. StarSkate focuses on individual skills such as jumps, spins, footwork, and dance, and skaters have the opportunity to participate in tests and competitions. The program is designed to provide a fun and supportive environment for skaters to develop their skills and achieve their goals in figure skating.

When entering the StarSkate program, skaters and parents must contract a GSC Base Coach to conduct the skating lessons. Please refer to the sections above for guidance in choosing a coach.

To teach in Skate Canada programs, coaches must hold a valid National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained and/or certified status, and they must also be a registered professional coaching member of Skate Canada. In addition to figure skating related training and mentorship courses, coaches must also complete a Skate Canada approved clearance check, hold a valid First Aid certificate, and complete training courses related to Coaching Ethics and Respect in Sport. These nationally regulated requirements ensure that our members are getting very qualified skating instructors.

Coach certification refers to a program or process of certification for coaches. The purpose of coach certification is to ensure that coaches have the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to provide safe and effective instruction to their athletes or students.

Coach certification in Canada as directed by the National Coaching Certification Program and Skate Canada involves training and evaluation, including coursework, practical training, and assessment of coaching ability. Coaches who complete a coach certification program and meet the requirements of the program receive a certificate or credential that recognizes their certification.

The certification process is designed to ensure that figure skating coaches have the necessary training, knowledge, and skills to provide safe and effective instruction to figure skaters of all levels.

Canskate- the coach has been trained and evaluated to have the skills and knowledge to coach in the Skate Canada Learn to Skate programs (PreCanSkate, Canskate, Adult, RecSkate, Group Star) as part of the FUNdamentals and Active for life categories in the Long Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD).

CanPowerSkate- the coach has been trained and evaluated to have the skills and knowledge to teach Power Skating as part of the Skate Canada CanPowerSkate program. Not all Power Skating instructors are certified or trained, and some are just self taught. Skate Canada CanPowerSkate instructors have a NCCP recognized certification that means they have completed the training and have demonstrated through evaluation that they are competent in Power Skating Skills.

Regional- The coach has been trained and evaluated to have the skills and background to coach private lessons in the disciplines of Dance, Skills, FreeSkate. The coach will work with skaters as part of the FUNdamentals and Learn to Train categories in the LTAD.

Provincial- The coach has been trained and evaluated to have the knowledge and training to develop skaters that are interested in pursuing advanced recreational or competitive level skills. These skaters may compete at required competitions as part of the qualification process, and coaches must have obtained a minimum level of Provincial Trained to attend with their students.

National- The coach has been trained and evaluated to have the knowledge and training to not only develop skaters but plan and prioritize year round training cycles for skaters to enter and compete at national level competitions.

High Performance: The coach has been trained and evaluated as demonstrating the ability to develop athletes to the National and International levels of competition. High Performance coaches must have a skater qualify at an international or olympic level in order to receive a certified status.

Hiring a coach for individual instruction typically begins after completing Canskate as the skaters move into the PreStar program. Some factors to consider when choosing a coach include:

What is their level of NCCP Certification?

How many years of experience do they have?

What is their skating background? Years of skating experience; highest tests passed; competitive accomplishments.

What levels of skaters do they work with? Beginners, recreational, competitive, adults?

What skating disciplines do they specialize in? Free skate, ice dancing, choreography, power skating, synchronized skating, Special Olympics?

When are they available? Which day(s), which session(s), would lessons be a possibility?

Do they offer private, semi-private (2-3 skaters), or group lessons?

What is their fee per lesson?

What is the frequency of billing?

Are there any policies regarding payment? Fees for private coaching are determined by the coach, not the club.

Are there any other fees for related to additional services? Music editing, dance partnering, coaching at competitions, etc?

Does the coach work as part of a coaching team? Will skaters receive lessons from other coaches on the team?

Does the coach have training in any other sport related areas? Fitness instruction, dance instruction, nutrition, physical education, physiotherapy, biomechanics, sport psychology?

What successes has the coach had with skaters? Highest tests passed, high level placements in qualifying competitions?

What is their coaching style and philosophy?

The best way to see if a coach is the right fit for your skater and family is to watch them interact on the sessions. Feel free to discuss your goals and needs with several coaches before making decisions to hire. Some coaches may be willing to teach skaters on a trial basis.

Skaters’ needs change over time; thus, there may come a time that coaching arrangements may need to change. This can be an awkward and difficult experience for coaches, skaters and parents alike. When handled in a professional manner, the transition can be less disruptive for all involved. If you intend to switch coaches, your present and prospective coaches should be informed and all outstanding fees to your present coach must be paid prior to the change. It is considered unethical for coaches to offer lessons to skaters who have established coaching arrangements.

The Skate Canada Tests are a series of assessments for figure skaters in Canada. The tests are designed to evaluate a skater's skills and abilities at various levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. The tests cover various elements of figure skating, including jumps, spins, footwork, and dance, and are designed to help skaters measure their progress and set goals for their future development. Skaters can participate in the tests on a voluntary basis, and passing the tests at a given level is a recognition of the skater's ability and skill. The Skate Canada Tests are an important part of the figure skating development program in Canada and are administered by Skate Canada, the governing body for the sport.

The length of time it takes to pass a figure skating test in Canada can vary based on several factors, including the skater's skill level, frequency of training, and dedication to improving. Some skaters may be able to pass a test after a few months of training, while others may take several years to achieve their goal. The speed of progression also depends on the difficulty of the test level, as each level requires more challenging skills and abilities. In general, it's a good idea for skaters to set realistic goals and work with their coach to determine a reasonable timeline for passing their tests.

A Figure Skating Test Day is an event where figure skaters demonstrate their skills in front of a panel of evaluators. The skater performs various elements such as jumps, spins, and footwork patterns, and is rated on their technique, artistic expression, and overall performance. The results of these tests determine the skater's level and ability to progress to higher levels of skills and competition.

The following is the GSC Test Day Procedure.:

Base coaches advise skaters and parents of any tests that are ready to be evaluated.

Coaches submit their Test requests, and the parents will receive an invoice for the Test Fee.

Payment can be made through your GSC Account directly. Total cost is determined by the number of tests that the skater is participating in. Please check with your coach for details.

Skaters should arrive at the arena a minimum 45 minutes prior to your test time. There is always the risk of no shows, cancellations, or last minute alterations and tests may be running ahead of schedule as a result. If you are in the first group of the day, then 20-30 minutes is sufficient lead-time.

Skaters should be wearing appropriate clothing for their test, please check with your coach for instruction.

Ensure the skater has had a healthy snack prior to their test time and pack an extra energy bar, water bottle, etc., particularly if the skater will be doing multiple tests.

For safety, warm-up off ice before putting on skates.

Have an extra pair of skate laces in your bag in case a lace breaks at the wrong time!

Get a good night’s rest the day before and have fun!

No, your figure skater does not have to attend competitions. Competitions are optional and many skaters choose to participate in them to challenge themselves and show off their skills, while others prefer to focus on their training and practicing. Ultimately, the decision to participate in competitions is up to the individual skater and their goals.

A Figure Skating Simulation is a practice run of a figure skating competition or Test. The simulation aims to recreate the experience of a Test or Competition so the skaters feel ready and prepared in advance. Simulations usually involve an off ice warm up, an on ice warm up, and performance that hopes to simulate the Competition environment. Figure skating simulations can be used for training, practicing, and entertainment purposes.

For safety, it is recommended that skaters arrive 45-50 minutes prior to their skate times to proceed with their off ice warm up. Contact your coach directly to arrange that prior to arrival.

Synchronized Skating, also known as Synchro, is a discipline of figure skating in which a team of skaters perform a routine together on the ice. The routine involves intricate footwork, complex formations, and synchronized movements, and is performed to music. The teams are judged on their synchronization, skating skills, and overall presentation, and competitions are held at various levels from local to international. Synchronized Skating requires a high level of teamwork and coordination between the skaters, and is a popular and dynamic form of figure skating that showcases the beauty and athleticism of the sport.

We are very interested in starting a Synchro skating program at GSC. If you are interested in this type of programming please contact the office!