Oak Bay Figure Skating Club

Congratulations! Your child has completed our CanSkate program. Many parents at this point have the same question – “what happens next?” If your skater is interested in furthering their skating career there are several options.

 

Figure Skating. Hockey, Ringette and Speed Skating.
 

Here at the Oak Bay Figure Skating Club we specialize in figure skating of course! So if your skater is passionate about developing their skills then StarSkate is your next step. 

STARSKATE
What does it mean to move up to StarSkate?

It means that your skater has mastered many of the CanSkate program criteria and is at a minimum CanSkate stage 3-4 (attained forward crossovers, backward skating, stopping, turning forward/backward, learning backward crossovers).

 

In StarSkate, skaters are learning the components of figure skating from a private lesson coach.  At our club a Group StarSkate program is offered where the CanSkaters can transition into working independently.

WHAT WILL SKATERS LEARN?

Group StarSkate
Skaters will learn about Free Skate, Skating Skills, Dance, Interpretive and Synchronized Skating in a group program. Each of these disciplines will be taught by Skate Canada Professional Coaches and assisted by trained Program Assistants.

Private Lesson StarSkate​

Private lessons are arranged by the Director of Skating. Coaches invoice families directly for private lessons. 

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They coach the following disciplines:

FREE SKATE:
The focus of the Freeskate discipline includes the development of jumps, spins, and Program Components. Freeskate combines the artistry of our sport with the technical aspect. Skating skills such as turns, edges and power serve as a base for the performance of jumps and spins. Musicality, expression, and performance are developed through Freeskate Programs.

SKILLS:
The focus of the discipline of Skills is the development of edge and turn technique using “figure form"; power and rhythm in skills exercises; and balance, strength and flexibility in field moves

DANCE:
The focus of the Dance discipline includes the development of skating technique while
promoting timing, accuracy and musicality through pattern dances. Pattern Dances involve the skating of prescribed Patterns to music with a defined Rhythm and Tempo. The Gold Rhythm Dance combines skating skills such as turns, edges and power with timing, expression and creativity. The aspects developed through Dance assessments benefit every discipline in skating.

ARTISTIC:
The focus of the Artistic discipline is the development of program components, musical
movement and creativity. Artistic combines skating aspects such as turns, edges and field
moves, with creative spins and the ability to project emotion and artistry. The aspects
developed through Artistic assessments benefit every discipline in skating.

SYNCHRONIZED SKATING:
The focus of the discipline of Synchro is the development of synchronized skating
elements through a variety of skating skills and teamwork. Synchro elements are
offered at STAR 2, 3 and 4 to bring awareness to the technique needed for program
development.

Synchronized skating is also a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight
or more skaters performing various formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the
team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections
in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.
https://skatecanada.ca/skating-lessons/our-programs/synchronized-skating/

WHAT IS AN ASSESSMENT?
Assessments will occur in the skater’s natural training environment, during their regular lesson time. This may take place in a group, semi-private or private lessons.

WHAT IF MY CHILD WANTS TO COMPETE?
Many skaters will become interested in competing and there are many competitions in each region that your child could attend. Depending on their level, your child will enter the Skate Canada Star 1-5 program and compete with children at the same age and ability. Entry levels are assessed to standard, and higher levels compete for a ranking. The decision to compete is generally made in conjunction with a Skate Canada Professional Coach. They will be able to provide you with detailed information on how
competitions will work and what will be expected of both the skaters and parents.

WHAT ABOUT EQUIPMENT?
Proper equipment is essential in ensuring your skater has a safe and enjoyable skating experience. Please speak with the Director of Skating to get recommendations about what and where to purchase proper skates and other gear that your skater may need.

HELMETS
All skaters must where a CSA approved helmet until they have passed their Stage 5 CanSkate badge. Skate Canada Professional Coaches will assess your child throughout the session and let you know when they are ready to remove their helmet. More information about helmets can be found in the Skate Canada Helmet Use Policy Safe Sport Guide (skatecanada.ca)

Helmets can be purchased at: www.canadiantire.ca

SKATES
Group StarSkaters will be learning basic figure skating skills. It is important that your child have a proper fitting pair of figure skates to be successful with these new skills. Skates that are too big, too small or without proper support will make skating more difficult for your young athlete. If you have questions about skates, please speak with a Skate Canada Professional Coach about proper fit and support.

ATTIRE
Clothing should enable skaters to use their full range of motion and allow them to perform jumps, spins and other skating skills without restriction. Skaters should dress in layers so that they can adjust their clothing if they are too hot or too cold. Female skaters should wear a skating dress or yoga attire, warm tights, leg warmers, sweater and mitts/gloves. Hair should be pulled back away from the skater’s face.

Male skaters should wear running or yoga attire, sweater and mitts/gloves.