How do I know which  Canskate lesson to register for?

  3 to 5 yr old beginners register in the PreCanskate  lessons.

  Older than 5 yr  beginners and the Canskate 1  level have to register in Canskate.

  On the last yearend report handed out, the level passed will be listed or contact us if unsure.

  Canskate is usually Canskate level 1-4. 

  Junior Academy is Canskate  level 5-6 and the coach will usually let you know when you are ready for this group. Please confirm with us if you are unsure.

  I am struggling to register online, can you help?

 We prefer that you register using your online account which also include accepting our required  policies and our waivers electronically.

 Feel free, though, to contact us to do registrations via phone or e-mail, but we will still ask you to create/log into your account for acceptance of these documents.

  I  do not want to pay by credit card. Are there other options?

  We do except e-transfers to southokanaganfsc@gmail.com and cash and cheques made out to South Okanagan Skating club. Please e-mail us (register.sosc@gmail.com) for assistance as you can only pay by credit    card in your online account.

  We will complete the transaction manually on  our admin side.

 What are the CanSkaters  doing on the ice?

  Canskate work on 3 main  skills: balance, control  and agility. They move up  to the next group ( informally the green, red and blue groups) as they meet expectations on the different Canskate levels. This is overseen by our     coaches and groups are led by our coaches and/or Trained Program Assistants ( Starskate level skaters).

  What if a skater decides not to skate anymore?

  The Skate Canada Fee portion  is generally non refundable. We do not give refunds, but will review on case by case basis. 

  Late starts will be prorated.

  Are there extra fees for Starskaters?

  At the Starskate level, skaters pay the club for ice time and insurance. Skaters now start with individual lessons during these ice times  billed  directly by our coach, either one on one or in a group with peers for specific Starskate   components, including skills and dance and work on their solos.

  These are billed for eg 15min, 10min or 5 min sessions once or more per week as arranged directly with our coach

  Competition time, test days and competition choreography/music editing are extras for skaters competing in competitions.

  Skate Sharpening

  From Junior Star and upwards, we recommend skates sharpened technically  specific for figure skating jumps and turns.

Here is an example between hockey and figure skating:

Figure skate blades: 1/2″ radius of hollow

Hockey Blades: 3/4″ radius of hollow

Now, these measurements can vary and are different even within the figure skating world. Ice dancers tend to only have a 1/4 ” ROH.

  Text  the head coach, Trevor Buttenham, at Glengarry Club, Penticton at 250 486 0244 for assistance/drop off.

 

  How are the Fall and Winter seasons different?

  Skate Canada  skills are taught  in both seasons.

  For the optimal progress, we advise doing both  skating seasons, which include fall and winter ( Sept/Oct-March)

  The Christmas show in December is  for the Junior Academy and Start Skaters working on their solos. 

  The PreCan and CanSkaters ( yellow, red, green and blue), are included in the end of the year show in March if they choose to do so. The last few weeks a small portion of the lesson time  may be dedicated  to the group show         performances on a larger surface of open  ice, all to themselves, but the regular skills are still taught on  dedicated ice during these times  as well. The performance includes  the skills they work on every week.

  Our aim is to keep skating affordable to all by recycling and crafting our own costumes, but we may require  a small costume fee in the second season historically  between $10-20 per skater.

  What is off-ice training?

  Of ice training include 1)  core stability, concentric exercises  and flexibilty, eg Pilatus training

                                              2)Off ice spins and jumps that includes use of equipment like Jerry spinners.

   This is an important part of additional training  at the Star Skate level.

  What is your concussion policy?

  Skate Canada takes safety very seriously and expect parents to cooperate with our policies. Helmets are mandatory up to level 6.

  Please see this document as found on parachute.ca site Concussion guidelines

  Is Fundraising and volunteering  mandatory?

  We  are a non profit organization dependent on fundraising, donations and  a government grant. At present we do not have  mandatory fundraising/volunteer  requirements of our members. We are totally volunteer based,   

  (busy parents/caregivers  like you), who want to have a skating program available for our children. 

  We do ask for participation and support  of any current fundraisers or donation of your time with volunteering  events, as this helps us to keep skating programs accessible to all in our community.

 This often also includes volunteering opportunities for  even  our youngest club members! Many hands make light work.

  Skating Jackets

  Our club's custom, high quality skating-grade jackets, were made possible by Oliver Dental Care last year. Due to the cost, we currently offer these sponsored rates to our Star Skaters to purchase. We aim to be able to do an               annual  order, but this is currently  dependent on sponsors.