What is the STARSkate program?

Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about!

STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, free skate and interpretive skating. Unique in Canada, this program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system.

What should my skater wear?

Figure Skates – There are a wide selection of skates on the retail market today. Stores like Canadian Tire and Home Hardware do not stock the skates that are needed for the skills your child will advance towards in the STARSkate Program. It is highly recommended that you take your skater to Professional Skate Service (United Cycle or Pro-Skate) in Edmonton to be properly fitted. Skates should be sharpened when first purchased and then after approximately 20 hours of ice time. If the blade feels flat or rounded when you rub across it crosswise, or your skater is falling more than usual, especially when doing circles or stopping, a sharpening is likely required. Walking on the Agrena floors dulls your skates quickly. Skate guards are a low cost investment that will protect your blades! Skate guards will be needed at the year end Carnival.

Clothing - Layers – Please dress in layers that are easy to remove as the skater warms-up. A long sleeve shirt, a fleece or 2 and perhaps a light vest on top. Please no winter ski jackets. They are too bulky and hard to move in. On the bottom; girls footed leotards/tights is good for the base layer. Then you don’t need to worry about socks falling down or bunching up. Then a pair of leggings or tight bottomed yoga pants or fleece pants should do the trick. Of course if you have a skating dress or skirt with a panty attached then that  would be the outfit of choice.

Who teaches the program?

The STARSkate program is taught by Skate Canada Professional Coaches. There are only a few 15 minute group sessions scheduled, which are usually Stroking. You will need to contact a Club coach to arrange private lessons for your skater. Coach information can be found HERE