Got questions? Your answer may be here!

Q: Where do get skates sharpened?

A: We recommend Koops Bike and Skate Shop and The North Edge; both are located in Prince George.

Q: Where can we get figure skates and other equipment?

A: We recommend Koops Bike and Skate Shop and The North Edge, both located in Prince George, for figure skating-specific equipment.

Q: Can we do a half-season of figure skating?

A: No, unfortunately we do not offer half-seasons for our figure skating programs. 

Q: What are the prerequisites for joining figure skating?

A: For PreStar, our learn-to-figure skate program, skaters must be able to do the following independently: Skate forward, glide on one foot, move backward and have some stopping ability.

Q: What’s the difference between PreStar and Star 1?

A: PreStar is our learn-to-figure skate program. It is the linkbetween CanSkate and the StarSkate program. Skaters are introduced to elements that are typical for figure skating, whereas CanSkate is a general learn-to-skate program. Star 1 is the entry level to the StarSkate program.  For both PreStar and Star 1 figure skates are required; helmets are optional.

CanSkate-related questions

Q: Does my child need figure skates for CanSkate?

A: No, for CanSkate either hockey or figure skates are fine. 

Q: What kind of equipment does my child need for CanSkate?

A: Your child will need skates and a CSA-approved hockey helmet. Bike or Ski helmets are not accepted. Please have your child wear gloves, ideally bring a spare pair or two - they fall a lot in CanSkate and nobody likes cold hands. Dress your child in snow gear or layers. When tying your child’s skates, please do not tie them around their ankles.

Q: Can we borrow equipment (skates and helmets) from the arena?

A:Helmets are available and are cleaned between uses. 

Q: What age does CanSkate start at?

A: It starts at age 3 and there is no age limit.

Q: My child tried skating and does not like it. Can I get a refund?

A: We understand that each child is different and not every childis ready for CanSkate. For this reason, we have the following refund policy: Refunds are only applicable for first time registrants and can only be requested within the first 3 scheduled sessions. The Skate Canada insurance fee is non-refundable ($45). The total refund will be prorated from the date of the request (not the last day skated).

Q: Do parents come on the ice for CanSkate?

A: No, parents do not come on the ice for CanSkate, nor any of our other programs for that matter. CanSkate is taught by NCCP-certified coaches and trained Program Assistants. All volunteers on the ice must be currently registered with Skate Canada.