Cambridge Skating Club
Programs for the Entire Family Since 1951
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Where can I get more information about Skate Canada, coaching, and parenting an athlete?

Western Ontario Parent Handbook (click on logo above)

Western Ontario Section, a division of Skate Canada, has provided a handbook for parents to help them navigate the skating world.  It gives you, the parent, a resource to help answer questions you might have about the roles of the Skate Canada organization, Grand River region, the club, coaches, evaluators, judges, volunteers and parents.  All of these comprise the support team of your skater whether their goals are recreational, test or competitive in nature. You may have questions about equipment or budgeting, so download this document for your reference (click on the logo above).  Our coaches are always eager to help answer any of your questions, so please don't hesitate to ask! 

Also check out the websites for Skate Canada and Western Ontario Section!

Click here for Skate Canada

Click here for Western Ontario Section

What equipment and clothing do you recommend for my Preschooler or CanSkater?


Figure skates or hockey skates are acceptable for all Preschool or CanSkate programs.  The kind of skates suitable for your child will depend on their size and strength.  Skate brands can vary in how they fit, such as for a wide or narrow foot. In general we recommend that you do not buy a molded[plastic] figure skates.  They usually don't flex well enough through the ankles to allow proper knee bend and range of motion.  There is no such thing as weak ankles, but there are plenty of skates on the market with weak ankle support!  Look for thick leather skates with generous ankle support.  These will confirm to the foot in time.  The toes should be able to wiggle and heels should fit snugly.  Properly fitted skates are usually one size smaller that  your normal shoe size.  A thin wool or cotton blend sock or stockings allows the skate to have a snug fit that permits the toes to be relaxed in the toe box.  Acrylic socks do not allow the foot to break and will cause your skater to have cold feet.  Ask one of our coaches to take a look at your child and/or skates you have purchased and recommend some options.

All skaters up to and including Stage 5 in the CanSkate program are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet.  Bike, ski or any other type of helmet is not acceptable since they do not provide the proper protection on the ice.

Skaters should wear warm, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.  Don't forget mittens!  Ski suits are not advisable since they are bulky.  Avoid pants that have slippery fabric as this will cause your skater to have a more serious fall.  Wrist guards are recommended for adult beginners.

What equipment and clothing do you recommend for my PowerSkater?


Participants in all the power programs are required to wear full hockey gear and hockey skates.


What equipment and clothing do you recommend for StarSkaters?


StarSkaters are required to wear figure skates.  Look for thick leather skates with good ankle support with generous padding.  These will conform to the foot in time.  The toes should be able to wiggle, and the heel should fit snugly.  Properly fitted skates are usually one size smaller than your normal shoe size.  A thin wool or cotton blend sock or leotards allow the skates to have a snug fit that permits the toes to be relaxed in the toe box.  Acrylic socks do not allow the foot to breath.  Please consult one of our professional coaches for further assistance and recommendations.

StarSkaters should wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers that allow for flexibility.  Skating dresses, skating skirts with leotards(tights) or yoga pants or a tight legged sweat pant are all acceptable.  Wide legged pants are a safety issue due to jump positions.  Jeans are not permitted! Don't forget a warm sweater and mittens or gloves. 

How should I take care of my child's skates?


One of the most important pieces of equipment to a skater is, not surprisingly...the skates.  Taking good care of your child's skates helps their performance and ensures their safety on the ice ...and your investment in their skates!
  • Moisture should be wiped off the blades, soles and leather uppers after each skating session in order to prevent rusting, and maintain the quality of the leather.
  • Skates should be allowed to dry thoroughly outside of any bag, when not in use.
  • Beeswax preparation can be applied periodically to dry leather to help 'waterproof' leather soles (eg. Sno-Seal).  Scuffs to leather uppers can be minimized by boot covers or removable tape (eg. Sk8tape).  Skate polish can be applied as needed to give a clean appearance to the boots but remove old polish and do not polish too often since this contributes to buildup.
  • Always have your skater wear skate guards to protect his or her blades when walking on hard surfaces and even rubber mats.
  • Cloth blade covers should be used to protect blades when skates are not in use (do not keep guards on blades in storage as this will cause rusting!) 
  • Sharpen skates after every 20-25 hours of use.  Always choose a reputable technicians who are experienced at sharpening figure skates or hockey skates, depending on what your skater is wearing.  Never remove the toe picks from figure skates and they are essential for balance and jumping!  Ask one of our coaches for the name of a reputable sharpener.

What are the benefits of club membership at a Skate Canada sanctioned club?

There are many, but here are just a few:

  • Your child will be a member of Skate Canada, the national governing body for figure skating in Canada
  • You register your child through your Home Club which makes you, as parents, voting members of your home club, providing your child in under age 18.
  • Your child will receive a Membership Registration Card with an identification number that will remain your skaters link to Skate Canada forever, even when not an active member. Keep it in a safe place as your skater will need this number to participate at Skate Canada sanctioned events.
  • Your child is eligible to participate in Skate Canada competitions, shows, tests and any other sanctioned events.
  • Privileges to enter the Members Only website of Skate Canada, that contains all the important information about our association.
  • Access to high quality programs that are recognized and often sought after internationally and by other national sport organizations.
  • Access to qualified, NCCP certified Skate Canada professional coaches who have been trained through high quality training programs developed by Skate Canada.
  • National registry of figure skating qualifications(tests) and results are held in a central computerized system for easy access.

FYI- We register each and every skater with Skate Canada.  This membership fee is paid yearly to Skate Canada.  Not only does it provide insurance coverage, it also comes with the privilege of belonging to an association which is recognized the world over.  Since Cambridge Skating Club is a sanctioned club with Skate Canada, the club and skaters are entitled to participate in competitions, take tests and participate in various events the club may hold during the skating season.