No experience is necessary for any of our Learn to Skate programs. There is a Stage 1 group at every age level. You do not need to worry about the Stage when registering for one of our programs, Just select the proper program (CanSkate / Pre-CanSkate / Teen/Adult CanSkate) and the date and time that work best for you!

Yes, every participant need to supply their own skates and a CSA approved hockey helmet. Rentals are not available at any location, at any time, for any reason. Skaters that show up without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

Both figure skates and hockey style skates are fine for our learn to skate programs. Leather, lace up skates are preferable to vinyl. Molded plastic skates with velcro or buckle closures are not recommended. The "Grow with Me" skates are also not recommended. BobSkates with the double blade are not suitable for our programs.

You can buy used skates from places like Play it Again Sports.

Canadian Tire and SportChek often carry the proper type of skates for our programs as well.

Other places you can purchase skates:

b-Sharp Ottawa

Figure 8/Hockey One

Yes. A CSA approved hockey helmet is required for all skaters in learn to skate programs.  No exceptions will be made to the helmet policy.

All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Equipment is not provided by Rideau Skating Club. You must supply your own equipment. Rentals are not available at any time or location, or for any reason. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

No. All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

No exceptions will be made to our helmet policy. All participants must have a CSA approved hockey helmet in order to participate in our classes. We do not have extras for skaters to borrow, nor do we offer rentals for any reason, at any time, during any of our programs. Skaters who arrive to class without the proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

Yes. Skaters are required to have a parent or responsible guardian in the arena at all times.

Yes! The skaters will be groups specifically for the Teen/Adult skaters.

In the Fall and Winter we offer our CanSkate programs at the Mike O'Neil arena (5572 Doctor Leach Drive, Manotick) and the Fred Barrett arena (3280 Leitrim Road). 

Make sure you register your child for the CanSkate program and we will take care of the level. If you have already skated with us we have a record of what levels you achieved last session. If you are new to us we will assess and place your skater in the appropriate level during the first week.

Registration dates vary from year to year and by season. 

We recommend that you create an online profile ahead of the registration date and be ready to register your skater online once the registration opens.

For the Winter Sessions: Typically registration begins early to mid-August. Dates will be announced ahead of time on our website.

Spring Sessions: Typically registration begins in mid-February. Dates will be announced ahead of time on our website.

The only way to register for one of our programs is online. Our online system is live and will give you the most up to date information on available sessions.

Create an account with us online before the registration date and set up your online profile so you can be ready to register right when it opens.

You can place your skater on the wait list for the program that you prefer. This can be done through your online profile. Should a spot become available, you will receive an email letting you know that you can register. You are also able to register for another session and be on the wait list for your preferred session. This is highly recommended as skaters on wait lists are not guaranteed a spot in the program.

There is no guarantee that a spot will become available on your preferred session. Withdrawals from sessions are unpredictable and there is no way to know if there will be movement on any specific session.

We cannot always accommodate more skaters on a session or add sessions to accommodate wait listed skaters.

No! We keep track of your skaters’ progress through our online system. This ensures that they are placed into the correct group for their level each time they register with us. We recommend registering as early as possible to ensure enrollment in our programs.

For those just starting out, once a week is plenty. If your skater really enjoys skating, is looking to progress faster and you have the flexibility in your schedule, you can register for more than one session a week.

We do not offer one-on-one or private lessons for beginners, we only offer the group format CanSkate program. Once skaters are passed Stage 3 of CanSkate and participating in the Future Stars (StarSkate) program they are able to take private lessons from a coach.

No. You must register your skater for a specific day and time and you are only permitted to skate on your registered session.

No. You must register your skater for a specific day and time and you are only permitted to skate on your registered session. Public skating is offered through the City of Ottawa. Please visit their website (ottawa.ca) for more information.

No. Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es), make-up classes, refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided.

We always have a list of scheduled cancellation dates posted on the website, You can also view these scheduled cancellation dates in your family calendar through your online account.  Emails are sent out a few days in advance. Be sure you are subscribed to Member Information Messages to get these emails.

Please speak directly to the resource coach of your session. They are typically stationed at the name tag table before and after sessions, and are available to answer any questions you have regarding your skater's progress.

Each skater learns at their own pace. Some skaters will catch on quickly and others will take a little longer to get going. It is important to encourage your skater to continue going to lessons and to participate fully with the rest of their group as you would with other sports. If you have questions about your skater's level, please speak to the resource coach for your session. The resource coach is typically at the name tag table before and after sessions.

Skaters must have passed Stage 3 of the CanSkate program before moving on to the Future Stars (StarSkate) program. Skaters in the Future Stars program are required to wear figure skates.

If your skater has passed Stage 3 of CanSkate at another Skate Canada club, please provide us with their report card so you are able to register for the appropriate program.