FAQ: FUTURE STARS PROGRAM

Is skating experience required to register for the Future Stars program?

Yes, skaters must have passed Stage 3 of the CanSkate program to participate in the Future Stars program. Future Stars is the introductory program for skaters who want to fast track into figure skating.

What equipment is needed for the Future Stars program?

Skaters in the Future Stars program are required to wear figure skates. Hockey skates are not suitable for this program. Athletic clothing, skating skirts, leggings and/or simple skating dresses can be worn by skaters during practice ice. Hooded sweatshirts are not recommended as they can affect the skater’s balance and obstruct their view.

Is a private coach required?

No, you do not need a private coach in Future Stars. However, adding private lessons can benefit your skater and increase their progress. See below or why we recommend considering private lessons.

Why Private Lessons?

Private lessons provide the skaters with more one on one attention allowing for lessons to be focused on the specific skills they need to improve and helps increase the rate of progress.

What kind of Private Lessons are offered?

Private, Semi-Private or Small Group Private lessons are being offered during all our Future Stars sessions. Private lessons are usually sold in 10-15-minute time slots.

How do I get a private coach for my skater?

Choosing a coach can seem like a daunting task at first but it can be made easier with the following tips:

1. Does your skater already enjoy working with one of the Future Stars group coaches in particular?
2. Watch a few sessions and see how the coaches interact with their skaters to see what style might best fit your skater
3. We also offer free trial lessons where skaters can try out private lessons with one or more of the available coaches to see what the best fit for you and your skater.

How do I set up a free trial private lesson for my skater?

To set up trial lessons please contact the Rideau Coaching Team at coaches@rideauskating.ca to make the arrangements.

Visit Our Coaches page for information on the coaching staff.

How much do private lessons cost and how do I pay?

Coaching rates vary depending the coaches experience and certification. Charges for a 15-minute lesson will range from $7.50-$13.50 depending on the coach you choose to work with. The rates are based on the experience and certification level of the coach. Private lesson fees are invoiced directly to you by the coach you are working with usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the coach’s preference.

Please note coach availability also varies so you will want to check with the coach you choose to confirm they have lesson time available at your preferred session.

How many times per week should my skater be skating?

Future Stars skaters should be skating 1-2 times per week. Although the CanSkate program is not a requirement in the Future Stars program, adding a weekly CanSkate program for skaters at the Stage 4 and 5 level is recommended.

The above recommendations will aid each skater to develop at their fastest rate possible. Skating additional days per week or extending your skating season allows skaters to absorb their lesson content and apply it sooner resulting in better retention and increased rate of improvement. 

How does the Future Stars format differ from CanSkate?

FUTURE STARS: The Future Stars program is an introduction to figure skating. Skaters are still working on some of their CanSkate levels. The Future Stars session has a group lesson component and an individual practice/private lesson component. Some Future Stars sessions also have an additional group component where skaters are introduced to and work on synchronized skating skill development. 

PROGRAMS

FUTURE STARS: passed CanSkate stage 3

A sessions are either 50 minutes or 60 minutes long.

The 50 minute session:
> 30 minutes of the 50 minute session is a group lesson. The groups will be working to complete CanSkate skills and new figure skating elements.
> 20 minutes of the 50 minute session is for individual practice or private lesson time
> It is in this second 20 minutes that you may arrange for private or semi-private lessons. These lessons are arranged directly with the coach of your choice and are often 10 minutes long.

The 60 minute session:
> 20 minutes of the 60 minute session is a group lesson. The groups will be working to complete CanSkate skills and new figure skating elements.
> 20 minutes of the 60 minute session is another group lesson. Skaters are introduced to and work on synchronized skating skill development. 
> 20 minutes of the 60 minute session is for individual practice or private lesson time
> It is in this second 20 minutes that you may arrange for private or semi-private lessons. These lessons are arranged directly with the coach of your choice and are often 10 minutes long.

FEES

Session fees for Future Stars are based on the length of the session, how many weeks the session runs, and includes group coaching fees.

Fees for private lessons are not included in the Future Stars program fees.

Mandatory Skate Canada Registrant Fee

The Skate Canada (SC) Registrant Fee of $44 is only charged once per year (Sep 1 to Aug 31) per skater and pays for your Skate Canada membership and insurance. The club forward this fee on to Skate Canada on your behalf. The Skate Canada Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

PAYMENTS

Full payment of mandatory membership fees is required at time of registration. Session fees may be split into 3 monthly installments. One third of the fees are due upon registration, one third of the fees are due on Nov 1, 2019 and the last third of the fees are due on Feb 1, 2020.