Off to a Good Start Introductory Programs

Join our friends Chico and Chica for some fun on the ice!
Off to a Good Start is our Introductory Learn to Skate / Learn to Speed Skate program,
​with three levels of programming:
On the Ice Together
Skating on My Own 
Full Speed Ahead
Skills training follows the Speed Skating Canada Cutting Edge Pin Program, but the introductory level training is appropriate for all skating sports.

On the Ice Together / Skating on My Own

On the Ice Together and Skating on My Own are offered on half ice.  We have found that beginner skaters often do better in speed skates than in hockey or figure skates, because of the flatter rocker on the blades.  The use of skates from the club's speed skate inventory during the program is included in the skater's registration.  These skates remain at the arena between sessions.  Skaters wishing to take skates home for use outside the program may rent skates as outlined in our skate rental program.  Skaters may use their own skates for the program if they prefer.

On the Ice Together is for young skaters who are just starting to skate, and who will benefit from having a familiar adult on the ice with them.  This is a fun-based learning program that will establish basic on-ice skills.

Participants in Skating on My Own are able to skate on their own without support.  They will learn basic movement skills, and the ABCs of Agility, Balance and Coordination.  They may move up into the Full Speed Ahead group when they are ready.

Full Speed Ahead

This program is also offered on half ice.  Participants in this program will learn the basic skills of speed skating.  In addition to racing at our local mini-meets, if they are ready skaters may also try racing at a regular speed skating meet.

As with the On the Ice Together and Skating on My Own programs, use of club skates during the program is included in the registration, but skaters may rent skates for use outside the program through our skate rental program.

Skaters may move up to the Skills Development program at 7:10 PM when they are ready, generally when they have completed levels 1 to 4 of the Cutting Edge Pin Program and are able to follow coaching direction independently.
Many thanks to Sandra MacMurray for bringing Chico and Chica to life through her gorgeous illustrations, to the Losier family for the Dartmouth Crossing logo concept, and to John Hillis of TrueFaux Films for the Learn to Skate program video.