Off to a Good Start
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
Use of the club's speed skates is included in the registration, or skaters may use their own skates if they prefer. See other equipment requirements at the bottom of the page.
On the Ice Together
Skating on My Own
Full Speed Ahead
Use of the club's speed skates is included in the registration, or skaters may use their own skates if they prefer. See other equipment requirements at the bottom of the page.
On the Ice Together
This program 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. We have found that these very young skaters often do better in speed skates than in hockey or figure skates, because of the flatter rocker on the blades.
Skaters from this group may move into the Skating on My Own group when they are ready.
This program 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. We have found that these very young skaters often do better in speed skates than in hockey or figure skates, because of the flatter rocker on the blades.
Skaters from this group may move into the Skating on My Own group when they are ready.
Skating on My Own
Participants in this program are able to skate on their own without support. They will learn basic movement skills, and the ABCs of Agility, Balance, and Coordination.
Skaters may move up into the Full Speed Ahead group when they are ready.
Full Speed Ahead
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.
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 3 of the Cutting Edge Pin Program.
Skills training follows the Speed Skating Canada Cutting Edge Pin Program, but the introductory level training is appropriate for all skating sports.
Enrollment in any of these programs includes an Introductory membership in Speed Skating Canada and Speed Skate Nova Scotia.
EQUIPMENT
Use of the club's Viking Adjustable speed skates during these programs is included in the registration. These come in European sizes 28 to 35. Skaters requiring a larger size may be fitted with with skates from the club's inventory of regular speed skates, subject to availability. Skaters are also welcome to use their own skates if they prefer.
Skaters must provide their own helmets, which are mandatory. We recommend a hockey-type helmet with a cage to protect the face. If skaters do not wish to have a cage on their helmet, they must wear safety glasses and should also wear a mouthguard. If you are applying for KidSport or JumpStart funding, please make sure to request a voucher for a helmet purchase when you are submitting your application if you do not already have a helmet.
Skaters must also wear study gloves (not fleece or knitted gloves) while they are on the ice.
Adults accompanying skaters on the ice must also be wearing skates, gloves and helmets.
Knee pads may be worn to give the skaters more confidence in practicing some skills. For the Full Speed Ahead program speed skating safety equipment will be added as speed skating skills are introduced. The club has a small inventory of safety equipment, not including helmets, that may be borrowed for use during the ice sessions.
For additional information, please see our FAQ page.
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 for the Learn to Skate program video.
