Connecting Our Community Through Skating​​

Learn. Improve. Challenge Yourself. Skate at Your Own Pace.

Whether you are stepping onto the ice for the very first time, returning to skating after years away, or looking to improve existing figure skating skills, EGSC's Adult Skate program gives you the opportunity to learn and progress in a fun, supportive environment designed specifically for adult skaters.

Age: 16+
Schedule: Wednesdays, 8:30 PM – 9:20 PM
Program Length: Half-Season Sessions (Fall – 14 Sessions)
Experience Required: None
Equipment: Helmet* Figure Skates or Hockey Skates


About Adult Skate

Adult Skate is a 50-minute fully coached program for skaters aged 16 and older of all abilities and experience levels. You do not need to know how to skate before joining. Our program welcomes complete beginners, recreational skaters, adults returning to the ice after time away, and experienced skaters looking to continue developing their skills. Each session combines structured group instruction with independent practice time, giving skaters the benefits of professional coaching while still allowing everyone to work toward their own individual goals. Whether your goal is simply to feel comfortable skating with your family, improve your recreational skating, learn figure skating skills, work toward Skate Canada assessments, or rediscover a sport you once loved, your goals are welcome here.


How Each Session Works

35 Minutes | Coached Group Instruction

Each session begins with a group warm-up led by members of our NCCP coaching team. Skaters are then divided into smaller groups according to their current skating ability so instruction can be tailored to the needs of each group. Our coaches work with skaters on appropriate skills and progressions while allowing each person to develop at their own pace. Being new to skating does not mean trying to keep up with someone who has been skating for years. Each group works at a level appropriate for the skaters in it.

15 Minutes | Independent Practice + Coach Support

The final 15 minutes of the session belong to you. Skaters can choose which skills they would like to practise based on their individual interests and goals. Coaches circulate throughout the ice during this time to provide assistance, feedback and corrections as needed. This is not private lesson time. Coaching assistance during independent practice is included as part of the Adult Skate program.
 

What Can I Learn?

Adult Skate is designed to accommodate a wide range of goals, from basic recreational skating to more advanced figure skating development.

Depending on your current ability and goals, you may work on skills such as:

  • Balance, posture and confidence on the ice
  • Falling down and getting up safely
  • Forward and backward skating
  • Stopping
  • Gliding
  • Forward and backward crosscuts
  • One-foot skating
  • Edges and edge control
  • Turns
  • Stroking and skating technique
  • Power, speed and control
  • Figure skating footwork
  • Spins
  • Jumps
  • CanSkate skills
  • STARSkate skills
  • Skills required for Skate Canada assessments

You do not need to be interested in figure skating to participate. Adults who simply want to become stronger, safer and more confident recreational skaters are equally welcome.

 
Never Skated Before? You Belong Here.

Yes, complete beginners can register for Adult Skate. You do not need previous lessons, skating experience or a particular level of fitness to get started. Our coaches will begin with the fundamentals and help you build your balance, confidence and control progressively. Learning to skate as an adult can feel intimidating, especially when it seems like everyone else learned as a child. Adult Skate provides an environment where you can learn alongside other adults without the pressure of keeping up with younger skaters. Everyone starts somewhere.


Returning to Skating After a Long Break?

 Maybe you figure skated when you were younger. Maybe you took CanSkate lessons years ago. Maybe you haven’t put skates on since you were a teenager. You don’t have to start over. Our coaches can help determine where your skills are now and build from there. You can spend time regaining confidence and rediscovering familiar skills before progressing into something new. There is no expectation that you should immediately be able to do everything you could do before your break. Adult Skate lets you return at your own pace.


What Kind of Skates Do I Need?

Both figure skates and hockey skates are permitted in Adult Skate.
If you are purchasing skates, we strongly recommend visiting a reputable skate shop and being professionally fitted. Properly fitted skates provide significantly better support and control than many recreational or plastic-style skates and can make learning much easier and more enjoyable.
Your skates should also be properly sharpened before taking to the ice.
 

What Should I Wear?

You do not need special figure skating clothing to participate.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and bend your knees. Dressing in layers is recommended so you can adjust as you warm up. We recommend:

  • Comfortable, flexible pants or athletic wear
  • A fitted sweater, jacket or layers
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Warm socks that are not excessively thick
  • Properly fitted and sharpened skates
  • A CSA-certified hockey helmet when required

Avoid clothing that is extremely bulky or restrictive, as being able to bend your knees and move freely is important when learning to skate.
 

Protective Equipment

Safety is a priority at EGSC. Any skater who has not been evaluated by an EGSC coach as having achieved CanSkate Stage 5 or higher must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet while on the ice. This includes skaters who have previous skating experience but have not yet been evaluated by our coaching team. Once an EGSC coach has assessed your skating ability and confirmed that you meet the required level, you may be permitted to skate without a helmet.

Wrist guards are recommended for beginner skaters.

Additional protective equipment is a personal choice. While knee pads can provide extra protection, bulky pads may restrict your ability to properly bend your knees, which is an important part of learning to skate.

For skaters who are particularly nervous about falling backward, discreet padded shorts or "butt pads" may provide some additional confidence and

protection without significantly restricting movement. Our goal is for you to feel safe while still being able to move comfortably on the ice.​

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