Information

Our Learn to Skate classes feature Aussie SkateTM, the national learn to skate program initiated by Ice Skating Australia. It will teach you the basic skills of ice skating, including balance, gliding, stopping, crossovers, spins, and jumps. From here you can develop your skills further and work towards the ice sports of figure skating, synchronised skating, short track speed skating and ice hockey with our other Canterbury Skate School programs.

Our skate school classes run over a 9 week term.  Skaters enrol in the same class time each week, so that they can work together with their instructor and fellow classmates to progress through the level, whilst creating a positive social environment in which to learn.  Skaters are tested at the end of the term and move up once they are competent in each of the skills in that level.  We monitor our class numbers to ensure a quality lesson can be provided each week.

Never Skated Before?

If you are 3 to 5 years you will begin in our Tiny Tots program.  If you are 6 years and over your will begin in Basic 1.   Skaters who are under 3 years old please see our playgroup classes. We also offer Adult specific classes, so if you are 16 or over you can join in our Adult Basic class. If you have skated a little before, you may get moved up to Basic 2 right away, depending on what skills you already have.  Our coaches will move you in the first weeks if you are not in the right level.

Attending Learn To Skate Lessons

Please arrive with plenty of time prior to your start time to allow sufficient time for parking and to ensure you are ready to commence your lesson on time. Remember to check your class time as your 30min practice time might be before your lesson time.  

What to wear

Dress warmly and bring gloves, socks, long pants and jumper. Bring a helmet if you have one. 

Having your own Skates

Once you are attending regular classes it is time to think about purchasing your own skates. It is important to have good equipment when participating in any sport and to take good care of it. Comfortable equipment will help the skater to progress much faster. You can pop into iSkate Canterbury where proprietor Margaret Scott and staff provide expert advice for all disciplines on boots, blades and accessories, as well as quality skate sharpening. 

Make sure your boots fit correctly with these quick tips:

  • Laces should be done up right to the top, do not leave out any holes
  • Your heel should not slip up or down when the boot is laced
  • To tighten your laces start pulling the clack from the bottom trying to keep an even pressure, keep lace as firm as possible
  • Be careful not to tighten too much as circulation can be affected
  • Tie off lace at the top and make sure no lace is hanging
  • You should be able to walk without too much difficulty. If you can’t you certainly will not be able to skate
  • If you wobble a lot when walking check the lacing and the size
  • DO NOT walk on concrete or any similar surfaces, as this will ruin the blades. Skate guards can be purchased from the skate shop to protect the blades. Walk on only rubber matting with uncovered blades.

Private Lessons

See our Coaches Profiles

Cost

Learn to Skate Class - Price for Term 3, 2022

9 weeks: 18th July - 17th September

$255 

 

Includes:

1 x Learn to Skate Class (includes 30min lesson and 30min practice) at designated time each week.

Unlimited public sessions during the term (18th July - 17th September).

Free skate hire for all of the above sessions.

 

An additional Learn to Skate class on another day can be purchased at the discounted rate of $127 per class per term (eg. if doing a Novice 1 class on Saturdays and Mondays).  Please note that make-up classes are not available for additional classes.

Remember you can use your Active Kids voucher for these classes.

 

Want to try an ice sport in Term 3?  Purchase a Learn to Skate - Ice Sports Combo for $319, and get an ice sports lesson (synchro, speed school or hockey development) on the same day as your regular learn to skate class and practice each week (ice sports classes are suitable for skaters in Basic 2 and above).

 

 

 

 

How to Register

Registrations for Term 3, 2022 open on 30th June for renewing skaters from Term 2.  New skaters can register from 8th July.

 

Make sure you register as soon as possible to secure your spot. If you are currently enrolled in a class in Term 2, you can register for Term 3 from 30th June once you have finished your last class and been tested.

Registrations can be done in person or forms can be submitted via email and payment made over the phone (9789 4044).  Payment is required at the time of registering.  You can use an active kids voucher for any term payment. Make sure you have a printed copy of your active kids voucher with you at time of purchase, or email this through with your registration form.  The rink has adopted a cashless environment, so all payments including in the canteen will be with card only.

Our registration form for new skaters can be found here.

For renewing skaters who are already in Skate School, please click here to download registration form.

Email your form to admin@canterburyolympicicerink and call 9789 4044 to make payment.

If you have any questions please call us on 9789 4044 or email admin@canterburyolympicicerink.org.au

Terms and Conditions

COIR SKATE SCHOOL TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • We reserve the right to make class changes as deemed necessary including combining classes where there are low numbers. Class times may change term to term depending on demand.
  • All payments are non-refundable. If the service or equivalent cannot be provided by the rink as a result of a governmental order the customer would have the option to have the services supplied at a later time or obtain a credit that could be used for other services at the rink, including public sessions, birthday parties or future skate school registrations. All issues regarding payments should be addressed to the Manager.
  • Registrations will be accepted up to the third week of the term, subject to availability.
  • Make up lessons: We offer up to a maximum of 2 make-up classes per term for all Learn to Skate and Learn to Figure Skate classes ($255).   Missed classes are made up by attending an alternative class on another day/time and must be taken during the term in which they are missed.  Any booked make up classes that are missed without prior notification will result in this class being forfeited. Any unused lessons will be forfeited for that term.  Additional classes are not eligible for make-up classes.  Ice sports skills classes may have an option for a make-up class subject to availability.  All make up class requests must be emailed through to admin@canterburyolympicicerink.org.au and will be confirmed by a return email. We will do our best to accommodate all make up requests, but these are subject to availability.
  • All patrons skate at their own risk. There is a certain amount of risk attached with the activities provided and by participating you will release the rink from any responsibility or legal liability associated with participating in the activity or actions of other patron’s present.
  • The rink provides helmets, knee and elbow pads for use during Skate School activities. Helmets are mandatory for all Tiny Tots, Basic, Playgroup, Speed and Hockey classes and recommended for all other classes. Please see skate hire staff for assistance.
  • Patrons must be appropriately clothed for a public place and must wear enclosed shoes into the venue and skates on the ice. Patrons with bare feet will not be permitted entry.
  • Outside food and drinks cannot be taken inside COIR (unless prior approval is sought with management).
  • COIR is an unlicensed venue, and as such, the consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
  • Patrons wishing to bring personal items into the rink do so at their own risk.  Lockers are available for hire inside the rink. COIR will not be held responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of a patron’s personal property.
  • Published session times and prices may be subject to change without notice.
  • Adults are responsible for minors under their supervision. Minors aged 12 and under must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times whilst on COIR premises.

 

  •  During this time remember that we can all contribute to creating a COVID-safe environment by doing the following:

    • Maintain 1.5m distancing wherever possible.

    • Practice good hygiene (wash/sanitise hands thoroughly and often)

    • Stay home if unwell and seek medical advice

    • Follow all current health guidelines as set out by Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink