Parent & Skater Guide

Before we ever step onto the ice, I want you to feel confident about skates, helmet, clothing and what to expect. When parents feel prepared, children usually feel more secure too.

Whether your skater is joining an intensive, a sessional class, a private lesson or an outdoor program, this guide will help your family arrive prepared and know what to expect. Please refer to your registration confirmation for your specific dates, lesson time, location and program-specific policies.

Your quick lesson checklist

Please bring:

• Properly fitted, laced hockey or figure skates
• A CSA-approved hockey helmet with the chin strap fastened securely (the cage is optional, not required)
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• Warm, flexible clothing, snow pants, hockey or ringette gear
• Water bottle
• Towel to dry wet skates
• Any required emergency medication, such as an inhaler or EpiPen
• A positive, ready-to-try attitude

Please label your skater's helmet and other belongings with their name whenever possible.

Choosing hockey or figure skates

Beginners can learn in either hockey or figure skates. The best choice depends on your child's interests, comfort and skating goals.

Figure skates have a longer, flatter blade and a toe pick at the front. Hockey skates have a shorter, more rounded blade and do not have a toe pick. Neither type is automatically better for learning—the fit, ankle support and blade condition matter most.

Choose traditional laced hockey skates or properly fitted figure skates. Plastic or moulded skates generally do not provide the fit, support or blade quality I want for lessons and should be avoided.

If you are unsure which style is best for your skater, please ask before purchasing.

How skates should fit

A skate should feel snug and supportive without causing pain.

• The heel should remain secure rather than lifting inside the boot.
• Toes may lightly brush the front, but they should not be curled or compressed.
• A thumb nails width of space in front of the big toe on the insert is a reasonable fit for the season, allowing for some growth.
• The ankle should feel supported when the skate is laced.
• Laces should be snug and even from the toe to the top of the boot.
• Do not wrap extra-long laces around the ankle. Replace them with the proper length if needed.
• Wear one thin or medium-weight, smooth sock. Thick or doubled socks can create pressure points and make it harder to achieve a secure fit.

Skates that are much too large make balance and control significantly more difficult. Buying several sizes ahead may seem economical, but it can work against your child's comfort, confidence and progress.

Sharpening and blade care

New skates are not always ready for the ice. New and used skates should be professionally sharpened before the first lesson unless a qualified skate technician confirms that the blades are ready.

To care for the blades:

• Wear hard skate guards only while walking off the ice.
• Skaters should never walk on concrete prior to entering the ice surface, only the black rubber flooring.
• Remove hard guards after use so moisture is not trapped against the blades.
• Dry the blades and metal surfaces thoroughly with a shammy or soft cloth and put soft guards/soakers on blades.
• Let skates air out after every use rather than closing damp skates inside a bag.
• Check blades regularly for rust, damage or a loss of sharpness.

Properly maintained blades give skaters a more consistent grip on the ice and help protect the investment you made in their equipment.

Helmet requirements

A properly fitted CSA-approved hockey helmet is required for skating lessons. Bike helmets, ski helmets and other recreational helmets are not substitutes.

Please check that:

• The CSA certification marking is present.
• The helmet sits level and does not slide around on the head.
• The chin strap is fastened and snug.
• The helmet is in good condition and has not been altered or damaged.

Your skater should arrive with the helmet adjusted and ready to wear. Adding your child's name to the helmet helps me learn names quickly and identify belongings.

What to wear

The rink is cold, but skaters also need enough freedom to bend their knees and move comfortably.

Recommended clothing includes:

• Warm, flexible layers
• Snow pants, hockey or ringette gear, or warm water-resistant pants, especially for young beginners.
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• Clothing, dress in layers that fits close enough to the body that it will not catch or drag

Please avoid long scarves, dangling accessories, dragging items and extremely bulky clothing. Waterproof hand protection is especially important because beginners frequently place their hands on the ice while learning to fall and stand safely.

Before each lesson

For the first lesson, plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early. This gives your child time to use the washroom, get dressed, lace skates properly and approach the ice without feeling rushed. Continue arriving early enough for your skater to be fully dressed and ready when the lesson begins.

Before coming to the rink:

• Make sure your child has eaten and used the washroom.
• Check that skates, guards, helmet and mittens are packed.
• Tell your child who will meet them and where.
• Use calm, simple language about trying, listening and having fun.

Please do not promise that your child will not fall. Falling is a normal part of learning to skate, and I teach skaters how to fall and get back up safely.

What lessons look like

My teaching approach focuses on fun, safety, confidence and strong skating foundations before pressure or rushing.

A typical group lesson may include:

• Welcome and check-in
• Warm-up activities
• Balance, falling and movement progressions
• Skill based activities or stations
• Games that reinforce skating skills
• A positive finish

Games and playful activities are intentional teaching tools. They help children repeat important movements while staying engaged and building confidence.

Class lengths and group sizes depend on the program. Skate With Me Tots and Foundations classes are generally 30 minutes with 4–6 skaters. Skate With Me Fundamentals classes are generally 45 minutes with 6–8 skaters. Private, semi-private, intensive and outdoor lesson formats may vary.

Helping a new or nervous skater

It is completely normal for a young skater to feel uncertain, cling to a parent, cry or need time to adjust. Confidence develops at a different pace for every child.

You can help by:

• Speaking positively and calmly about the lesson.
• Keeping goodbyes encouraging and brief.
• Avoiding comparisons with siblings or other skaters.
• Praising specific effort, such as trying again, listening or standing up independently.
• Allowing me to guide the lesson without coaching from the boards.
• Giving your child time to become familiar with me, the rink and the routine.

Instead of saying, “Don't fall,” try saying, “Listen to Coach Caitlin, try your best and have fun.”

Parent and caregiver expectations

Parents and caregivers are important members of a skater's support team. During lessons, the most helpful approach is to let the coach coach and allow your child to focus on one set of instructions.

Unless your program specifically includes adult participation, please watch from the designated viewing area and remain available if your young skater needs assistance. Encourage effort after the lesson rather than evaluating every skill from the boards.

Please ensure that:

• Your skater arrives on time and prepared.
• I receive important medical, allergy, sensory or fear-related information privately.
• Your contact and emergency information remain current.
• A parent or authorized guardian is present at the designated exit for pickup.
• Medical and safety information

Skating involves an inherent risk of falls and injury. Proper equipment, preparation, supervision and age-appropriate instruction help reduce that risk, but cannot remove it completely.

Please tell me privately about anything that may affect your child's participation, including:

• Allergies or serious medical conditions
• Asthma or breathing concerns
• Inhalers, EpiPens or other emergency medication
• Sensory needs
• Significant fears or previous difficult skating experiences
• Physical restrictions or recent injuries

Please explain where emergency medication will be stored during the lesson. Updates can be emailed to chestermereskatingschool@gmail.com.

Attendance, missed lessons and cancellations

Regular attendance matters. Skills, confidence and class routines build from one lesson to the next.

Classes missed by a skater are not eligible for make-up lessons. If I cancel a lesson, the affected lesson will be rescheduled or refunded, as applicable. Skate With Me-program withdrawals require 30 days' written notice. Please review the terms provided with your registration for any additional policies specific to intensives, private lessons or outdoor programming.

For outdoor lessons, weather and ice conditions can change quickly. Please do not assume a lesson is cancelled unless you receive an update from me. Any cancellation or location update will be sent using the contact information connected to the registration.

Communication

Important updates are sent to the email address or phone number provided during registration. Please check that your information is correct and monitor your inbox, junk folder and text messages near lesson time.

If your child's medical information, emergency contact, pickup arrangements or other important details change, please contact me before the next lesson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my child wear hockey or figure skates?

Either can work for a beginner. Choose based on fit, support, comfort and your child's interests. Please ask if you would like guidance before purchasing.

Do brand-new skates need sharpening?

Usually, yes. New and used skates should be checked and professionally sharpened before the first lesson unless a qualified skate technician confirms otherwise.

Can my child wear a bike or ski helmet?

No. A properly fitted CSA-approved hockey helmet is required.

What if my child is nervous or cries?

That can be a normal part of adjusting to a new coach, rink and independent activity. Stay calm, keep your message positive and give your child time to build trust and confidence. I will adapt activities and progressions to the skater in front of me.

Should I give my child instructions from the viewing area?

Please let me provide the on-ice instruction. One clear voice helps children focus and allows me to build a consistent lesson routine with them.

What if my child misses a lesson?

Skater absences are not eligible for make-up lessons. Please notify me when possible so I know not to expect your child.

What happens if Coach Caitlin cancels?

A lesson I cancel will be rescheduled or refunded, as applicable to the program.

How will I know whether my child is progressing?

Progress may look like a new skill, but it can also look like increased confidence, independence, listening, balance or willingness to try. I provide feedback throughout the program and may use progress reports depending on the class format.

Can a parent come onto the ice?

Only when the registered program specifically includes adult participation or I have provided instructions for an adult to join and they have signed a waiver. Otherwise, parents and caregivers watch from the designated area.

Who should I contact with questions?

Please email Coach Caitlin at chestermereskatingschool@gmail.com. Questions about equipment are always welcome before your child's first lesson.

Ready to skate?

Arriving prepared helps children feel secure and gives them more time to enjoy learning. I look forward to welcoming your skater, building their confidence and helping them develop strong foundations on the ice.