Welcome to the Introduction to Speed Skating for Women and Girls!

We hope you’ll come and join us to see what this great sport is all about.  The basic details about the program are in our brochure and in the information below.

What is the Intro to Speed Skating?

The Intro program is a seven-week introductory session to teach you the basics of speed skating.  It will focus on short-track skating, but the skills you’ll learn are applicable to other kinds of speed skating, too. 

The first night will be off-ice only, and will include equipment fitting and an introduction to the sport.  The subsequent nights will comprise an hour of on-ice practice and an off-ice review, video analysis, and question-and-answer session.

Who is eligible?

The program is for women and girls of high-school age and up, and is sponsored by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS).  You should have basic safe skating skills to do this session, but you don’t have to be highly talented.  Even if you’re a little rusty, you’ll likely be okay.

The Pacers also welcome skaters of all ages, genders, and ability levels!  If you don’t fit this program but are interested in speed skating, email our Information Officer for more information about upcoming programs (ottpacers@gmail.com).

When and where is it?

The program runs from September 4^th to October 16^th, on Tuesday nights from 4 to 6pm.  It is at the Bell Sensplex at 1565 Maple Grove road in Kanata.

How much does it cost?

The program is $140, including skate rental.  A deposit of $70 is due on registration.  Safety gear is available for rent for an extra fee (which will be published soon).

What equipment do I need?  What’s provided?

For both the on- and off-ice sessions, you should wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.  On the ice you need long pants and long sleeves; layers are a good idea.  Tights, yoga pants, and sweat pants work well, with a comfortable T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, and/or light jacket.  Wear comfortable sneakers and clothing for the off-ice sessions, as we may do some skating imitations or off-ice practice.  Bring a water bottle.

The following safety gear is required for on-ice sessions.  Complete safety gear packages will be available for rent for an extra fee, and can be purchased at the end of the session if you choose to continue.

-          Helmet (bike or hockey helmet okay)

-          Neck guard with bib (hockey-style)

-          Safety glasses (colourless or yellow; shop glasses or squash glasses okay)

-          Cut-resistant gloves (e.g. thick leather)

-          Soft knee pads (e.g. volleyball type)

-          Shin guards (e.g. soccer type)

We will provide speed skates for you to wear during the on-ice sessions.  You’ll get fitted for your skates and safety gear at the first session.

How do I register?

Email adultspeedskate@gmail.com and we’ll send you the registration package.  Space is limited, so contact us soon!

I have more questions.

If there’s anything more you’d like to know, email us at adultspeedskate@gmail.com.  We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions!

 

Hope to see you on the ice!