How to Hire a STARSkate Coach

Hiring a private coach for individual instruction usually starts when a skater has achieved the fundamentals of skating through our CanSkate program and has decided to continue into the STARSkate program. Each skater in the STARSkate program must have a GCSC Base coach to participate in the sessions being offered by our Club.  So how do you go about hiring a coach?  Here are some factors to consider when choosing a coach:

• Level of NCCP certification

• Years of coaching experience

• Skating background - years of skating experience; highest tests passed; competitive accomplishments.

• What levels of skaters do they work with? For example - beginners, recreational, competitive, adults.

• When are they available? Does it work with the skater's other activities?

• Do they offer private or semi-private (2-3 skaters) lessons?

• Does the coach work as part of a coaching team? Will skaters receive lessons from other support coaches such as dance coaches?

• What successes has the coach had with skaters? For example - gold tests passed, high level placements in qualifying competitions.

• Coaching style and philosophy - you may want to observe some lessons and talk to the coach for more details.

Please contact our STARSkate coaches directly to obtain further information on their experience, availability and approach to coaching, so that you can determine whether they are the best fit.