Gear and sizes
Get the size right before worrying about brands. Size rules come from governing bodies and official brand charts; the models listed are common choices, not paid picks.
Figure skates (boot + blade)
Figure skating boot with blade; beginner models are sold as a boot-and-blade set, advanced boots and blades are bought separately.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| CanSkate beginners (any age) | Skates should fit snugly and have plenty of ankle support; the type of skate (figure or hockey) does not matter until the skater chooses a specific sport.Coquitlam Skating Club learn-to-skate page; the club does not rent skates. Required kit: CSA-approved helmet, skates, gloves or mittens. | Rule |
| Blade care (all levels) | Comfortable, snug skates with good ankle support; sharpen blades when new and at least once each season.Active and Safe Kids Manitoba family guide (partly funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada). Also suggests elbow and knee pads for beginners, wrist guards, and thick mitts against blade cuts. | Rule |
Hard blade guards
Hard guards worn when walking off the ice to protect the blade edges.
Soakers (soft blade covers)
Soft absorbent covers used after skating to keep blades dry in the bag.
Helmet (CanSkate)
CSA-approved hockey helmet required for CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5.
| Age / level | Size / spec | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| CanSkate and Adult CanSkate up to and including Stage 5 | Must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet on the ice (Skate Canada rule, no age limit).Applies to all CanSkate activities including carnivals and special on-ice events. Sections and clubs may set stricter rules. Bicycle helmets do not count; certified helmets carry a CSA sticker. | Rule |
| Any skater without good control or balance (all Skate Canada programs) | CSA-approved hockey helmet required for any skater who lacks good control/balance skating forward and backward, has difficulty stopping or moving around obstacles.Above CanSkate Stage 5 a helmet is optional; skaters who wear one at competitions or assessments get no deduction. | Rule |
| Helmet fit (all ages) | Snug fit; rim about one finger width above the eyebrows and touching the top of the head; chinstrap gently touches under the chin when fastened.For adjustable helmets start at the largest setting and tighten until snug; try different brands for comfort (club helmet policy based on Skate Canada rule). | Rule |
| Helmet fit (public health guide) | Loosen/extend an adjustable helmet before putting it on; it should sit 1-2 finger widths above the eyebrows, not shift when the head moves, with one finger of space between chin strap and chin.Active and Safe Kids Manitoba family guide; it cites the Skate Canada recommendation of a CSA-approved hockey helmet. Note: Coquitlam Skating Club also accepts a CSA-approved skateboarding helmet; the Skate Canada policy names only hockey helmets. | Rule |
| CanSkate and Adult CanSkate, up to and including Stage 5 | Must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet on the ice.Skate Canada Helmet Use Policy (last updated December 2021): also applies to any skater who lacks good control/balance; skaters beyond Stage 5 who choose to wear a helmet receive no deductions at competitions or test days. | Rule |
Kids outgrow gear fast, so it doesn't have to be new: used and sports gear stores across Canada · gear swaps
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