New Skaters

Welcome to Hamilton Speed Skating! Whether you’re just learning to stand on skates or already zipping around the rink, we have a spot for you. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

🧊 Which Program Is Right for You?

Learn to Skate

For children who are not completely comfortable on skates yet and generally over 5 years old. This 9–10 session program starts in October and focuses on getting comfortable skating in a safe and fun environment with the goal of transitioning to Intermediate.

Intermediate

For skaters who can already skate comfortably and are ready to try speedskates. Perhaps your child has already done CanSkate or equivalent. We have ice for masters skaters, but only on Tuesdays.

Advanced

You have been speedskating for several years and competing perhaps for another club. Placement in this session is done solely by the head coach.

🕓 Practice Schedule

Day	Location	Categories
Tuesday	F. H. Sherman	Inter, Adv, Masters
Wednesday	Chedoke	Learn to Skate, Inter, Adv
Thursday	Chedoke	Inter, Adv
Sunday	Chedoke	Inter, Adv

✅ Off-ice training also runs on Fridays year-round and Wednesdays in summer.

🎿 Equipment

Speed skating requires specific safety gear.
🧤 A full list and details are available on our Equipment Page.

Key points:

Required: Helmet, impact-resistant glasses, cut-proof gloves, neck guard, knee pads, ankle guards
Optional: Skin suit and cut-proof liners
Rent/purchase through the club: Skate rentals, helmet, ankle guards, skin suits
✔️ Skates can be rented through the registration form
📏 Skate fitting with be scheduled before first practice for a smoother start to the season

👋 First Practice: What to Expect

Someone from the club will greet you and help you get oriented.
Please arrive early so you can get changed and have your skates on by the start time.

🧍 If you haven’t picked up your skates yet, leave enough time to try on a few pairs. Please communicate with the equipment manager to let them know which day will be your first practice.

🚫 No Try-Outs — Here’s Why

We don’t offer drop-in or trial sessions. Speed skating is a technical skill that takes time and persistence — but it’s incredibly rewarding once it finally clicks. We encourage skaters to commit for a season to really feel the progress.

📝 Registration and Fees

Registration is completed through our online form.
Fees are calculated on the form based on:
- Number of sessions per week
- Number of family members skating
💸 Discounts are available for:
- 3+ skaters per family
- Multiple sessions per week

🙌 Volunteering & Parent Involvement

Hamilton Speed Skating Club is entirely volunteer-run.
We rely on parents to:

Help set up safety mats (1 parent required)
Assist with club-hosted meets and events
It’s a great way to learn about the sport and get involved!

💬 Have Questions?

We’ve created a detailed FAQ page to cover the most common questions from new skaters and parents. Please check there first to get an answer quicker.

If you still need help? Please check the various contact methods posted on the website.

You are also encouraged to join our mailing list by signing up here.

📸 See It in Action

🗣️ What Skaters & Parents Say

“Our kids started out in Learn to Skate — now they’re racing against their teammates at competitions who have become close friends and fierce rivals. The coaches are awesome! They can motivate a 5 year old who doesn’t want to put their skates on and correct the form of a competitive skater competing nationally.”
— Parent of 2 Intermediate Skaters