Programs for every skater.
From first steps on the ice to racing at the national level, Hamilton Speed Skating Club has a program for every stage.
Learn to Skate
Typically ages 4 – 121×/week · ChedokeOct – Mar
For kids who aren't fully comfortable on skates yet. We typically run two 9 – 10 week sessions through the year, and skaters can stay in Learn to Skate until they're ready to move up to Learn to Speed Skate.
What you’ll do
- Get comfortable skating in a safe, fun environment.
- Bring your own skates. Hockey or figure skates both work.
- Build the basics that lead into Learn to Speed Skate.
Learn to Speed Skate
Typically age 6+1–3×/week · Chedoke + Sherman
For skaters who already know how to skate and are ready to try speed skates. Rent skates through the club and learn the fundamentals. Practices run on a regular hockey rink.
What you’ll do
- Rent speed skates from the club for the season.
- Learn the fundamentals of short-track technique.
- Optional racing on the Regional and Provincial circuit.
Competitive
Typically age 11+ with multiple years of experience1–4×/week · Chedoke + Sherman
For skaters with several years of speed skating experience who are training and racing seriously.
What you’ll do
- Placement is by the head coach. Not a program new skaters sign up for directly.
- Focus on racing technique and building fitness within the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework (opens in new tab), a Sport for Life model used by Speed Skating Canada to match training to a skater’s developmental stage.
Masters
Adults 18+Tuesdays · Sherman
Adult speed skating. 18+, Tuesday sessions only.
What you’ll do
- Tuesday ice at F.H. Sherman Arena in Stoney Creek.
Not sure which one?
New to the sport? Start on Get Started.
The Get Started page walks through which program fits, what to bring, and what happens between your registration and day one.
Questions about a program?
Have a look at our FAQ.
If you don’t see your question there, email us from the FAQ page.