Frequently Asked Questions

  • DescrFor skaters seeking quality equipment and expert advice, we recommend the following stores:

    College Source for Sports: 63 Charing Cross St Unit 2, Brantford, ON N3R 2H4

    The Figure Skating Boutique: 109 Doncaster Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 1L6

    Moir’s Skate Shop: 22665 Komoka Rd, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0

    Ice & Nice: 2445 Glenwood School Dr, Burlington, ON L7R 3R9iption text goes here

  • DescriptiNew skates do not come sharpened. Skates should be sharpened after roughly 40 hours of ice time. The use of skate guards, not walking on cement, and wiping blades clean after each skate can make your sharpening last longer. Do not store your skates with guards on as rust can form on the bottom of the blades.

    Sporting goods stores and arena pro shops are fine for sharpening hockey skates, but should not be used for figure skates. They put a “rocker” on the blade that changes the balance significantly. A few places that sharpen figure skates in this area are the Figure Skating Boutique (Markham), Ice and Nice (Burlington) Approximately every months, we invite a professional skate sharpener to the rink, so contact us for the scheduled date/time. on text goes here

  • Skates should fit more snugly than regular shoes. A properly fitted skate should have not more than half an inch of space at the toe. Skaters should be able to wiggle their toes, but their heel should not move. There should be no more room than one finger space between the back of the foot and the skate.

    A good way to check whether skates are too small is to remove the sole of the skate and stand on it. If the toes are going over the sole of the skate, the skate is likely too small. Please be sure to double check with a coach to determine whether skates are sized correctly. It is always best to get skates sized initially by professional at a figure skating/hockey store. Here is a great site to help you check the size of your skates.

    If skates are too small, they are uncomfortable, and feet will tend to get cold faster. When skates are too big, the foot moves around in the skate, which could cause injuries and blisters. Only one pair of thin socks should be worn with skates. Thick socks, or more than one pair of socks, puts extra pressure on the boot. So when the skater exerts pressure on the boot, the socks compress and this prevents the skate from providing the needed support. Never buy skates hoping they will last more than one season.

    Skates should be laced fairly loosely at the toe and front of the foot, but snugly around the ankle. Laces should be tied in a double knot with the excess tucked in. Never wrap laces around the ankle of the boot before tying.

  • Registration typically opens based on a variety of factors, including when the city provides the ice contract to the club and the availability of ice within the city. The Brant Figure Skating Club (BFSC) aims to have the schedule available anywhere from a month to two weeks before the sessions begin. This timeline allows for adjustments based on the final details of ice availability.

  • In total there are 5 registration periods: Fall, Early Winter, Late Winter, Spring, Summer. In the future, we will offering a registration period that covers both Fall and Early Winter.

  • No, we cannot offer a refund if the program has already started. For details on our refund policy, please refer to the Brant Figure Skating Club’s refund policy on our website or contact us directly for further assistance.

  • When deciding which program to sign up for, it's essential to consider your specific needs and goals as a skater. If you're a beginner, you'll want to register for either Pre-CanSkate or CanSkate, depending on your age. Pre-CanSkate is designed for younger beginners, while CanSkate is ideal for slightly older children who are just starting out.

    For all other figure skating programs, it's best to contact your base coach, who can guide you based on your skill level and objectives.

    If you're a hockey player looking to improve your skating skills, the PowerSkate program would be the most suitable option.

  • Item deA base coach in figure skating is a private coach who specializes in both foundational and advanced skills, crucial for a skater’s development. They focus on core elements such as posture, balance, and basic moves, while also providing guidance on more advanced techniques and maneuvers.

    In addition to their focus on technical fundamentals, a base coach offers personalized support tailored to the skater’s needs. They provide recommendations on which training sessions to attend and which competitions to enter, helping to customize the skater’s development path. This individualized approach ensures that skaters receive targeted assistance for both foundational and advanced skills, optimizing their performance and progression in the sport.

    You can find a base coach by contacting one of the coaches on our Coaches page.scription

  • If your child feels ready to move on from Learn to Skate, the next step depends on their future goals. If they have passed CanSkate Level 4 and are interested in pursuing hockey, they can sign up for PowerSkating. If figure skating is their goal, they can continue progressing toward the Future Stars program with the guidance of one of our coaches.

  • Your child will need a figure skating costume for performances, competitions, or events where they are showcasing their routines. The timing for when a costume is needed will depend on the event schedule.

    Costumes can be purchased or ordered from specialized skating shops, online retailers, or local costume suppliers. Our club also offers secondhand costumes for sale. For Flashing Blades, some costumes will be provided, while others will need to be purchased. Additionally, some coaches like to sketch costumes to help with design and fit. Be sure to check with your child's coach for specific requirements and recommendations regarding costumes.

  • For competition days, it's essential to be well-prepared with the necessary items. You can find a comprehensive checklist of what is needed for competition days here. This checklist will help ensure that you have everything required for a smooth and successful competition experience.

  • Flashing Blades is a prestigious skating carnival in Brant County, offering children the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the season. This event is highly anticipated and serves as a showcase for our skaters' achievements. Participation in Flashing Blades is often included in many of our registration packages; we encourage you to review your package details to confirm whether registration for this event is included. If it is not part of your current package, additional registration options may be available to ensure your child can take part in this esteemed event. To find out more about Flashing Blades click here.

  • Fees are determined based on several factors, including the city's ice contracts, the estimated number of registrants based on historical data, and Skate Canada fees. These elements contribute to the overall cost structure to ensure the program's sustainability and quality. For more detailed information, please contact us.

  • The multi-session discount is applicable to regional, provincial, and national sessions. A tiered discount system is applied when a skater is registered for 5 or more sessions a week.

  • Becoming a programming assistant is an esteemed opportunity, earned through demonstrated skill and merit. Selected by our coaches, these assistants are recognized for their technical expertise and commitment to excellence at their star level. If your child is interested in this role, please contact us, and the coaches will be happy to assess their potential.