Program Overview
Explore our competitive, recreational and masters programs tailored to Winnipeg speed skaters of all abilities.
Group A: Intermediate-Advanced
Ready to take your speed to the next level? Our Advanced Speed Skating program is designed for skaters who have mastered the basics and are ready to transition into the exciting world of competitive racing.
This program shifts focus toward advanced technical efficiency, physical conditioning, and tactical race strategy, helping skaters build the confidence to test their skills on the track.
Who Is This For?
This program is for skaters aged 10-18 who can already confidently handle speed skates and are eager to challenge themselves both in training and in a racing environment.
Minimum Requirement: Skaters must be able to cross over comfortably on turns and skate 400m in less than 60 seconds.*
Commitment Note: Participants in this program are required to attend at least four competitions throughout the season to experience racing dynamics firsthand.
What You Will Learn
Our coaching staff focuses on refining technique and introducing the strategic elements of competitive skating:
–Advanced Turn Techniques: Mastering aggressive crossovers, pressure on the blade, and optimal corner entry/exit.
–Racing Strategy & Tactics: Learning how to draft, execute clean passes, protect your lane, and time your final sprint.
–Start Mechanics: Developing a powerful, explosive start from the line to gain an immediate advantage.
–Track Awareness: Navigating tight packs safely and reacting quickly to race-day scenarios.
Equipment Needed
Skates: Speed skates (rental included in registration)
Safety Gear: Skaters are required to wear speed skating safety equipment at all times including: lycra and/or kevlar suit, speed skating helmet, goggles, cut-resistant bibbed neck protector, cut-resistant gloves, cut-resistant socks, and shin pads.
The Competitive Experience
Competing isn’t just about winning—it’s about setting personal bests, building camaraderie with teammates, and experiencing the incredible energy of race day. Our coaching team fully supports intermediate skaters at local meets, ensuring a positive and milestone-driven introduction to racing.
Take the Line! If you are ready to push your limits, refine your stride, and feel the rush of the starting gun, the Intermediate program is your gateway to competitive success.
Group B: Beginner-Intermediate
Ready to experience the thrill of the starting line? Our Beginner Racing & Development program is the perfect entry point for skaters who want to learn the fundamentals of speed skating with an exciting focus on competitive racing while still having fun.
This program bridges the gap between basic skating and track racing, teaching foundational techniques and introductory race strategies in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for new speed skaters, aged 6-18, who want to challenge themselves and experience the fun of the sport through competition.
Minimum Requirement: Skaters must be able to skate a full lap forward on their own without assistance. No prior racing experience is required!
Commitment Note: To fully experience the sport, participants are highly encouraged to attend at least two local competitions throughout the season to test their progress and build team spirit.
What You Will Learn
Our coaches focus on essential skating mechanics while introducing foundational race skills through structured drills and fun mock races:
–Foundational Technique: Mastering the basic speed skating stance, balance, and straightaway glide.
-Intro to Cornering: Learning how to approach turns safely and beginning the mechanics of the crossover.
-Racing Basics: Understanding starting line commands, proper track etiquette, and how to safely pass a teammate.
-Race Day Readiness: Building the confidence to handle the excitement, rules, and structure of a real competition.
Equipment Needed
Skates: Speed skates (rental included in registration).
Safety Gear: A valid winter sport helmet (hockey, snowboard, or speed skating specific), goggles or helmet cage, lycra and/or kevlar suit, cut-resistant bibbed neck protector, cut-resistant leather gloves, cut-resistant socks, and shin pads.
Why Compete?
Attending competitions at the beginner level is all about fun, tracking personal improvement, and being part of a team. Meets provide a welcoming environment where skaters can achieve their very first “personal best” times and cheer on their clubmates.
Get Ready to Race! If you can skate on your own and want to feel the rush of racing, this program gives you all the tools, technique, and confidence to take the starting line.
Group C: Recreational
Ready to trade in your regular skates for long blades? Our Recreational Speed Skating program is the perfect next step for skaters looking to build confidence, improve their fitness, and learn the exhilarating fundamentals of speed skating in a fun, low-pressure environment.
This program focuses on developing the unique body position, balance, and straightaway technique that make speed skating so efficient and fast.
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for youth, aged 6-16, who want to experience the thrill of the sport without the immediate pressure of high-level competition.
Minimum Requirement: Minimum Requirement: Skaters must be able to stand and skate forward on their own (on any type of skate) without assistance. No prior speed skating experience is necessary!
What You Will Learn
Our coaches focus on fundamental skill development through engaging drills, games, and active track time:
-The Speed Skating Stance: Mastering the basic low body position to maximize glide and power.
-Edge Control & Balance: Getting comfortable on longer blades and learning how to lean into turns.
-Straightaway Technique: Developing a smooth, efficient stride to build momentum.
-Safety & Track Etiquette: Learning how to safely navigate the oval, pass other skaters, and utilize safety mats.
Equipment Needed
Skates: Speed skates (stating the season on hockey or figure skates until skater is ready).
Safety Gear: A valid winter sport helmet (hockey, snowboard, or speed skating specific), goggles or helmet cage, cut-resistant bibbed neck protector, cut-resistant leather gloves, cut-resistant socks, and shin pads.
Join Us on the Ice! Whether your goal is to improve your skating for other sports, get a great cardiovascular workout, or just try something fast and new, this program offers a supportive community to help you glide into the sport.
Masters: 18+ Speed Skating
Whether you are looking to try an exhilarating new sport, smash your fitness goals, or chase a podium at the national or international level, our Masters Speed Skating program welcomes you.
Designed specifically for adult athletes (ages 18+), this program blends technical skill development, high-yield conditioning, and race strategy. We provide a dynamic, social, and supportive training environment tailored to your individual goals—whether that means a great workout with friends or wearing your country’s colors on the world stage.
Who Is This For?
This program accommodates a wide spectrum of adult skaters, from beginners to seasoned veterans:
–The Fitness Seeker: Looking for a low-impact, high-intensity cardiovascular workout to cross-train or replace the standard gym routine.
-The Adult Beginner: Eager to learn a unique sport, master the long blades, and challenge themselves in a new way.
-The Competitive Racer: Aiming to hone their racing tactics, peak for regional meets, or qualify for National and International Masters Championships.
What You Will Learn
Our coaching staff respects the unique biomechanics of adult athletes, focusing on efficiency, power, and injury prevention:
-Technical Precision: Refined instruction on the speed skating stance, straightaway power application, and cornering dynamics (crossovers).
-Racing Mechanics & Tactics: For those interested in racing, we cover mass-start strategies, track awareness, drafting, passing, and explosive start-line execution.
-Energy System Conditioning: Workouts tailored to build both aerobic capacity and explosive anaerobic power.
-Equipment Mastery: Guidance on boot fitting, blade bending, rocker profiles, and maintenance to get the most out of your gear.
Equipment Needed
Skates: Speed skates (rental included in registration).
Safety Gear: A valid winter sport helmet (hockey, snowboard, or speed skating specific), goggles or helmet cage, cut-resistant bibbed neck protector, cut-resistant leather gloves, cut-resistant socks, and shin pads.
Choose Your Own Track
The beauty of Masters sport is that you dictate your journey. There is no mandatory competitive requirement.
Find Your Stride: If you are ready to experience the peerless glide of speed skating, improve your fitness, and join an incredible community of adult athletes, the Masters program has a lane for you