Canskate Program Grows In New Brunswick

Whether you're a novice or an experienced skater, New Brunswick has something for you. With approximately 30 skating clubs in the province, you're sure to find one that fits your needs and goals. There are plenty of skate parks to choose from, including the Planchodrome Dieppe Skate, the Bathurst Skatepark, and the latest spot, Potato Shed Kink. Saint John's biggest and most challenging skate park is Station 1, which features ramps, bowls, pipes, and rails, and is perfect for all skill levels. For those just starting out, there's a smaller skate park located at Market Place District Park on the city's west side. So whether you're into speed skating, figure skating, or skateboarding, grab your gear and get ready to join the vibrant skating community of New Brunswick!

Skate Canada New Brunswick

The first step is to find a club that suits your needs and goals. You can do this by visiting the "Learn to Skate – Canskate" page on the Skate Canada New Brunswick website, where you can locate a club in your area. Once you've found a club, it's time to register for a session. Skating registrations typically happen twice a year: before the school year starts and before the New Year. It's important to communicate directly with the club to ensure you're signing up for the right session, as they can guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Before your first session, make sure you have the right equipment. This includes a CSA-approved hockey helmet for the Canskate program, suitable skates for the Skating programs, and appropriate attire.

For those looking for a more challenging experience, Saint John's Station 1 on Station Street is the city's biggest and most challenging skate park. It offers ramps, bowls, pipes, and rails suitable for all skill levels and ages. The annual Mayor's Cup Skateboard Competition is held here on Canada Day. For novice skateboarders, there's a smaller skate park located at Market Place District Park on the west side of the city.

Outside of Saint John, there are several notable skate spots in New Brunswick, including the Planchodrome Dieppe Skate in Dieppe, the Bathurst Skatepark in Bathurst, and the Majors Road Pump Track.

Skate parks in Saint John

Skate parks are a valued part of the community in Saint John, providing a place for people to gather, socialise, and practice their skills. There are several notable skate parks in Saint John, catering to enthusiasts of different skill levels and offering a range of features and amenities.

One popular skate park in Saint John is the Station One Skate Park, centrally located beneath the Route 1 overpass near Harbour Passage. This park is free to use and is well-lit, making it accessible and safe for skaters. It offers a variety of equipment, including ramps, flatrails, and curbs, providing a versatile space for skaters to practice their tricks and techniques. The park is also equipped with a range of safety features, such as helmets, to ensure a secure skating experience.

In addition to Station One Skate Park, there are several other skate parks in the Saint John area that cater to different levels of skaters. For example, the St. John Skatepark in Jersey, United Kingdom, is a small park with several basic skateboarding obstacles perfect for beginners or those looking for a simpler setup. This park offers a back-and-forth setup, providing a straightforward and approachable skating experience.

The Saint John Park Board has also approved plans for a new skate park, set to be located off Cline Avenue near The Gates of St. John. This park will feature a range of amenities, guided by community feedback, ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of local skaters. The design includes a compact bowl, a wall jam, a concrete pump track, and street areas for beginners and intermediates. It will also have a mini-half pipe section, amphitheatre steps, and spectator seating, creating a versatile space for skaters and viewers alike.

Additionally, there are several other well-known skate parks in the broader Saint John region, such as Hammond Park Skatepark, Crown Point Sportsplex, Commissioner's Skate Park, and Yukich Park Skatepark. These parks offer diverse opportunities for skaters to practice their skills, socialise with like-minded individuals, and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Skating clubs in New Brunswick

There are plenty of skating clubs and rinks in New Brunswick, whether you're looking to ice skate or roller skate.

Ice Skating

The Roosevelt Park Family Ice Rink is an outdoor skating rink located in Roosevelt Park, overlooking the lake. Each winter, thousands of people visit the rink. The rink is also wheelchair accessible. The Staten Island Skating Pavilion is another option, which is home to Staten Island's skate enthusiasts and hockey fans. For those looking for lessons, the Skating Club of Brunswick offers private coaching and lessons, as well as group lessons. The club returns on 29 October 2023, with skating taking place on Sundays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Roller Skating

For roller skating, the Branch Brook Park Roller SKTNG rink is highly regarded by one reviewer, who states that it is "without a doubt, the best rink I have ever been to".

Speed Skating

Speed skating is also an option in New Brunswick, with Speed Skate New Brunswick hosting the 2024 Hampton Competition on 24 February 2024.

Speed skating competitions

Speed skating is a popular sport in New Brunswick, with several clubs and organizations dedicated to the sport. There are many speed skating competitions held in the region, offering opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels to compete and showcase their talent.

One notable speed skating club in the region is the Hampton Speed Skating Club, which offers a range of programs for skaters of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. The club hosts regular speed skating meets and competitions, such as the Hampton Speed Skating Meet held in March 2023. They also participate in regional and provincial championships, such as the Atlantic Cup Speed Skating Championships.

The Saint John Amateur Speed Skating Club is another prominent organization in New Brunswick. The club provides a platform for amateur speed skaters to develop their skills and compete in local and regional events. The club hosts regular meets and maintains records of personal best times for its members.

Speed Skate New Brunswick is a regional organization that oversees and promotes the sport in the province. They organize competitions, such as the 2024 Hampton Competition, which is open to all eligible skaters and features ability-based racing on 85m and 100m tracks. Speed Skate New Brunswick also hosts provincial and club-level events, including the Atlantic Championship.

Skate Canada New Brunswick is another governing body that organizes speed skating competitions in the region. Their calendar of events includes the 2024 Winter Invitational, the Regional Synchronized Skating Championship, and the Provincial STAR and Special Olympics Championships. These events provide opportunities for skaters to represent their province and compete at the regional and national levels.

The speed skating community in New Brunswick is vibrant and diverse, with athletes of all ages and backgrounds. The competitions held in the region showcase the talent and dedication of these individuals, fostering a culture of sportsmanship and excellence in the sport. These events also serve as a platform for athletes to pursue their passion, represent their clubs and provinces, and strive for continuous improvement.

Skate spots in New Brunswick, New Jersey

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is known for its vibrant skateboarding culture, with several pros having honed their skills in the city. While the city is yet to have a dedicated skate park of its own, there are still plenty of spots that are popular among skaters.

Richard Deiner Park

Located on George Street, straddling Route 18 behind the Campbell dormitory, Richard Deiner Park is one of the city's most well-known skate spots. Skating icon Mike Vallely is said to have cut his teeth at this park, with some of his famous trick videos from the 1990s being filmed there.

Boyd Park

Flanking the Raritan River, Boyd Park is another popular spot for skaters in New Brunswick. Its location over the highway means that skaters can practice their moves without worrying about noise complaints.

Rutgers College Avenue Campus

The metal handrails along the staircases of Brower Commons and the wooden rails near Hickman Hall on the Rutgers College Avenue Campus bear the marks of many a skateboard. These spots provide an interesting and unique architecture for skaters to practice their tricks.

NJ Skate Shop

The NJ Skate Shop on Easton Avenue is a hub for the local skateboarding community. In addition to selling skateboards and gear, the shop also sells apparel that reflects the skater subculture, with shoes and snap-back caps being particularly popular items.

While these spots may not be dedicated skate parks, they nonetheless play an important role in New Brunswick's skateboarding scene, providing spaces for skaters to gather, practice their skills, and express their passion for the sport.

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