About TISC

    This page last updated: September 2, 2008

    Skating Club Information

    PLEASE NOTE: We aim to make this information as accurate as possible. We are not responsible for errors. This is a general information page. If you need assistance or have a more specific questions please contact us through [this] link. Practices and start times are not guaranteed, occasionally weather conditions and special events may result in practice cancellations. Up to the minute information can be obtained from our [CLUB forum] or telephone information system at 647-831-6364 (please do not leave a message - it is not monitored.)

    The Toronto Inline Skating Club (TISC) was founded in 1991 by Jocelyn Martin and Laurie Lafrance. The club introduced the sport of outdoor inline speed skating to Canada and is today, still one of the the largest and most competitive. Our first practices were held in the parking lot at High Park, around the Grenadier Restaurant on Sunday mornings. Regular outdoor practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays were held in an industrial complex, just south of the 401, called Max Ward Park.

    Many years later, we moved our Sunday practices to Bloor and Mill Rd, where we had access to a 200m school track. During the week we would meet in the parking lot of the Hershey Center for organized track and road combined practices.

    We currently practice at Christ the King Catholic School in Etobicoke, Ontario. Please see below for more information.

    Inline Skating Mississauga is a subsidiary organization of TISC. It was designed to promote the sport within the nearby community of Mississauga.

    Where and When

    Tuesday and Thursday practices begin at 6pm for the month of April. From May to August, practices begin at 6:30pm, we return to a 6PM start for September. Informal (non-club sanctioned) events and practices will be announced as information becomes available. Check the forum for more information on other events.

    If you’re looking for inline this winter we also skate [indoors].

    For the 2008 season - We are skating:

    Tuesdays & Thursdays: Christ the King Catholic School which has a 200-meter track located at 3672 Lakeshore Blvd West, Etobicoke, M8W 1N6 (Lakeshore might be called highway 2 in some mapping software) [Map]

    NOTE: We are no longer skating at West Toronto Collegiate Institute which has a 400-meter track at 330 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto, M6H 3Y1 [Map] This is however, a great place to practice during off-peak hours. The track is smooth and fast. [TOP]

    Membership Information

    To become a member, you must complete and submit a membership form. The club collects a $10.00 fee for guests to cover insurance (Note: non-member guest skates are limited.)

    If becoming a member, please review the Acknowledgment, Consent, Undertaking, Release, Waiver and Indemnity carefully. If you have any questions or do not understand any provision, please speak to one of the club officials. The Acknowledgment, Consent, Undertaking, Release, Waiver and Indemnity should be reviewed and signed by you PRIOR to your attending and/or participating in any TISC activity, practice or event.

    Updated forms can be found on our main page (look for the Box.Net file box on the right panel), or you can pick one up at any practice. [TOP]

    What to Bring, What to expect

    Bring:

    • Inline Skates - ANY KIND, make, model
    • Helmet, wrist gaurds are mandatory other protective equipment is highly recommended
    • Water/Waterbottle or some other sports drink

    Our Philosophy and What we offer:

    TISC is dedicated to the promotion of inline skating as a way to achieve fitness, make friends, travel and compete.

    • A non-threatening, group fitness environment geared towards fun & fitness
    • A planned program of instruction and practice in groups of similar ability
    • A club conduct policy and rules of the track
    • A coach that will guide you, provide skills training and manage the practice time
    • Assistance, technical advice and programming suggestions through our online forums

    What is expected:

    • A willingness to learn and practice
    • Completion of planned program activities and practices
    • Adhere to club conduct policy and rules of the track
    • Listen to your coaches/instructors and ask questions if you don’t understand

    [TOP]

    What do I get from joining TISC?

    At TISC, you will receive training, coaching, and tips to skate further, safer, cooperatively and faster. You will enjoy the benefits of skating in a group and learning new skills in a safe and controlled environment. You will be able to apply your newly learned skills at various inline skating events in Ontario and beyond.

    You can network with skaters to travel, skate and train. You will have enhanced access to the latest information about skating, training, equipment and events. TISC members have access to the club skate rental fleet.

    TISC membership includes insurance and we practice at locations which are closed to traffic. [TOP]

    What happens at a practice?

    Skaters will experience pack (group) style skating. Our practices include technique (how to skate/go fast) and a fitness focus. Each practice begins with a warm-up. Skaters will be placed in ability groups at some practices. Some of the activities include drafting, matching up pushes, passing, working cooperatively in a group, sprint, starts, and race strategy. [TOP]

    What about the equipment?

    Don’t worry, as long as they roll, any pair of skates will do. However, if you do wish to upgrade your equipment, TISC has rental skates that are available to club members. Ask one of the officials or coaches at practice if you wish to rent.

    Skaters purchase much of their equipment through dealers or online vendors. Gavin Thulien (ZT Sports), Alex Perrie, and Paul Shoebridge are dealers in Ontario. For more vendors, you can dig some up in our [link coming soon] section.

    For racing skates, you can expect to spend anywhere between $200 (used boots), $400 (entry level boots) to $1500 and up (custom boots).

    You don’t need to break the bank to have skates that are worthy of the events you wish to participate in. Much like in auto-racing, it’s all about the wheels. Start with a brand new pair of wheels (hardness 84A and size 80mm and up) and they will roll and grip well on most outdoor surfaces. A more in-depth discusssion on equipment can be found [link coming soon]. [TOP]

    Rules of the Road at TISC - Safety First

    At TISC, you will find a first aid kit on site. Practices are usually closed off to traffic, and the skating surface is swept clear of debris.

    Safety is the most important part of our practices:

    • You must wear your protective equipment at all times.
    • Warn skaters before you are about to pass them - give them enough time to react.
    • Personal audio devices are not permitted during practices.
    • Complete all the workouts to the best of your ability; if you cannot do this, please notify the coach or program leader.
    • Be respectful and courteous of your fellow skaters and volunteers at all times.

    [TOP]

    So You Want to Race?

    There are many events to attend, support and compete in. These events usually require some traveling, which is a great opportunity to make friends and see the world. There are local, provincial, national and international events for you to attend, with distances ranging from short sprints (100-meters) to ultra-marathons (42km, 100km, 24 Hours, etc). Races and events are held on ovals, tracks, closed road circuits, and open roads. Make sure you check the [events] calendar for an up to date list.  For more information please speak to a club representative or coach. [TOP]

    Club Awards

    TISC recognizes its members and their achievements with annual awards including:

    The Rusty Bearing Award - contribution
    Skater of the Year - performance
    Rookie of the Year - best performance for a new skater
    The Most Improved Skater of the Year - greatest improvement in performance
    Junior Skater of the Year- top juniors
    [TOP]

    Got the Winter Blues?

    Looking for somewhere to skate in the winter? The [Scooters Indoor Speed Club] operates at the Scooters Roller Palace in Mississauga from November to March. The club offers an elite program as well as a beginner/ kids/ intermediate skate. [TOP]

    Guest Fees, Membership, and Insurance

    Guests and members are required to sign waivers. The first-time skate for guests is free. Each practice is $10 thereafter. When a guest decides to become a member of TISC, the fee is reduced by $10 per paid guest skate up to a maximum of $30.

    All members are required to submit membership and insurance forms (see top of the page). This is mandatory. [TOP]

    About Inline Skate racing in Canada

    Roller Sports Ontario [RSO] is the governing body for Roller Sports in Ontario, while Roller Sports Canada [RSC] governs the sport nationally.

    There are a number of clubs and facilities in Ontario and beyond, including the Ottawa Inline Skating Club [OUISC], Canada Inline Training Centre [CITC], Roller Montreal [RM], Markham Inline Skating Club [MISC], and the Cambridge Inline Skating Club.

    RSO holds a provincial championship each year. The event usually takes place in early June. You need to skate the RSO provincials to attend the RSC Canadian National Championships, which usually take place in early July.

    Some of the best inline skating events take place within driving distance of Toronto, including the 24-Hours Inline Montreal (July) and the Ottawa Inline Skating Festival (September). There are also some local races like the Trillum 10k in Mount Forst in May.

    RSO also holds a points series (Roller Sports Ontario Speed Points Series) starting in May of each year, with a number of events in Ontario. The series is great for skaters of all levels- from entry level skaters to seasoned elites. [TOP]

    Coaching Staff

    Eric Gee - is responsible for the Group 1 Learn to Speed Skate program. Eric has been skating since 1992, he has competed internationally and is a former member of the National and World teams.  He is also a multi-time Montreal 24 hour, Inline Solo Champion. Outside of skating, Eric works for a large Canadian corporation and is currently prototyping a handmade custom skating boot.

    Peter Doucet - is responsible for the Racing program at TISC. Peter has been skating since 1993, he has competed internationally with Top-10 results in many races including Northshore, New York 100k and A2A. He is a current member of the National and World teams, competing at many World Championships. In 2001 and 2002, he was a member of Team Mogema Canada, then Mogema USA. He was most recently sponsored by K2/Empire. More recently he represented Canada at the Pan Am games. Peter currently coaches indoor and outdoor inline speed skating. Outside of skating, Peter is an elementary school teacher and enjoys playing music.

    Aaron Arndt - is currently touring europe as a member of the World Inline Center Bont, World Inline Cup, professional inline speed team. He was responsible for the Racing program at TISC. For a full profile please see his website. [TOP]

    Toronto Inline Skating Club - Current Board of Directors

    President (acting): Gillian Clarke
    Secretary: Travis Shaw
    Director At Large: Candy Wong
    Director At Large: Peter Doucet

    Inline Skating Mississauga - Current Board of Directors

    Wayne Burrett, President
    Peter Doucet, Director at Large
    Eric Gee, Director at Large
    [TOP]

    Warning: Helmet and wrist guards are mandatory - you will not be allowed to participate without this minimum gear. All skaters are required to sign a waiver. The use of other safety equipment is strongly encouraged. Water is usually available. All club programs have a minimum required skill level. Not recommended for absolute beginners. You must be able to safely start, stop, turn and balance on skates. Every session will have a technical component. Some practice sessions may involve pack skating.