BOOTS AND BLADES
In figure skating skates are the most important piece of equipment! Purchasing appropriate skates to suit the skater and your budget is of utmost importance.
Beginners can start with hockey or figure skates, either are appropriate at the Canskate Level. Most department and sports stores sell skating equipment in a variety of price and quality ranges. You may also find used skates at your local club or second hand sports shops.
BEFORE BUYING SKATES CHECK FOR:
For best results, avoid buying a larger size for the skater “to grow into”. Leather boots are preferable to vinyl. Moulded skates are not recommended. Look for skates that have the blades installed with screws instead of rivets, so that the blade can be moved easily if needed. If the blade is riveted make sure the blade is straight and centred. The skate should look and remain balanced when placed upright on a flat surface and the skater should stand straight when wearing the skates. Ankles should never appear to fall over.
TIPS FOR BLADE SHARPENING
Have skates sharpened by a good sharpening company as soon as they are purchased. The bottom pick should never be removed from the blade as it is part of the design of figure skates and is essential for proper balance. Skates should be sharpened every 24 – 30 hours of usage of skating, depending on usage and care. However, I do recommend to higher level of skaters to have their skates sharpened once a month and to add it to their monthly plans.
SKATES FOR TEST AND COMPETITIVE SKATERS
As the skater moves into StarSkate, it is appropriate to purchase a better quality boot and blade. This will provide additional support as your skater becomes more technically proficient. At this level, figure skating boots and blades are purchased separately. A general-purpose blade should be chosen and it should be screwed into the boot, not riveted.
Mounting the blades is critical and should be done only by an experienced person. Many coaches and skating stores are able to do this. Boots and blades in this category range from $125.00 - $250.00 new or $50.00 - $100.00 used. As the skater progresses, the level of skating continues to dictate the quality of boots and blades. The coach will be able to guide and recommend the best boot and blade for each individual skater. Different types of blades are designed to meet specific needs of the figure skating disciplines. These boots cost approximately $350.00 and up, with the blades starting at $175.00. Used sets are usually available at a greatly reduced cost.
When trying on a new pair of skates the skater should wear the same sock or leotard that they will wear when skating and :
Once the skate is tied loosely over the toe and front of the boot and snugly up the ankle and instep, the skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement in the toes. When walking around off the ice the skates should feel comfortable. Make sure there is no looseness or creases in the boot. The tongue should be padded and should be wide enough to cover the ankle and stay in place.
CARING FOR SKATES
Boots and blades can be expensive. Proper care of your skates can help your investment to last as long as possible. Skate guards must be worn when walking around on any other surface than the ice. Walking on concrete or other gritty surfaces will quickly damage your edges and blades. Your guards should be cleaned out regularly. When taking the skates off, unlace skates sufficiently before removing them so that the back of the boot does not break down or rip. Boot and blades should be completely dried with a cloth. Guards must be removed when the skates are put away. Cold blades get wet from condensation and will rust if guards are left on. Soft terry-towel covers are available to cover and protect the blades while in the skate bag or in a locker. Be sure to take your skates out of the bag to dry out at normal house temperature to prevent rotting of the soles.
SKATING ATTIRE
As skaters progress to the higher level of CanSkate and into StarSkate, skating dresses or skirts become the norm for female skaters.
For regular skating sessions the usual attire for female skaters consists of a dress/body suit with a skirt or a skating shirt with leggings or tights and a sweater and or T-shirt that does not restrict their movement and allows the coach to still see the line of the skater. BLUE JEANS AND NORMAL PANTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE ATTIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For tests and competitions a nice sweater or warm up jacket and gloves are acceptable for the warm up period. However, gloves and sweaters should be removed for the test unless the temperature of the arena prohibits it. For presentation reasons panties and bra strap should be hidden under the dress or not worn at all. Gloves or mittens and headbands should also be worn if the arena is cold. Long hair should be worn up and tied back neatly, jewellery should be kept to a bare minimum for reasons of safety and comfort.
The same principles apply to male skaters. For regular sessions, a sweater, shirt and pants can be worn. For test days and competitions a one piece suit or dress shirt with pants is the norm. The suit or pants should be made of a stretch material. The bottom of the pants should be held down with a stirrup that goes under the arch of the boot and hooks down from the front crease of the pant leg to the laces of the boot to give a good line to the stretched leg, without flapping pant legs.
Coaches and club personnel can direct you to skating boutiques who normally sell “off the rack” skating apparel or to an independant costume maker who offer custom design and fitting services.