Equipment, Safety and Tips

To help make everyones skating experience safe and enjoyable the Brockville Figure Skating club has provided these tips to parents and skaters.

Equipment

Most department and sports stores sell skating equipment in a variety of price and quality ranges.  Before buying skates, check carefully for:

• Proper fit
• Firm Ankle support
• Good quality leather
• Correct blade placement

Buying Tips

Here are some tips for you to follow when buying skating equipment.  Please take the time to read all of the information below before you buy your new pair of skates:

• Avoid buying a larger size for the skater to 'grow into'
• Molded plastic skates are not recommended
• Look for blades that are screwed rather than riveted, so that the blade can be moved if necessary.  If the blade is riveted, make sure it is straight and centered.  The foot should not fall to one side.
• A leather boot is preferred to vinyl.
• Make sure the boot does not have any wrinkles

Are my Skates the right size?

Make sure you only ear one pair of tight fitting socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating):

1. Partially lace boots through instep
2. Slide foot forward so toes can touch the front but are not cramped
3. Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet
4. Bend knees
5. The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil  width, or the width of one finger

Skate Sharpening

The following is a list of important points to consider when having your skates sharpened:

• Sharpen skates as soon as they are purchased
• Use a good skate sharpening company
• The bottom pick should not be removed - the pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance

General Skate Care

Properly protected blades will make a sharpening last much longer, so it is recommended that the skater have a pair of hard guards as well as soft guards for their skates.  Soft guards protect the blade in the bag and the hard guards are used to walk from the dressing room to the ice surface.  Keep the blade free of rust by wiping the blade after each use, then installing the soft guard before putting the skates back into the skate bag.

Safety Points for Skaters

• Get up quickly after falling down
• Look in the direction of travel when skating backwards
• No pushing, playing tag or bumping into others or the boards
• No gum or candy on the ice
• Coaches and Club Administrators / Canskate Coordinators should be advised of any skaters with special medical conditions

Helmets

Helmets are recommended for beginning skaters of any age.  At the BFSC, helmets are mandatory for all skaters participating in First Steps or Canskate programs

• Fit should be snug
• Both the strap and the helmet should be adjustable
• Look for helmets made of hard plastic with a thick layer of sponge
• Look for helmets approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as they are the safest and of the best quality.
• A hockey helmet is recommended over a cycling helmet as it is designed to withstand repeated bumps and protect against penetration

Clothing

Clothing is a very important part of skating.  We have constructed a list of guidelines to be followed when considering what to wear when preparing to skate:

• Clothing should provide warmth, allow for movement and provide some protection from falling
• Layering of sweatsuits, sweaters, ski jackets and long underwear or leotards is recommneded
• Warm mittens or gloves are a must
• Long scarves and not permitted
• Splash pants instead of snowpants are essential to the movement of the skater.