What You Need To Know Before Your First Skating Lesson!

You can't skate without skates! I require beginner skaters to wear figure skates. Only advanced hockey skaters may wear hockey skates. Double runner skates are not permitted, any skate with a hockey-style blade, and adjustable "grow with me skates" are not permitted for lessons.

Figure skates are different than hockey skates in that the blade has less of a rocker and a toe pick. You may rent these from the arena to begin your skating journey.

Skates are the most important piece of equipment that a skater will use. So, skates need to fit properly and support your ankles.

Incorrectly sized and fit ice skate boots can cause foot discomfort, affect skater performance, cause premature skate breakdown, and lead to injury. So, it is essential that your skates fit properly, whether you own them or rent them!

1. It may be counterintuitive, but wear thin knee socks! Thin socks, such as knee highs, allow you contact with the boot and do not bunch up in the boot. I only wear skating socks from Nita Sports and highly recommend them! 
2. One of the most common mistakes skaters make is to assume your skate size will be the same as your street shoe size. Like quality shoes, each brand of skates has different sizing.
3. Skates should fit your feet today and fit like "Cinderella's slipper!" Boots sized too large with the hope of the skater being able to grow into them is a mistake. 
4. Skates that are big don’t fit or support the foot properly and can cause discomfort, breakdown, and could lead to injury.
   1. Length: is the foot resting comfortably flat in the skate and not putting excess pressure on toes?
   2. Width: does the skate provide adequate comfort for the ball joint area of the foot and allow proper support of the arch?
   3. Heel: is the heel of the foot seated comfortably in the heel area of the skate to provide maximum foot control?
   4. Ankle: does the skate fit comfortably & properly around the ankle and shin area to allow the desired firmness and strength?
5. The end of your toes should lightly brush the end of the boot. You do not want to be able to slide your toes side to side in the skate. If your toes slide sideways in the skate, this is a good indication that the boot is too wide and a narrower width is needed. Another way to determine if the skate is the incorrect width: look at the boot when laced up with firm lace tension. The lacing width should not be too close together if it is the boot is too wide for your foot. Also, if the lacing width is too far apart, the width is too narrow.
6. Boots laced too tightly can cause numbness and pain in your feet. To be your best on the ice, your boots must be properly laced. 

Your blades need to be sharpened, on average, after every 20-40 hours of ice time. The specific depth of hollow will vary depending on the skater. I have my skates sharpened by Greg at Polar Skate Shop and highly recommend him.

U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of helmets for beginner skaters of all ages and I require all my beginning skaters to wear a helmet.

To select the helmet that best suites your needs, please consider the following information:

• A helmet should be both comfortable and snug. Be sure that it is level on your head – not tilted back on the top of the head or pulled too low over your forehead. It should not move in any direction. 
• The chin strap should be securely buckled so that the helmet doesn’t move or fall off during a fall or collision. The individual that will be wearing the helmet.

DO:

• Wear helmet low in front to protect forehead.
• Fasten buckle and check strap adjustment often.
• Replace your helmet immediately if it shows any visible signs of damage.
• Clean helmet with mild soap/water only.
• Store helmet in a cool dry place

DON'T:

• Wear anything under your helmet.
• Attach anything to your helmet.
• Wear a helmet that does not fit or cannot be adjusted properly.
• Leave a helmet in direct sunlight or in a car on a sunny day.

Which helmets work for ice skating?
A hockey, skateboard or ski helmet (multi-sport) will be suitable for using during beginning ice skating lessons. These helmets are designed to withstand more than one moderate impact, but protection is provided for only a limited number of impacts. They should be replaced if visibly damaged. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on when the helmet should be replaced.

Safety
In addition to wearing a helmet, there are other safety precautions you can take when you are first learning how to skate:

• Dress appropriately: Warm clothes in layers. All my skaters are also required to wear gloves.
• Warm up and cool down appropriately.
• Know on-ice safety rules.
• Use skill progression to prepare for more difficult elements.