FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS or another title
EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES
SKATES
• Skates should be fitted with only one pair of tight fitting socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating)
•Skates will be generally be one size smaller than your street shoes
• Molded plastic skates should be avoided as they are inflexible in the cold and allow the skater less control
• Skate laces should be tucked in at the top of the boot, not wrapped around the ankle
• Skates should provide good ankle support and be fitted properly
CHECKING THE FIT
• Pull the laces of the boots very loose through the instep
• Slide the foot forward to the front of the boot so that toes touch the front, but are not cramped (they should not curl under)
• Have skater stand with weight evenly distributed over both feet
• Bend knees, but do not lift heels
• The space at the back of the heels should be no more than the width of a pencil
• Tie laces loosely over the toe and the front of the foot and snugly over the instep
• Have the skaters walk around in the skater (off the ice), they should feel comfortable
SHARPENING
• Skates should be sharpened prior to the first skating lesson and re-sharpened after approximately 30 hours of skating
• On figure skates, the bottom toe pick must NOT be removed. This is part of the design and it is used for performance of some skills and is essential to proper balance
• As blades can be expensive to replace it is recommended that a reputable sharpener be used. Ask one of the club coaches for recommendations
CARE OF SKATES
• Wear protective skate guards when walking to and from ice surface
• Dry blades using a cloth (i.e. towel) immediately following use
• Always remove guards for storage and air boots out at room temperature between sessions
HELMETS
• Skate Canada Regulation- “All CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice”.
• Skaters will not be permitted on the ice without an appropriate hockey helmet. Bicycle helmets are not an appropriate substitute
• Facemasks are not mandatory, however young skaters may benefit from the added protection
• Do not attach any sticker to the helmet as Skate Canada insurance (paid for with membership) will no longer be valid
CLOTHING
• Clothing should provide warmth, allow for movement and provide some protection against falls
• Ski suits are generally warm and dry, but may restrict movement
• Layering of sweat suits, sweaters, leggings/ leotards or long underwear is recommended. Properly fitted snow pants or slush pants will keep younger children warm and dry.
• Warm mittens or gloves are a must
• Long scarves must not be worn, as they can be a danger
