WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIGURE SKATE AND HOCKEY SKATE BLADES?
The blade of a figure skate is wider than hockey skates. The profile or 'rocker' is intended to have the right radius of curvature along the blade for moves where you are shifting your weight to the front or back pf te slates/ There are different styles of blades for dance, figures and freestyle. Hockey blades are short, narrow, with a deep grind and highly rockered especially at the ends. They are designed for maximum agility. Blades for goalies are not as rockered and have a shallower grind.
Hockey skaters are more concerned with quick stops, starts, and changes of directions. Figure skaters focus on more fluid movements and edge quality.
WHEN TO GET YOUR SKATES SHARPENED?
We certainly know where...at PROSKATE, of course!
If you are skating only a few times a week, every six weeks to two months is a guide. Inspect your blades after each use to check for dullness and nicks. A check for sharpness commonly used is to drag your fingernail lightly over the edge - if it planes off a little sliver, they are sharp. If it just slides, then they are dull. It is not unusual for blades to wear unevenly such as inside edge more dull than outside edge or fronts more quickly than backs. You will gradually be able to determine clues to a dull blade while you are skating.
HELMET GUIDELINES
U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of helmets for beginner skaters of all ages -more importantly for ages 5 and under. To select the helmet that best suits your needs, consider the following information.
Ahelmet should be both comfortable and snug. Be sure that it is level on your head-not tiltedbackon 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 who will be wearing the helmet should be present when purchasing it to ensure a good fit.
Which helmets work for ice skating?
A hockey, skateboard, or ski helmet (multi-sport) or rounded front bike helmet is suitable for beginning ice skating lessons.
DO
- Wear helmet low in fron to protect forehead
- Fasten buckle and check strap adjustment often
- Replace your helmet immediately if it shows any 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
