Skate Fitting & Care Of Skates

Proper equipment will ensure your child gets the best chance to succeed in our programs. Improperly fitting skates or helmets can be uncomfortable and obstructive to their learning and success. 

Skate Fitting & Care

The Right Fit:

• Proper skates are the foundation of success.
• Skates should provide firm ankle support, fit snugly, and be worn with thin, tight socks.
• Ensure all lace holes and hooks are used and skates are tied securely.

Blade Maintenance:

• Dry blades immediately after each use with a soft cloth or rag to prevent rust.
• Never store skates in hard plastic guards, as they trap moisture. Use soft fabric "soakers" for storage, or store uncovered.
• Always wear hard guards when walking on any surface other than the ice or the designated rubber flooring.

Skate Sharpening

Frequency:

• Skates should be sharpened upon purchase and roughly every 10 hours of use (more frequently if skating on outdoor ice).

Figure Skates:

• Ensure the sharpener does not remove the bottom toe pick; it is essential for balance and technical skills.
• We strongly recommend taking figure skates to a specialized technician. Figure blades have a different "rocker" (profile) than hockey skates and require specific expertise as the skater advances