Equipment Checklist: Learn to Skate

Welcome to the season! To ensure your skater is safe, comfortable, and ready to learn, please review our gear requirements below.

1. Mandatory Helmet Policy

Safety is our top priority. All skaters in the Learn to Skate program must wear a helmet at all times.

• Safety Standards: Helmets must be CSA-approved (look for the sticker).
• Recommended Styles: Hockey helmets are highly recommended; ski helmets are also permitted.
• Prohibited: Cycling helmets are not permitted, as they are not designed for ice-related impacts.
• Fit: The helmet should fit snugly and sit low enough to cover the forehead. Face cages or shields are optional.

2. Proper Skates & Maintenance

Skaters may wear either Hockey or Figure skates, but quality matters for stability:

• What to Avoid: We strongly discourage "Softec," "K2," or plastic-shell skates. These do not provide the ankle support necessary for developing proper technique.
• Sharpening: Please have skates sharpened before the first session and approximately every 10 hours of ice time thereafter.
• Special Note for Figure Skates: Do not allow the sharpener to remove the toe pick. We recommend visiting a specialized figure skating shop rather than a general arena pro-shop to ensure the blade's profile is preserved.

3. Clothing & Layers

The arena can be chilly, but skaters will be moving!

• The "Layer" Rule: Dress your child in warm layers that allow for a full range of motion.
• What to Avoid: Please avoid blue jeans or bulky snowsuits, as they can be restrictive and heavy when wet.
• Hands: Mitts or gloves are required. Waterproof versions are highly recommended to keep hands dry and warm during falls.