Equipment Checklist: Learn to Figure Skate

To ensure our skaters are safe and prepared for more advanced skills, please follow these specific guidelines for the Learn to Figure Skate program.

Mandatory Helmet Policy

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

• Permitted Styles: Hockey helmets are highly recommended; ski helmets are also permitted. Cycling helmets are not permitted.
• Prohibited: Helmets with face cages or shields are not permitted in this program to ensure clear visibility for advanced maneuvers.
• Fit: The helmet should fit snugly and sit low enough to cover the forehead.

Clothing, Accessories & Hair

Skaters must be able to move freely while staying warm during their session:

• Pants: Blue jeans are not permitted on the ice, as they lack the necessary stretch and movement for figure skating.
• Attire: Skating tights, skirts, or dresses are not recommended as they do not provide enough warmth on their own.
• Handwear: Mitts or gloves are required for all skaters.
• Hair: Long hair must be securely tied back (even when wearing a helmet) to keep the skater's vision completely clear.

Figure Skates & Professional Sharpening

All skaters in this program must wear proper figure skates. To ensure correct ankle support, stability, and proper progression, we recommend choosing from trusted brands such as Jackson or Riedell.

Important Note: We do not recommend recreational models such as the Jackson Softskate, Jackson Finesse, Riedell SOAR, or skates by the brand Bladerunner. These models do not offer adequate ankle support or boot stiffness required for figure skating instruction and progression. Skates with plastic shells, buckles, or Velcro fasteners such as those by the brands K2, Vic, or Softec are not permitted in this program. 

Recommended Skate Models by Progression Level

• Beginner: Jackson: Classic or Excel | Riedell: Ruby
• Early Intermediate: Jackson: Artiste or Mystique | Riedell: Topaz or Emerald
• Intermediate: Jackson: Evo or Elle | Riedell: Crystal
• Advanced (Higher level single jumps and above): Jackson: Freestyle | Riedell: Motion or Edge

Where to Shop & Buying Used

• Specialty Shops: Check out Professional Skate or The Skate Lab for figure-skating-specific shopping and higher-level skates.
• General Retailers: Some of the recommended beginner and early intermediate models are also available at SportChek, Source for Sports, or Canadian Tire.
• Buying Used: If you are looking at second-hand options, check out Play It Again Sports or 2nd Chance Sports. 
  • If purchasing second-hand skates, ensure the ankle leather isn't broken down or creased, the toe picks are intact, and there is enough blade standard left to sharpen. 
  • Tip: Professional Skate offers a buy-back/consignment program, which is a great option for growing skaters!

Skate Buying Tips & Tricks

• Avoid Recreational Skates: Recreational models lack the proper ankle support, stiff boots, functional toe picks,and correct blade profiles necessary for figure skating skills.
• Sizing Note: Do not buy figure skates with "room to grow" like regular shoes. Skates must fit snugly and precisely to provide proper ankle stability and prevent painful blisters.
• Inspecting Used Skates: Inspect used skates for firm ankle support (no deep creases in the leather), intact toe picks, and sufficient blade steel for sharpening. When in doubt, ask a professional to inspect them!
• Blade Maintenance: Always use hard plastic guard covers when walking off the ice. Wipe blades completely dry with a towel after every session before storing them in soft cloth soakers to prevent rust.

Sharpening Tips

• Specialized Sharpening Only: Do not have your figure skates sharpened at general arena hockey pro-shops. We strongly recommend specialized figure skating technicians at shops like Professional Skate or The Skate Lab.
• Protect the Toe Pick: Always remind the sharpener not to remove, grind down, or flatten the toe pick, as it is critical for executing figure skating skills.