Port aux Basques FSC
Equipment and Safety
Skates
Most department and sports stores sell skating equipment in a variety of price and quality ranges. Before buying skates, check careful for:
Proper fit
Firm ankle support
Good quality leather
Correct blade placement
Tips on Buying Skates
Avoid buying larger size skates for skaters to “grow into”. If you buy children's skates too loose, they will interfere with the skating and may actually be dangerous because of lack of support.
Moulded plastic skates are not recommended.
Look for blades that are screwed on rather than riveted, so that the blades can be moved if necessary. If the blade is riveted make sure it is straight and centered. The foot should not fall to one side.
A leather boot is preferable to vinyl.
Make sure the boot does not have wrinkles.
Sharpening Your Skates
Sharpen skates as soon as they are purchased.
Use a good skate-sharpening company.
Re-sharpen skates after approximately 30 hours of skating (depending on usage and care). More frequent sharpening may be required, if the skater walks on concrete, rubber or carpeted surfaces without guards, if the blades are not wiped dry, or if there are severe nicks and rough surfaces on the edges of the blade.
The bottom pick should not be removed – the pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance
How Skates Fit
Wear only one pair of tight fitting socks or tights (the same pair that will be worn when skating)
1. Partially lace boots through the instep
2. Slide the foot forward so that the toes can touch the front but are not cramped
3. Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet
4. Bend knees
5. The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil width
Tie laces loosely over the toe and the front of the boot and snugly over the ankle and instep
Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement of the toes
There should be no looseness or creases in the boot
The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place
Walk around in the skates off the ice; they should feel comfortable
Care of Skates
Always wear protective guards when not on the ice. Do NOT walk on concrete surfaces without skate guards. Your blades will wear ten times faster, and are damaged severely by the surface. Do not leave them on your skates between sessions as they will trap water and cause your blades to rust.
Dry blades and sole plate completely with a cloth after use. This will prevent the blades from rusting.
Always remove guards and allow skates to air dry completely after each skate. When not in use, always remove skates from the skate bag and leave them in the open so that they can air dry thoroughly, otherwise the leather will start to decay.
Unlace skates sufficiently before removing them so the back of the boot will not break down or rip.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for all skaters in the CanSkate program.
Fit should be snug.
Both the helmet and strap should be adjustable.
Look for helmets made of hard plastic with a thin layer of sponge.
Look for helmets approved by CSA as they are the safest and the best quality.
A hockey helmet is recommended over a cycling helmet as it is designed to withstand repeated bumps and protect against penetration. Unlike a hockey helmet, most bicycle helmets do not cover the entire head.
Clothing
Clothing should provide warmth, allow for movement and provide some protection from falls
AS skaters in the CanSkate program are young and do not usually move a s much as older skaters, layering sweatshirts, sweaters, ski jackets and long underwear or leotard is recommended.
Warm mittens and gloves are required.
Jeans and long scarves are not allowed.
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