Equipment

Proper Equipment

Skaters attending our sessions will have more fun and advance faster if they are properly and safely equipped. Ensure your skater arrives ready to learn and succeed with direction from the lists below:

HELMETS

  • *As per Skate Canada's Helmet Use Policy, all skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet* These are the only helmets permitted to provide protection for the skater. Ski, bike, equestrian, and all other helmets are not allowed. A face cage is optional.
  • A proper fitting helmet sits no more than 1 inch above the brow line, has straps that are shaped like a "V" around the ears, and has no more than 1 finger space under the chin.
  • Be sure that skaters can see - all excess hair should be pulled back out of the way.
  • Stickers should not be placed on a helmet as some adhesives may compromise the integrity of the plastic and void the manufacturer's guarantee.

CLOTHING

  • Gloves or mittens are a must in order to protect the skater's hands and keep them warm throughout the session.
  • Skaters are encouraged to dress in warm clothing, but not in such a way that would restrict movement.
  • Ensure that nothing is hanging down and touching/dragging on the ice.
  • Avoid wearing pants that are too long.

SKATES:

  • Although not mandatory, we strongly recommend hockey or figure skates. Plastic adjustable skates are not preferred.
  • Skates should fit well and support the ankle. Have the skater push their toes all the way to the front of the boot. Be sure there is no more than one finger-width of space behind the heel.
  • Be sure the fit around the ankle is snug, and the top is a bit looser to allow the ankle to bend.
  • Excess laces are tucked or tied up so that they do not hang loose or drag on the ice.

Tying Skates & Skate Care

Before your first session, ensure that the skates have been sharpened and fit appropriately. If you have figure skates, they must be sharpened by someone who knows how to properly sharpen figure skates.

Tying Skates

  • Start by loosening the laces enough to easily slide the skaters foot into the boot.
  • Begin tightening the crossed laces starting at the toes until snug, working up to the top of the skates. Hockey skates should be laced up to the top holes and tied. Figure skate laces can be crisscrossed and looped around each eyelet (tightening as you go) and tied. Laces should not be wrapped around the ankle of the skate.
  • After skates are tied, ensure your skater's ankles are fully supported. You will know the ankles are supported when the skater stands naturally and the blade is upright.

Skate Care

  • After each skating session, dry the skate blades with a cotton towel or micro-fiber cloth.
  • Skates should not be stored in plastic skate guards. Either store without guards or store in soft "soakers".
  • Beginner skaters should have their skates sharpened every 20-30 on-ice hours.