CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
       When you first start skating, your priority is to be warm and comfortable. You may wear skating dresses, skirts or sweat suit bottoms or stretch pants. These may be worn with warm tights, sweatshirts, sweaters or jackets. Gloves or mittens are important and the skater should always have a spare pair with them. It is important that the clothing be comfortable and not restricts movement. Hair should be kept neatly away from the face.

      The most important piece of skating equipment is your ice skates. The skates consist of a boot, which is usually leather, and a blade. Your boots must fit properly, which means that they should be snug yet relatively comfortable, and provide good support for your ankles. A good pair of used skates will always be better than a pair of poor
quality new ones. Your coach is the best source of information on which skates are best for your child.

      The blades are made of steel and must be kept dry and well protected or they will rust. You should wear skate guards at all times off the ice. After you finish skating thoroughly dry your blades and boots with an absorbent cloth. The skates should not be stored with the guards on.

      Skates should be sharpened after approximately 20 hours of skating. Your coach will be able to recommend where to have your skates sharpened and what type of grind should be done. Milton Skating Club offers in house sharpening bi weekly, usually on Fridays, emails are sent to notify our skaters.

Skates should not be sharpened just before a test or competition so allow the child to skate on them two or three times first.

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact your base coach.