York County Skating School

What do I look for in a pair of skates?

The boots should provide a snug fit. . Look for these three factors in picking out a skate that fits you properly: your size and weight, skating ability and how many times a week you plan to skate. If the boot does not fit properly or is too "broken in," it will not provide adequate support.

Basically, the fit should be snug, with the lacing pattern constant from toe to ankle. When you push your foot forward to touch your toe to the end of the skate, if you can put a finger inside the skate between the back of your foot and end of your skate, it is too big.

It is not always necessary to buy new skates, especially when first learning to skate. Used skates can be a great bargain...if you know what to look for. If you are unsure of the quality of a pair of used skates, please ask the skating director or your instructor for some tips.

When purchasing new equipment, go to a reputable pro shop or sporting goods store and take the time to find a pair. Skates, like most sporting equipment, get more sophisticated as your ability increases. Most manufacturers produce a beginning boot that comes with a beginning blade.

 

What should my child wear for class?

Dress for warmth by layering your clothing. Most indoor arenas are kept between 50 and 60 degrees, so jackets are recommended. As you get warm, you may wish to discard a layer. Comfort and ability to move freely are also very important. We suggest close-fitting but not tight pants. Sweatpants or warm-up pants are ideal. Your feet will feel best if you wear one pair of lightweight socks or tights. Bulky or thick socks may limit the support provided by your skates and create "bumps" inside your boots, making them uncomfortable. Make sure when fitting your skates that your toes can wiggle but your heel does not slide up and down or around once your foot is properly laced in the skate.

Protective head gear is recommended for children under the age of 6 and all beginner skaters. Contact a local sporting goods store for proper fit and information regarding safety helmets. Please take a moment to read over our helmet policy.

Remember gloves or mittens! Learning to fall is an important part of ice skating, and your hands will feel much better if you are wearing gloves or mittens.

 

 

What do I look for in a helmut?

U.S. Figure Skating strongly recommends the use of helmets for beginner skaters of all

ages. To select the helmet that best suits your needs, consider the following information.

A helmet should be both comfortable and snug. Be sure that it is level on your head – not

tilted back on the top of the head or pulled too low over your forehead. It should not

move in any direction. The chin strap should be securely buckled so that the helmet

doesn’t move or fall off during a fall or collision. The individual who will be wearing the

helmet should be present when purchasing it to ensure a good fit.

Which helmets work for ice skating?

A hockey, skateboard or ski helmet (multi-sport) is suitable for beginning ice skating

lessons. These helmets are designed to withstand more than one moderate impact, but

protection is provided for only a limited number of impacts. Consult the manufacturer’s

instructions for guidance on replacing the helmet.

 

 

How do I lace skates?

 

The way your skates look when they are laced up can offer a clue as to how well they fit. To get

started with proper lacing, tap your heel back into the boot as far as possible. Pull the tongue

completely up, giving it a gentle pull, and try to secure it straight up and down before tucking it

beside your foot. Starting with the second or third set of laces from the bottom, begin to pull the

laces tightly, one pair at a time, so the boot closes well over the front of your foot. It is important

that the laces do not slip. The laces should be snug through the ankle area and the bottom two sets

of hooks. The top two can be a little bit looser to allow for some flexibility. If extra lace remains,

try to cross it over the hooks neatly. Do not wind the extra lace around the skates if possible.