Connaught Skating Club: Frequently Asked Questions

What about skates?What is proper figure skating attire?How is CanSkate different from the local rec program?How does my child register in the figure skating program?How do I register for Canskate Learn to Skate Program What should I have in my skate bag?Why is there a Skate Canada Membership fee?How does Connaught Skating Club "fit" into Skate Canada?

What about skates?

SKATES:

Good equipment is important for comfort and safety, as well as ensuring effective progress. For that reason, Connaught SC does not provide rental skates. All skaters must have their own skates, preferably fitted by a skate shop or by a qualified skate dealer. A good fit in a pair of quality used boots is better than a pair of low-quality new boots for skaters starting basic figure skating skills. Leather boots with firm support around the ankle and properly sharpened blades are essential. Molded boots are often too stiff and inflexible.

The boots should be fitted with one pair of socks/tights and there needs to be room to move the toes, but the foot should not slide. Skates need to be laced fairly loosely over the toe and the front of the foot, but snuggly over the ankles. Laces should be tucked in and not wrapped around the top of the skate. The heel must fit firmly and should not be able to move up and down. The child stands up, bends their knees slightly and walks in the skate without the ankles dropping to either side. The skate should feel comfortable. Avoid buying a larger size for skater to “grow into”.

BLADES:

The blades should be sharpened when new and approximately after every 20-30 hours of skating. Ask your coach where to get sharpening done. It is very difficult to learn to skate on dull blades. The blades need to be clean and free of any rust, nicks and ridges. Hard plastic skate guards protect the skate blade from dulling and should be worn while walking on all surfaces. It is not recommended to walk outside due to the possibility of gravel getting into the guards and damaging the blade. Blades and sole plates should be cleaned and dried thoroughly after each session and stored covered with cloth blade covers to prevent rusting.Air out boots after use and remove skate guards for storage. Leaving skate guards on may allow blades to rust. The bottom pick should not be removed – the pick is part of the design of figure skates and is essential to proper balance.

WHERE CAN I GET SKATES?

USED and NEW Skates:

Cyclone Taylor - good quality new and used skates, knowledgeable fitting assistance available

1005 W. 49th. Ave Vancouver, BC (604) 264-9261

The Leading Edge Skate Shop - good quality new and used skates, knowledgeable fitting assistance available

#101 - 15685 Fraser Hwy Surrey, B.C. (604) 598-0288

USED Skates:

Cheapskates - varying qualities of used skates, little fitting assistance available

3644 West 16th Ave Vancouver, B.C. (604) 222-1125

Sports Junkies - varying qualities of used skates, little fitting assistance available

102 West Broadway Vancouver, BC (604) 879-6000

NEW Skates only:

Skaters Edge Skate Shop - good quality new skates, knowledgeable fitting assistance available

10-145 Schoolhouse Street Coquitlam, BC (604) 521-5550