General Information
With a new skating season about to begin, here are a few tips for new skaters and parents and reminders for those who presently in the La Ronge Skating Club.
Register
Starting children in our CanSkate Program gives our experienced coaches the opportunity to assess skating skills and place your child in a group that will help build their on ice abilities. There are many skills required to advance to Juniors and our CanSkate Program is a great place to start! Regardless of whether you hope to have a hockey player, speed skater, figure skater or merely want your child to learn basic skills, inspiring a love for skating is our primary goal. If your child has previously skated in another community at the junior level, please do let our coaches know.
Check News and Events Pages
Parents may follow club events by regularly checking our website.
Stay Informed & Ask Questions
If you do not understand any components of our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our Board members or coaches.
Equipment
Skating Clothing
For young skaters in CanSkate, a warm pair of pants and sweater or jacket with mitts or gloves is suitable. Snowsuits can be bulky and hinder the child’s progress, but are optional. At the CanSkate level, helmets are also mandatory.
Skates - Fitting Basics
A skater’s size, weight, and skating level are very important. These aspects will determine what boot and blade to purchase and how long they will last.
•Skates should
fit snugly around the ankle and heel – there should be room for movement, but
the ankle, instep and heel must be firmly supported
•The tongue
should be sufficiently wide so that it will stay in place and it should be well
padded to prevent the laces from cutting into the foot
•The front
opening of the boot should be sufficiently wide to pull the laces tight
•Avoid buying
skates a size larger, as they tend to break down faster and hamper your child’s
progress and more importantly could create long term foot
problems
Buying used Skates and Blades
Good used skates may be a choice for your child,
especially in the beginning stages. If you do buy used skates, you may
want to know a bit about the brand and model of the boot and blades you
purchase. Ask your Coach about suggestions on what to look for.
Sometimes a good used boot and blade set is better than an inexpensive, lower
quality pair. Many skate companies have a website that describes an appropriate
boot / blade combo for a particular level of skating.
Skate Sharpening
Make sure you take your skates to a reputable skate sharpener who is familiar with the edges needed in figure skating. Do not remove the bottom pick, as it is essential for proper balance.
General Care of Boots and Blades
Proper care of the boots and blades can help them last longer.
•When removing skates, unlace them enough before taking them off so that the back of the boot does not break down or rip
•Blades and soles must be dried carefully with a soft cloth
•Remove guards and wipe / wash them. Grit and dirt become lodged in the tracks of the
guards. Replace guards occasionally
•Cover dried blades with soft blade covers (terry cloth or soft fabric)
•Take skates out of bag at home to let them air dry at normal temperatures to avoid rotting
and rust
Most importantly.....HAVE FUN!
With a new skating season about to begin, here are a few tips for new skaters and parents and reminders for those who presently in the La Ronge Skating Club.
Register
Starting children in our CanSkate Program gives our experienced coaches the opportunity to assess skating skills and place your child in a group that will help build their on ice abilities. There are many skills required to advance to Juniors and our CanSkate Program is a great place to start! Regardless of whether you hope to have a hockey player, speed skater, figure skater or merely want your child to learn basic skills, inspiring a love for skating is our primary goal. If your child has previously skated in another community at the junior level, please do let our coaches know.
Check News and Events Pages
Parents may follow club events by regularly checking our website.
Stay Informed & Ask Questions
If you do not understand any components of our programs, please don’t hesitate to contact any of our Board members or coaches.
Equipment
Skating Clothing
For young skaters in CanSkate, a warm pair of pants and sweater or jacket with mitts or gloves is suitable. Snowsuits can be bulky and hinder the child’s progress, but are optional. At the CanSkate level, helmets are also mandatory.
Skates - Fitting Basics
A skater’s size, weight, and skating level are very important. These aspects will determine what boot and blade to purchase and how long they will last.
•Skates should
fit snugly around the ankle and heel – there should be room for movement, but
the ankle, instep and heel must be firmly supported
•The tongue
should be sufficiently wide so that it will stay in place and it should be well
padded to prevent the laces from cutting into the foot
•The front
opening of the boot should be sufficiently wide to pull the laces tight
•Avoid buying
skates a size larger, as they tend to break down faster and hamper your child’s
progress and more importantly could create long term foot
problems
Buying used Skates and Blades
Good used skates may be a choice for your child,
especially in the beginning stages. If you do buy used skates, you may
want to know a bit about the brand and model of the boot and blades you
purchase. Ask your Coach about suggestions on what to look for.
Sometimes a good used boot and blade set is better than an inexpensive, lower
quality pair. Many skate companies have a website that describes an appropriate
boot / blade combo for a particular level of skating.
Skate Sharpening
Make sure you take your skates to a reputable skate sharpener who is familiar with the edges needed in figure skating. Do not remove the bottom pick, as it is essential for proper balance.
General Care of Boots and Blades
Proper care of the boots and blades can help them last longer.
•When removing skates, unlace them enough before taking them off so that the back of the boot does not break down or rip
•Blades and soles must be dried carefully with a soft cloth
•Remove guards and wipe / wash them. Grit and dirt become lodged in the tracks of the
guards. Replace guards occasionally
•Cover dried blades with soft blade covers (terry cloth or soft fabric)
•Take skates out of bag at home to let them air dry at normal temperatures to avoid rotting
and rust
Most importantly.....HAVE FUN!