Learn to skate
Figure Skating Hub
This is another great brand of skate that makes a beginner series and are available online as well as at a dealer. The same rules apply. Measure your feet as suggested above and use the Reidell size chart to find a close fit.
Better for Narrow feet
This information is in no way a reflection of United States Figure Skating or Ice Sports Industry, nor should it be a substitute for using a professional skate fitter.
A Guide to Buying Figure Skates for Beginners
You will need to measure your own foot to get an idea of what size you need. Rental skates are sized for street shoes, but personal skates are not. The skater will usually wear one or two sizes down from the street shoes. Also, some of the skates are sized in European sizes so you will want to know your equivalent size.
Graf is another trusted brand of skates and they are one of the companies that make a beginner series too. These should be treated similarly to any other beginner series in that the higher price the skate, the more supportive boot and refined blade. Use the measuring technique from earlier and the manufacturer size chart to find your approximate size.
Better for Medium width feet
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These skates are my top choice for skaters to start out with. Use the measuring method from above and look at the size chart the manufacturer provides. They are readily available at dealers and online and can be easily ordered by an individual.
Better for wide feet
At Your Ice Rink
Each ice rink is different so it is important to get the feel of your own rink. However, most rinks have a pro shop in which nearly all hockey skating needs can be taken care of. The figure skate option is more of a convoluted process. Some rinks are well balanced to where the pro shop has experienced personnel for both types, but often, figure skaters should seek out where to get there skates fitted and sharpened elsewhere. This is a highly specialized field and you should be able to contact the figure skating club for information on who to
trust. At my rink, the only one I let handle my skates is one of the head coaches who does fitting, mounting, sharpening, etc. If your rink does not have someone who does this, you will have to find someone else and may have to drive a little way to do so. You can ask your coach or other skaters for advice. Each brand of skate has fitting centers in various places, so you will be able to find one, but sharpening may be a little more inconvenient since it needs to be done frequently. Another thing to note is that beginner level skates come with blade and boot together, but advanced level skaters choose blade and boot separately.
Measure both feet as most people have slight size differences. Stand on a piece of paper with full weight on the foot and draw around the foot. It works better if you have a helper. Use a measuring tool to measure the widest part of the drawing, across the ball of the foot, and also the length from longest toe to heel.
How to Measure
NOTE: Usually, skaters try rental skates first and then move up as they look for a more individualized experience. The beginner skates listed here offer good support and a consistent feel as the skater gets used to the nuances of skating. There are several levels of beginner skates that will suit the needs of most skaters. As you look at the different types, you will notice upgrades in support and blade profile. The top priced skates in these series will carry the skater into beginning single jumps and above. Also, the higher level skates come with more options in width which can be very important. Boots that are not custom made are called stock boots. That means they are made from standardized molds as opposed to one that is the exact shape of your foot. Each brand has their own molds so they fit a little differently.
When choosing your skates, bear in mind that most manufacturers do not accept returns. Most skaters end up reselling products that do not work for them. Many rinks have a resell system among parents and skaters especially for children who outgrow gear quickly. You could ask around and see if someone has gear that might fit or you could go on second hand websites and see what you can find. Be aware of your needs before you do, and make sure you know what you are buying. It may be advisable to buy at a major chain store if you want new, since they usually do take returns.
Care, Lacing and Breaking-in
Knowing how to put on your skates is just as important as having them fit right. Loosen the laces all the way down to the last two or three holes. Pull the tongue out of the boot enough to slip your foot in. Tap the back of the blade on the rubber floor a few times to settle your foot snuggly in the heel. Begin to lace from the toe up to the top using this lacing guide. Make sure to tuck any loose lace ends in the side of your boot or wear leggings over the lace area to keep it contained.
New ice skates require a break-in period so don't be discouraged if the lacing needs adjustment during this time. Most skates are made with synthetic materials which are faster to break in. The leather options are preferred by many since all ice skates used to be leather but they are more expensive However, the leather boots don't loose ankle support as quickly making them last longer than the synthetics. High level competitive skaters get new boots every 6 months to a year but for a low level skater, especially one that is not growing, a skate will likely last one or two years for synthetics and five or more for leather. There are a few tricks out there for trying to break in skates faster, but most of us agree that simply skating is the best way. Thirty years ago we used wet hot socks to stretch leather and leather punches to work out particularly painful spots but technology has moved forward quite a bit and it is not as hard a process with the heat moldable capabilities. You can loosen the top laces a little while breaking in your skates and don't be afraid to re-lace every fifteen minutes if needed.
A Guide to the Learn to skate Program
As a certified instructor in the Learn to Skate program I get asked quite a few questions about the program and skating in general. In this section I will try to answer some of the most common questions.
Each ice rink has their own system, but mine runs sets of LTS classes in six week increments. Each week, the ice surface is divided up into sections and each section is a different level. Every six weeks, a new set begins continuously throughout the year except for holiday breaks. On the last week of the session, each student is evaluated on whether they are ready to move up to the next level or remain in their existing one to improve on the skills. Every instructor is certified in the program, which means we take an exam on the material we are teaching each year and also pass a course in Safe Sport so we know how to handle any form of misconduct if we come across it, as well as having a background check done. These classes are designed to provide an affordable entry into the world of figure skating which in times past was not available.
This is what an evaluation sheet looks like. For each maneuver there is a set requirement for passing such as, being required to do four or six swizzles in a row. It is helpful to be able to see what each level requires and learn the terminology as well.
When a skater graduates to the Aspire program, there are some things to know ahead of time. This is a good time to get your own pair of skates if you haven't already. You will also need to become a member of the skating club, and United States Figure Skating. Talk to the skating director about doing that. This gives the skater access to freestyle ice and club activities as well as giving them and identity number in USFS. This is necessary for legalities as well as the skaters continuing journey. Once the skater is assigned a number by USFS, that number will log any and all competition scores and credentials.
The Aspire program is for skaters who are passed Basic 4 or Adult 4 and are comfortable moving at faster speeds. While still a group scenario, the entire ice surface is used rather than a section. These classes are designed to be more challenging with higher expectations.
Freestyle ice is paid for by the skating club as opposed to public ice which is hosted by the rink itself. In rinks that have large student base, the ice will be classified according to level; high freestyle or low freestyle. In a smaller community the ice is for all levels but you do need to be aware of ice etiquette for safety reasons.
Ice Etiquette
Who has the right of way?
Skaters practicing a program with music playing on the main sound system
Skaters and instructors in lessons
Sometimes it is hard to tell who is skating to the music playing which is why the vest/belt system should be in place. The skater who is running their program to music should be wearing a vest or belt that identifies them.
A general rule is that spins should be practiced in the middle and jumps on the edges but often a program puts them elsewhere. If you can, though, follow the general rules. The last thing is, just watch. If you pay attention, you can see when a skater is going in for a move, so just step aside. If you need to go for a maneuver, keep watch in case someone else is not and be prepared to stop. Sometimes, you will need to yell a communication to get someone to clear out of your path. It's always better to communicate then get hurt. These are only some basic rules. Each rink should have their own set for you to look over.
There are classes for all ages, from very little ones to adults. For really young children there is a Parent/Tot section sot that the adult can help their little one build confidence and feel safe with someone familiar. This is from the flyer that our rink provides, giving a skating progression path through the programs.