SKATE RECOMMENDATIONS
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SKATES

Proper equipment is the first step towards a positive skating experience. For beginners ages 3-5
leather starter skates/Figure Skates with a single blade made of steel not aluminum are much
easier to learn in.

Why Figure Skates For Beginners? The advantage of learning in a pair of Figure Skates is that
the blade is flat allowing greater stability while learning. The toe pick allows the skater to catch
themselves should they begin to fall forward. When buying a pair of Figure Skates it’s important
to look for leather not vinyl. Leather helps support the ankles, vinyl does not.

Why not Hockey Skates for Beginners? Hockey skates for beginners are difficult to learn in.
If you will notice, a hockey blade is “rocked” like a rocking chair. if the skater does not have
complete balance they will rock forward & backward and will fall down frequently, which is
frustrating for a beginner. Once the skater has attained the basic skating skills, a transfer
to Hockey Skates takes only a few times on the ice to adjust. Your skater will be leaps and
bounds ahead of the game if you place them in Figure Skates when they are just starting out.

Why not Double Runner Blades? The skating skills that are being taught in class are more
difficult to learn if your child is wearing double runner blades. Double runner blades are not
recommended for skating classes. Please refer to the section on Figure Skates above.

Where can I purchase a quality pair of Figure Skates or Hockey Skates?
Good quality professionally fit skates may be purchased at:

Riedell Skates
Redwing Minnesota
www.RiedellSkates.com
Contact-Dave Clafton sells new & used skates

Westwood Sports Bloomington
9601 Garfield Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-881-2222