Taking Care of Your Skates

While rinks across the globe are shut down to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, I thought this would be a good time to take some simple steps to keep your skates in great shape. Properly maintaining your skates is important because it not only extends the durability and structural integrity of your skates but will save you a trip to the pro shop and money for repairs in the long-run.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohjmWdeyic&feature=youtu.be

I came across this instructional video made by Mark Ladwig, an American pair skater who competed and placed 10th at the 2010 Winter Olympics.  In the video, Mark reviews how to keep your skates in good condition while being off the ice for an exptended period of time. I thought this would be helpful for my students and parents…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hohjmWdeyic&feature=youtu.be

For those who need a reminder of how to take care your blades each time you get off the ice, please refer to my November 26, 2017 post, “Proper Blade Care”. I’ve also attached the link on ‘Boot and Blade Care’ from Reidell for your reference, https://ice.riedellskates.com/learn/skate-care

STAY SAFE, FIT, & HEALTHY EVERYONE!

Should Your Child Join a Figure Skating Club?

I am often asked this question by my Learn-to-Skate USA parents, particularly those whose children are taking high level basic skills group classes. To determine if your skater should join a club, I like to ask my skaters and parents the following questions …

• Does your skater genuinely enjoy being on the ice?

• Do you find your skater wanting to stay on the ice after group class is over to further practice?

• Does your skater ask to go to the rink and/or want more lessons every week?

• Does your skater like to perform and/or compete beyond basic skills?  

• Does your skater want to make new friends who share the same interest?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, then it may be time for your child to join a local figure skating club.

What are the different US Figure Skating (USFS) memberships available for Learn-to-Skate members? 

Beginner skaters generally start in group classes such as the Learn-to-Skate USA program, and then join a local skating club once they are more advanced. 

The Learn-to-Skate USA membership is an introductory membership into US Figure Skating. As a Learn-to-Skate member, you can only participate in the program’s basic skills group classes, shows, and competitions.

However, if your skater is ready to compete beyond basic skills and ready to take tests, then it may be time to consider being a full USFS member. 

You can sign up to become a USFS member in two ways-
1) Individual Membership

USFS provides an individual membership which allows a skater to participate in all USFS sanctioned events. Annual membership runs from July 1 to June 30 and includes a copy of the Rulebook, a monthly subscription to SKATING magazine, and a lapel pin (first year only).

The individual membership is offered at the first family, subsequent, and collegiate levels which allow a skater to become a USFS member without joining a club. The cost of individual membership is $144 per year and additional family members may join at a cost of $65 per year.

2) Join Through A Local Figure Skating Club

I think the best way to be a part of USFS is to join through a local figure skating club. You can find the nearest club by using this search tool, https://www.usfigureskating.org/skate/find-a-club

Local clubs set their own membership dues and will submit your application and payment to USFS, making you both members of the local club and USFS. 

There are four different USFS membership categories (in addition to club membership fees)- 

• Introductory - This is only available through a local club for first time full members at a discounted rate of $30 and $24 for subsequent introductory member 

• First Family - The first family member to register for a full individual membership receives all privileges of a full USFS membership. First family membership in a club is $60 yearly.

• Subsequent - This option is available for related persons residing at the same address as a first family member. Subsequent family members join at a reduced rate of $24 and enjoy the privileges of full membership.

• Collegiate - This four-year membership is available to college students at a reduced rate and can be purchased through any club for $70 or individually through USFS for $170. 

What are the benefits of joining a local figure skating club?

• USFS full membership 

• Practice sessions are designated for freestyle skaters, ice dancers, and/or pairs.  You will practice with others who are serious about skating and won’t have to worry about bumping into those who are slow or just learning to skate.

• Direct access to professional coaching staff

• Priority for taking skating tests at your club's test sessions without paying a guest fee

• Compete in club competitions, shows, exhibitions, and other performances

• Participate in fundraising activities

• Eligible for club grants and financial support

• Receive rewards and recognition for member accomplishments

• Participate in club off-ice training and seminars which support skater development

• Attend fun club social activities throughout the year and make new friends

Skaters must join a ‘home club’ which will be the skating club he/she will represent in competitions. Your skater can also join additional skating clubs but only as associate members. Associate memberships allow your child to take tests, skate on ice time provided by the sponsoring club, and participate in the club's ice shows and exhibitions.

I joined the Garden State Skating Club when I was 7 years old and have been a full club member for over 10 years. Here’s the link to my club if you would like to learn more: http://www.gardenstatesc.org

Come join the fun and become a US Figure Skating and local skating club member!

My Interview with Learn to Skate USA

It was such an honor to work with Learn to Skate USA again! I had alot of fun being on the other side of the camera as this time, I was the one getting interviewed and photographed. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for future collaborations with Learn to Skate USA to continue sharing my knowledge and experiences.

Learn to Skate USA, January 2020 p 16

Skating Gift Ideas For Your Beginners

This holiday season, celebrate your skater and all his/her accomplishments! There’s no better way to get excited about skating than by spicing up one’s skating materials. Whether your skater is interested in cute accessories, stylish clothes, or productive supplies, there truly is something for everyone.  As you prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year- Black Friday, check out my list of top skating essentials for your beginners.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy holiday season!

Skate Guards

Every skater needs blade protection, so why not get creative? With Rockerz, skaters have the unique opportunity to mix and match various colors to create their own customized skate guards. Not only do skaters get the blade protection they need, they also get to show off their personality and creativity on the ice! 

Soakers

Soakers are a great way to transform a boring skating necessity into something fun and playful. Whether your skater likes crazy colors or furry friends, there’s a style for everyone. This inexpensive gift is a great way to add some flair to a skater’s everyday essentials. 

Blanket 

While this may seem like a cliche gift, this is something all skaters need. Skaters get sweaty from exercising on the ice, but what about off the ice? Watching a competition or waiting for an ice cut to end can be freezing-cold experiences. Especially in the colder months, a blanket is a great way to keep a skater cozy in the cold. 

I always keep a blanket in my car and use whenever I’m at a competition. Since I have to arrive early to warm up and get ready, there’s always extra time before my practice ice and competition begins. I also use my blanket to cover me up while sitting at the stands watching my fellow skaters perform and compete.

Journal 

If your skater is a visual learner, a journal is a great way to further his/her progress on the ice. Not only do skaters get the chance to document their experiences and memories, coaches can also draw diagrams and write important points to remember. By keeping a journal on the ice, skaters can easily refer back to their notes and have a positive learning experience.  

When I was young, my spin coach kept a skating journal of my progress. During every lesson, she wrote down what spins I worked on and how many revolutions I did so that next time, I would try to do more than previous lessons. Also, I was able to track how long it took me to master a certain spin and compare this information with her other students’ progress.

Skating purse 

Every skater has a bunch of necessities to bring on the ice (hair ties, chapstick, extra gloves, water, CDs, tissues, etc), so why not get stylish? While Kiss and Cry bags are the most popular and most functional, any purse or small bag works. By getting a unique bag for the ice, skaters can show off their fashion sense and easily carry all their belongings. 

Zuca bag or suitcase 

Even more important than a skating purse is a practical bag off the ice. Skaters must lug their skates, gloves, change of clothes, socks, water, etc to and from practice every day which is quite an ordeal. This holiday season, invest in a suitcase or Zuca bag to fit all your skaters’ necessities in one place. The Zuca bag is especially great because it serves as both a suitcase and a seat for skaters to put their skates on when rinks get crowded. 

I prefer a suitcase to carry my skates, towels, socks, etc. mainly because I needed a larger bag for both my freestyle and dance skates. As I started to compete more and travel far, I found having the suitcase to be much more convenient because I could keep all my skating belongings in the bag when I had to check in at the airport and then take my bag directly to the rink. Also, I like the spinner wheels on my suitcase. Since the wheels rotate 360 degrees, it allows for easy movement in any direction.

Water Bottle

Did you know that when athletes deplete more than 2% of their body weight, their performance drastically decreases? (https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2018/April/01/Three-steps-to-hydrating-youth-athletes-for-healthy-performance). It’s important for your skater to stay hydrated as he/she works hard during practice and lesson time.

A customized water bottle with your skater’s favorite color and/or design is a perfect gift and will certainly stand out among the many other bottles, avoiding potential mix up with other skaters’ bottles. I highly recommend a vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle because it keeps the drink cold which is refreshing especially after a tough workout and also it’s easier to clean. I like the Hydroflask and S’well brand bottles due to their designs.

Skating clothes 

Arrive on the ice in style! Feeling great is key to skating great, so why not get in on the latest fashion trends? Whether your skater is into iconic skating brands such as ChloeNoel or casual workout clothes such as Lululemon, the rink is the perfect place to show off one’s updated wardrobe.

Happy Shopping!

What is a Blade's Radius of Hollow?

Now that my students’ parents know when to sharpen their child’s skates, many have encountered a problem when asked “What radius of hollow do you want?” and confused what the ‘right’ answer should be.

Before I provide you some guidance on the radius of hollow used by beginner skaters, let me first explain what the term means.  I won’t spend too much time going into detail because it can get very technical; however, I will try to give an overview so you have at least a basic understanding. 

A blade’s hollow is the length running between the two edges on a blade or the curve that’s carved into the bottom of the blade. This shape is created by grinding the blade with a sharpening wheel. The size of your blade hollow has a significant impact on how you skate. You can have a deep or shallow hollow depending if you want more or less edge. 

Photo Courtesy: https://weekendwarriorshockey.com/how-sharp-should-my-skates-be-blade-hollow-demystified-2/

The depth of the hollow is determined by the radius. It’s called radius of hollow because the grinding stone that is used to sharpen your blade has a curve on it.  This curve on the stone is formed from the radius of a circle which is the same curve that is used to shape the skate’s blade surface when sharpened- in the shape of a hollow. A smaller radius means a smaller circle which creates a deeper hollow, making the blades feel sharper and have more edge (or more bite). 

A normal hollow is generally 1/2” to 1” (most beginners are 3/4” to 1”).  A larger hollow is recommended for beginners because it gives the skater greater glide and speed since the edges are not digging deep into the ice. As your child’s skating improves and skills advance, you can go from a shallow hollow of 3/4“ to a deeper radius of 5/8” to 1/2”.  I find the attached chart detailing the different radius of hollow a handy reference to have in figuring out what measure has less/more bite and glide. Also, I find the diagram below to be helpful- it’s not drawn to scale but is exaggerated to help show the difference between the radius of hollow for the specific measures.

Photo courtesy: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Skate-blade-radius-of-hollow-ROH-frontal-view-Units-for-the-25-50-and-75-is_fig2_249956702

My figure skate blades have 1/2” hollow which gives me a good balance of having a sharp feel and edge along with more glide and speed. Contrary, my dance blades have a deep 3/8” hollow (most ice dancers have 7/16”- 3/8” hollow) because it’s critical for me to perform intricate footwork and deep edges and turns. The only drawback with a deep hollow is that you don’t get as much speed and so you have to work harder to get more glide. Also, the deeper the hollow, the more often you have to get the blades sharpened to maintain the edge. That’s why I get my dance skates sharpened much more frequently than my freestyle skates. It’s always an adjustment for me switching back and forth to these different skates but I feel its what’s appropriate for me in these two different skating disciplines. The two diagrams that I’ve attached show the different radius of hollow in my freestyle and dance blades. It’s difficult to see because it’s only 1/8” of a difference but my dance blade has a deeper hollow.  

As your skating level changes, you will require a different radius of hollow so you’ll need to experiment and find the measure which works best for you. It took me almost a whole year before I determined what radius I was most comfortable with so don’t worry as you and your child will find the ‘right’ hollow.