It is important that you know how to take care of your equipment whether you are new to the ice or a professional ice skater. We have compiled smart tips and tricks from us to help you maintain your ice skates sharp all year round. Figure skating team for years to come to keep you and your skates skating.
Your blades care
It is important to keep your blades in good working order and to be as effective as possible. Your blades are your only contact with the ice. A sharp blade picks up the ice better than a dull one, so should be sharpening your blade regularly. If your skates feel like they are on the ice, it is probably time to sharpen them. How many times you are sharpening the blades can vary, but if you are off the ice, you can safeguard the blades from gouges and nicks.
Slide your fingers on both sides of the blade between skating sessions to remove the snow that has accumulated on the blade. Then put the hard guards on the ice to grab the hot drink of your choice. Wipe your blades with a soft cloth to protect them from rusting after you are ready to skate for the day.
Your boots care
Your boots’ leather is just as water-sensitive as your blades. Keeping your boots polished at hockey shop will help to screen leather and water, which helps to prevent mildew and rotting from developing. Many boots feature a factory layer to protect leather soils. If the factory coating has worn, you need additional protection for your soils. Treat leather soils and heels regularly with a leather protector. Remove the blades every few months and apply the leather protector to the sole, so that the sole does not rot. Do not forget to make sure the bottom of the blade is tight. These screws can loosen over time and allow the sole to come into contact with moisture.
Your laces care
Treat your laces carefully to prevent breakage. Substitute your laces when you wear them, lose threads or the aglets get out of the ends. Keep a set of laces in your bag always if your laces break. It is important to use the right quantity of lace when tying your skates. If the laces are too long, there are huge loops left over that could become a skating danger. If your laces are too short, you cannot securely bind them.
Following skating
When you have finished skating, wipe your boots and blades with a soft tissue to avoid rusting your blades. Do not forget to dry the surfaces of the mount too! Wrap your skates in a bag in a terry cloth towel to help remove any remaining moisture. Never store your blades in hard guards as they hold moisture and can make your blades rust. Store them in a boot bag or take your blades in a cloth blade cover when transporting your skates from and to the rink.