Figure skates can be really expensive so it important we look after them to minimise and prevent damage from occurring. Here are 6 simple things to do that don't take a lot of effort to ensure your skates are being maintained properly, which ultimately will help your skates last longer.
1 ) Dry Blades after your Skating Session
This one might seem like an obvious one, however new skaters are often unaware that they should be using a skating towel to throughly dry their blades and soles of your boots. By drying your skates you're helping to prevent damage such as your blades rusting or water damage on your wooden sole. Immediately after your skating session, get a soft absorbent towel and wipe off any excess water and ice from the blade. Ensure you wait a little while after for the blades to warm up a little (to room temperature) and wipe down any condensation that may have appeared.
2 ) Use Blade Soakers
Once you've dried you're skates its important to put on soft soakers on. Soakers will help to absorb any excess moisture you might have missed and protect you skates in your bag when being transported.
3 ) Wear Blade Guards when Off the Ice
Wear blade guards when leaving the ice and when on hard surfaces. Wearing blade guards will help prevent damaging the blades such as chips and nicks. Even on the ice rinks padded flooring there is often dirt and foreign objects that could damage your blades. Also regularly check inside your blade guards, to ensure that dirt and stoneware not stuck inside them. Never store skates with hard blades guards, this will cause rust and damage to the blades.
4 ) Frequent Blade Sharping
It's important to regularly get your blades sharpened. There is a lot of advice of how often you should sharpened your blades from every 20 hours to 40 hours. If your unsure have a discussion with your coach or local sharpener and get them to check your skates to see if its time for a sharpen. However, generally as a skater you can feel when your skates need to be sharpened. Once you starting feeling like your 'slipping' on your edges or a landing of a jump, it's time to get a sharpen. There is an art to sharpening figure blades, so only take your boots to a reputable sharpener.
5 ) Store Boots at room Temperature
Avoid storing your boots in the boot of your car. The extreme temperatures can break down the material of your skates faster. Skates also mould to your feet so leaving in the car can also change the shape and 'feel' of the boot. Thus, making them uncomfortable to skate in.
6 ) Air out your Skates
Air drying your skates is important to get rid of any moisture inside and out of the boot. Once your home from the rink, remove the boots from your bag and take off your soakers to air out. It's also a good idea to loosen your laces and ensure the tongue is sitting up right, this helps with air flow. Often skaters sweat a lot when they train and with sweat comes odour, airing out your boots will also assist in minimising the smell.
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