Skates, both figure and hockey come in all shapes, sizes, prices and styles and choosing the correct skate for your child can be difficult and frustrating. We all want the best for our children and with skates, comfort and a good fit are of the utmost importance. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing a skate for your son or daughter.

1. If possible avoid molded or vinyl skates, the molded skate hold the ankle and foot much too rigid and although it may seem that the child is skating upright it does not allow for correct movement of the ankle and leg. Vinyl skates are usually at the lower price end and often do not fit well. If you are choosing a vinyl skate look at the bottom of the skate to ensure that the blade is centered at the heel and toe. Have your child try on the skate and walk in it. If your child is going over on his/her ankles or the foot is turning in, then the skate boot is to blame not the skater. Vinyl skates are punched out of a large sheet of vinyl and at times the skates are cut against the grain of the fabric which causes twisting of the ankle. Poorly fitting skates can make your child frustrated and unhappy with skating. If you have any doubts about style or fit of your skates ask either your Coach or Glenda to have a look at your skates.

2. The best skate to buy is one made from leather. Second hand leather skates are better than new vinyl, providing the leather boot portion has not been worn out. A good test for this is to grasp the top of the boot and try to bend it to the side. There should not be much sideways movement to the boot. 3. When sizing skates, your child should wear one pair of light cotton socks, too many layers means cold and cramped feet.

4. When you lace skates have your skater flex his/her foot at the ankle as you are tightening skates, not too tight around the ankle and never, ever, tie extra laces around the ankle. Go up and down the eyes once or twice or cut off the extra lace.

5. Wear guards on your skates when going to and from the ice surface, and never store skates with the guards on, this can cause damage to the blades. Your skater should have a bag with a towel in which to keep skates. After your skating lesson is over, the skates should be dried (the whole skate not just the blade), blade covers put on the blades (these can be purchased from the club) and when you get home air dry (not over a vent) the skates to discourage mildew and mold growing in the skates.

6. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER file off the first pick, it may be a nuisance to your child at first, however they will adapt to it quite quickly.

7. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS, we are all here to help you and your child have a wonderful and enjoyable skating year!