Figure Skating Equipments

Finding the right figure skating equipment is important for figure skaters. Sometime finding quality figure skating apparel and ice skating accessories can be difficult. I love watching figure skating performances in TV or live, there used to be one rink in my town, but unfortunately now the rink had been closed, I used to bring my daughter there. One that made me exciting was to watch their wardrobes.

Figure skates are differ from hockey skates. According to Wikipedia, figure skates most visibly in having a set of large and jagged teeth called toe picks or toe rakes on the front of the blade. The toe picks are used primarily in jumping and should not be used for stroking or spins. Blades are mounted to the sole and heel of the boot with screws. Typically, high-level figure skaters are professionally fitted for their boots and blades at a reputable skate shop in their area.

Try to have a pair of good quality of figure skates. Choose a pair of figure skates that support a skater's jump and spins. The skaters have to feel assurance about their skates so they will feel comfortable to perform even the difficult figure skating moves.

Ice dancers' blades are about an inch shorter in the rear than those used by skaters in other disciplines, to accommodate the intricate footwork and close partnering in dance.

Hard plastic skate guards are used when the skater must walk in his or her skates when not on the ice. The guard protects the blade from dirt or material on the ground that may dull the blade. Soft blade covers called soakers are used to absorb condensation and protect the blades from rust when the skates are not being worn.

If you choose a boot-blade package, be aware that the boots should be stiff that would give support to the feet and ankles. And quite flexible to break in and feel comfortable. If you just a recreational skater, you may choose the soft entry level boot, if you just want to enjoy being on ice and just hanging out with family or friends. Unfortunately in my country there is no place where we may enjoy skating just for recreation. I mean many adults people in my country will feel rather a shame if we join with children on ice. The local rink here just for children or teenagers who take the figure skating courses. I hope someday there will be a place for family to have fun on ice in my country.

Like one in Korea, in Gwanghwamun and in Grant Hyatt Seoul, but those places are outdoor haha it's impossible in my country. But I hope at least there will be one indoor ice skate rink that really good.

You may buying boots and the blades separately too, it could be done as an option. Choose a high quality skate blades and sharp. So it will flow on ice in a better way. If you do the spins and jumps, the high quality of blade will affect the moves a lot. And for the first time, you may feel the figure skating boots may hurt at first, but it's a normal break-in period.

Blade or skate Guards - Skate guards are protective covers for the blade, you have to use the skate guards if you'd like to walk on a hard surface outside the ice rink. The skate guards usually made of rubber or plastic that protect ice skate blades.
The skate guards will keep the blades from ruinedif they touch hard surfaces like wood, carpet, rubber, grass, tiles (most places use tiles in my country), or any surface besides ice.

Skate sharpener - We use to sharpen the blades on the rink or ask the instructor or coach for recommendations. You may find sharpener in skates stores or rinks. You may sharpen the blades about 40 hours of skates. but it depend on how hard you or your children skates and how sharp of a blade you prefer.If you drag your fingernail gently along the edge of a sharp blade, you'll be able to peel off a tiny bit of metal. If you can't, the blades may need sharpening.

Soakers - Soakers are a skate guards too. Soakers will make the blades dry. It used to make of soft and high quality fashion fabrics. We use to cover and store the blades inside the soakers.

Gloves - There are many kind of figure skating gloves just for cold protection. But if you will make a performance, you may have to adjust the appearance.

Bags - Bags for figure skaters are not only just a place to store the figure skating equipments, but you have to consider that the bag is have to be lightwweight and there is room for all of the skater's supplies and accessories. It will be great if the bag has wheels and the handle is sturdy and adjustable. For professional figure skaters have a good quality bag is important to make their journey for one rink to another more easier.
 

The figure skating dress are always cute and glam, specially for competition performance. But if just for practicing or training, you may wear leggings, tight fittings and flexible pants.

Competition costumes for skaters of both men and women can be theatrical and heavily beaded or trimmed, and can cost thousands of dollars if designed by a top-level costumemaker. Although the use of flesh-colored fabric means the costumes are often less revealing than they may appear, there have been repeated attempts to ban clothing that gives the impression of "excessive nudity" or that is otherwise inappropriate for athletic competition. Many skaters also wear theatrical make up and hairstyles during competitions and it really fantastic to watch.

In competition, women may wear skirts or pants, though skirts are far more popular. Women generally wear opaque flesh-coloured leggings or tights under dresses and skirts, which may extend to cover their skates. Men must wear pants and may not wear tights.

For competition, figure skaters should look nice and neat, avoid messy appearance. The most important for figure skaters are to keep warm and wear a fit clothing.

If just for daily training or practising, you may find appropriate figure skating clothing in Target or Ebay. Also there are many of supplier of dance clothes is a good way to find something appropriate.

At first, a leotard with a skirt and dance tights will do just fine for girls and for boys, athletic pants, a shirt, thin socks, and a jacket or sweater are all that is needed.

Special credit to Wikipedia