River Blades Skating School Skate & Attire Recommendations
What should my skater wear for their class?
Learn to Skate classes
If you’re joining our beginner learn to skate classes we recommend your skater wear these items;
Winter coat, snow pants or leggings that are easy to move in.
Helmet, gloves with fingers.
Mittens & hockey gloves not advised for LTS #1.
We want to build confidence in your skater from the first day they step on to the ice. In order to build that confidence we recommend a starter skate that has a longer flatter blade.
These should be purchased for anyone age 3-5 joining our learn to skate #1 classes. A hockey skate is not recommended for skaters just starting out. The blade is rocked like a rocking chair and can cause the skater to slip falling forward and backward very easily which can break a skaters confidence when just starting out.
There are rental skates available at the Hastings Civic Arena for $5.00 first come first serve.
Figure Skating classes
Leggings that are tight to the ankle leggings can go over the ankle of the skate, No hoodies, dress in layers, snug under shirt, a warm vest, gloves with fingers, and a warm River Blades Vest.
Fall figure skating SWAG attire orders the store opens 10/6 & closes 10/14
items will be distributed at the Hastings Civic Arena during our learn to skate programming on Saturday mornings. Items will arrive in time for the holidays.
Hockey Mini-Mite classes
helmet, snow pants & gloves. Hockey skates recommended. We recommend CCM or Bauer Hockey Skates.
Full pads are not required.
No sticks in class.
Hockey Edge & Power Skating classes
helmet, & gloves. Hockey skates required.
Full gear can be worn but not required.
No sticks in class.
Skate recommendations below
River Blades recommends purchasing Riedell Skates the plant is just a few miles down the road in Redwing, MN and one of the owners of the company gives back to our skating community locally in so many ways. Visit their website for lots of great information. Other skate companies and sports stores will try and sell you what’s on trend but not always what your skater may need for their level, and foot type.
Talk to Dan at Riedell Skates especially when purchasing a higher end or custom boots. You can also be fitted at Westwood Sports or Strauss Skates they are both Riedell dealers.
Which Riedell boot do I choose if my skater is taking beginner group lessons?
Which Riedell boot do I choose if my skater is taking private lessons and testing the ISI or USFS testing track?
See the Riedell Skates chart in the link and speak to Amanda before deciding on the boot.
https://www.ice.riedellskates.com/UserFiles/Ice/PDFs/Ice_FindYourBoot.pdf
Most higher end skates do not come with a blade you will need to buy the blade separately.
⛸There are several blades out on the market.
For skaters working on their Axel through double jumps we recommend the “professional blade” by MK or “Coronation Ace Blade” by John Wilson. Of course you can move up to a Phantom, Pattern 99, or Gold Seal blade if needed however those are commonly worn by skaters on the podium at the Olympics and skaters that are very invested in the sport.
Riedell blades-there are several to choose from depending on the type of skater and level/jumps your skater is working on.
https://www.ice.riedellskates.com/UserFiles/Ice/PDFs/Ice_FindYourBlade.pdf
MK blades
John Wilson Blades
https://www.johnwilsonskates.com/products/coronation-ace
5 steps for skate fitting
https://www.ice.riedellskates.com/fitting
Riedell sizing guide
https://www.ice.riedellskates.com/UserFiles/Ice/PDFs/Riedell-Ice-Sizing-Guide_FINAL.pdf
Riedell Boot & Blade Care Guide
https://www.ice.riedellskates.com/skate-care
Where do I get my skates sharpened?
Only get your blades sharpened and maintained by a professional blade technician.
We recommend
-Fred Bartick (952) 884-5345
Fred Sharpens out of his home in Bloomington
-Westwood Sports in Apple Valley
(Call to make sure the competitive figure skaters blade technician is working the day you arrive and his hours)
-Strauss Skates will also sharpen. If you do have Strauss Skates sharpen them be sure you ask for the hours the “skate technician Scott” will be working.
-Be careful and talk to your coach before having a local rink sharpen your figure skates the staff may not be trained to sharpen high end figure skates. Figure skaters that are competing only use the professional skate technicians suggested above.
Why skate guards and blade soakers?
In the wintertime the lobby floor can have pebbles and sand as well as salt that can ruin your skaters blades.
Prolong the life of your sharpen and blade by wearing skate guards.
Wear skate guards at all times write your name on the guards with a sharpie in case you leave them at the rink.
If your skater leaves their skates in the trunk or in the car the soakers can hold moisture and cause rust to build up on the blade.
Soakers are a great way to absorb moisture but be sure to wipe your blades and allow your skates to reach room temperature and re wipe the blades before putting on the soakers.
Be sure to clean the inside of your skate guards on occasion dirt builds up in the cracks of the skate guards.
Be sure to open your bag when you arrive home do not leave your skates in the garage or the car you might be in for a surprise if the temperature is too hot or cold in your garage/car.
Sharpen skates 2 weeks prior to an event test, performance or competition.
When figure skates are freshly sharpened there is a break in period after sharpening. Also use the same blade technician be sure they are in town when you need your skates sharpened.
Polish skates before any appearance.
Bring extra laces with you to practice and competition in case you break a lace-it has happened to athletes at the Olympics. Check your laces well in advance of the event you’re set to perform in.
What about used skates? Beware of used skates-over time skates mold to the persons foot that has been wearing them which causes internal breakdown of the materials.
Be sure to be fitted by a professional a and purchase skates that are made for your level of skating.
Good equipment kept in good condition can keep your skaters feet and skating skills very happy. 😃
We are here to help guide you and hope this information was helpful.
