What a Difference a Blade Makes
Many skaters take to the ice dreaming of becoming Olympic figure skaters, star hockey players or the fastest speed skaters. Lofty dreams can start early, so the topic of what type of skate to wear (figure, hockey, speed) can be a difficult subject with brand-new skaters.
New skaters should start with beginner skates that have a toe pick. They are typically more comfortable and easier to tie. Some even having Velcro straps to fasten the skate. Beginner skates also have a flatter, longer blade for better balance and a much smaller toe pick, if any. Unfortunately, most rinks only offer rental skate choices: a figure skate or a hockey skate. Prepare ahead of time, so you know which skate will provide the most success when taking those first steps on the ice.
There are three types of blades: figure, hockey and speed. The figure skating blade is longer than a hockey blade, which can help with balance. The toe pick at the front helps skaters to perform jumps and spins. Hockey blades are shorter with a curved blade built for speed and quickness.
You’ll rarely see a speed skate at the rental kiosk. Speed skates have the longest blade of all three. It’s long and flat, doesn’t have a toe pick and is built for speed. They also differ slightly for short track vs. long track skaters. Young skaters aspiring to become speed skaters usually begin in beginner skates to get comfortable with the basic skills, then transfer to speed skates later.
Which Skate is Best for a Beginner?
Hockey skates tend to make it more difficult for beginners to learn fundamental skills like forward and backward swizzles and stopping. If a hockey on a hockey blade does not keep their weight in the middle of the blade, they will end up falling forward or backward very quickly. This can cause a skater to get discouraged. In contrast, the figure skating blade is flatter and there is more blade connecting with the ice, so it’s much easier to balance and learn.
Learn to Skate USA recommends starting with a beginner skate and transitioning after learning the basics, such as skating forward, backward and stopping. If a beginner skate is unavailable, begin with a figure skate and then move to the hockey or speed skate. Your skater will have a more enjoyable experience and a smoother transition into more challenging elements.
