|
WEST KINGSTON SKATING CLUB
P.O. Box 20028, RPO Taylor Kidd Kingston, ON K7P 2T6 613-546-WKSC (9572) |
 Registration » Safety » |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAFETY
WARM-UP EXERCISES:
Warm-up is essential for all skaters. Five to ten minutes of exercise such as skipping or jogging on the spot is a great way to warm up your body prior to getting on the ice. Always take the time to stretch the muscles that you are going to use. A proper warm-up eases your body into gear & helps prevent muscle pulls & tears. An off-ice warm up with a spinner can also be a useful way to practice skating skills & jump technique without incurring expensive on ice costs. At the end of each workout, be sure to do some gentle stretches to prevent stiffness & soreness the next day.All athletes should consume water before, during & after a work-out. When you are active your body keeps you cool by producing sweat. The Honsberger Health Report indicates that 'a resting body needs between 8-12 cups of water per day...' & 'during exercise you lose 8-14 cups of water per hour' (July, 2001). Remember: When the feeling of being thirsty hits, you are already dehydrated.
EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING:
Hockey helmets with a cage are recommended for first time skaters. This protects the face, & the back & side of the head better than a bicycle helmet would.Mittens or gloves are mandatory. Skaters should be warm but able to move freely. Snowsuits make it difficult to move. Suitable attire for both boys & girls is warm leggings, sweater & jacket. As girls progress they may want to wear dresses or skirts. This is fine, but remember to wear warm tights. Only one pair of light cotton socks is necessary. Too many socks restrict circulation to the feet & can make the feet cold & uncomfortable.
SKATES:
At the CanSkate level, either figure or hockey skates are acceptable but those working beyond learning to skate should wear figure skates. Your child's skate should fit like a shoe. Skates should not be too large. Close foot to boot contact will give the skater more support & confidence. Strong ankle support is very important. If considering used skates, make sure the ankles are not “broken down”. A good test for this is to grasp the top of the boot & try to bend it to the side. There should not be much sideways movement to the boot. 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 place to buy used skates is a skate sale at your local club.
LACING SKATES:
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 & never, ever, tie extra laces around the ankle. Go up & down the eyes once or twice or cut off the extra lace.
SKATE SHARPENING:
Skaters should start the season with newly sharpened skates & skates should be sharpened at least every other month for beginners. If you have figure skates you should take your skates to a reputable sharpener that knows how to sharpen figure skates. Outdoor skating will dull edges quicker & therefore more frequent sharpening will be needed.
SKATE GUARDS:
There should be at least one pair of guards in every skate bag. Skaters should NEVER walk on anything but rubber mats if they do not have skate guards on. After the skater has finished skating, be sure to dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rust. Clean out the skate guards regularly as well. Store skates with guards off. Soft terrycloth towel covers are available to cover & protect blades while in the skate bag. Dry the skates at out of the bag at normal household temperatures, to ensure adequate drying, & prevention of mold & mildew. |
|
|
www.lddonline.com