Equipment
A member may rent a skinsuit and pair of speed skates from the club for $85.00 per season. A $500 security deposit is required in the form of a post dated cheque. The cheque will be returned to the skater upon return of the club equipment.
The Langley Blades also sell cut-resistant shin covers and gloves for $10 each. Cut-resistant shin covers and gloves must be worn if the skater does not wear a cut-resistant skin suit or specialised speed skating gloves.
It is the skater's responsibility to sharpen his/her skates. This is done manually using a jig and stone, which is provided by the Langley Blades club. How-to videos can be found on Youtube. Alternatively you can use the instructions below:
Level 1 video on introduction to the technical aspects of Boots, Blades, Sharpening skates: http://speedskatingcanada.adobeconnect.com/p22vbkna0to
Level 2 video on using a Gauge, Hand Rockering and Bending skates:http://speedskatingcanada.adobeconnect.com/p225sz29qjz
Further details concerning required equipment can be found on this page of the BC Speed Skating Association website. It is the skater's responsibility to provide the following equipment, which must be worn for all sessions, with NO EXCEPTIONS:
| ITEM |
SPECIFICATIONS |
| Helmet |
Protective headgear must be worn by all participants. For younger skaters in Novice or Development, a hockey helmet, rollerblading helmet, or bike helmet can be used. For skaters in the Competitive program, however, specifically designed speed skating helmets meeting the ASTM standard must be used. SSC and ISU rules state that these helmets must be worn in all SSC or ISU sanctioned meets. These are relatively expensive ($50-75), but they provide great protection and one size fits all. This means that if you purchase one when your child is young, it will grow with them as long as they look after it. LAS and Louis Garneau both offer acceptable helmets. They can be ordered over the Internet or occasionally group purchases are arranged. |
| Eye protection |
It is strongly recommended that Novice skaters wear face protection in the form of a mask. This is not possible with helmets other than hockey helmets. Once skaters are in a group with long blades, it is strongly recommended that skaters wear eye protection in the form of goggles certified for raquetball sports (available at most sports stores). Any eyewear worn by skaters must be held on the head with a strap. |
| Knee pads |
Knee pads are required for all skaters. Soft volleyball-style knee pads or speed skating knee pads are preferred. Skaters in Novice can wear roller blading knee pads but the hard casing gets in the way as skaters progress. |
| Shin pads |
Shin pads are obligatory. Hard plastic soccer shin pads available at any sports store or Canadian Tire are acceptable. They should be worn under the clothes. Do not purchase soft shin pads or shin pads with the hard plastic in strips. Hockey shin pads do not work. |
| Cut resistant gloves |
Cut resistant gloves must be worn. Padded ski gloves (for younger skaters), leather gloves, or kevlar speed skating gloves are acceptable. Kevlar lined leather gloves are the best. Wool, cotton or nylon are not acceptable. Leather gloves can be purchased at stores like Mark's Work Warehouse or special speed skating gloves can be purchased through the Internet. |
| Bib style neck guard |
Bib style neck guards are required. A neck protector will keep the neck are protected when falling. They must be cut resistant, made of ballistic nylon, and must cover the neck and upper chest area. They can be purchased at any sports store selling hockey equipment. |
| Elbow pads |
Elbow pads are strongly recommended for the Novice speed skating program --- these skaters tend to fall on their elbows. Hockey or rollerblading elbow pads are both fine. Older skaters do not need them. |
| Clothing |
For Novice skaters, warm, stretchy clothing is best. Nylon wind pants will help keep skaters dry. Skaters in the Development program should wear stretchy clothing such as a track suit or sweat pants. Long sleeves are always mandatory. Wind suits in the Development program tend to be too warm for skaters and catch too much wind. In the Competitive program, skaters generally wear some form of lycra or spandex skin suit and a long sleeved t-shirt in practices. Full skin suits are worn in competition. If you are wondering what is best to wear, watch or talk to some of the older skaters. Frequently, second-hand skin suits can be purchased or else a group will order skin suits together from one of the manufacturers in Canada. |
| Skates |
Skates made specially for short track speed skating are required (different to long track speed skates). The boot must 'fit like a glove'. It cannot be a bigger size to accomodate growing feet as the skater will have difficulty skating with control and speed. They must have a long blade. Skates (boot and blades) can be rented from the Langley Blades club.
If you are interested in purchasing short track skates and/or blades, discuss this with your coach.
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Equipment for purchase resources:
Make sure to check out our Equipment for Sale tab in the left menu.
Canada:
www.ilovespeedskating.com
www.redriverspeed.com
www.shoeicreations.com
www.ilpeloton.com
www.devaultspeedskating.com
www.vhspeedskating.com
www.ztsports.com
USA:
www.cascadespeedskates.com
www.theskatenowshop.com
www.specialequipment.com
Netherlands:
www.skateatsea.com
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