As a kid, getting your hands on a pair of skates is exciting – especially if you’re told they’re the latest fashion accessory. As you grow up, the excitement wanes a bit, replaced by a dose of reality. The truth is, not all ice skating is created equal. While the equipment and the location may be the same, the experience is very different depending on what type of skates you have.
The right pair of skates can make your time on the ice more enjoyable. For younger kids, it’s all about having fun. For adults, it’s more about becoming efficient at moving around the rink. Knowing which type of skates you need for the type of activity you’re planning on doing is key to ensuring you have the right equipment.
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What Is It?
Traditional hockey skates have two metal blades that lock into position when pushed down on the ice. If you’re new to the sport, it can be a little tricky to figure out which gear to choose when you’re at the rink. The good news is that there are different levels of hockey skates, from traditional to inline, which make it easy to find what you need. Traditional skates are named that because they resemble the shape of a conventional hockey puck. If you have the money, it’s worth paying an expert to help you choose the right equipment.
How Do I Get The Right Pair Of Skates?
The first step is to choose an ice rink near you. If you’re fortunate enough to have a real ice hockey rink anywhere near you, great! The closer the better. Inline skates are a viable alternative, as they can be used for hockey as well as other sports such as figure skating and skiing. However, if you’re not so lucky, you’re going to have to make do with what is available at your local skating rink. Knowing how important it can be to get the right equipment, we’re going to tell you a little bit about each type of skate, which will make choosing easier.
Conventional Hockey Skates
If you’ve ever shopped for shoes, you’ll know that there are different types of shoes for different activities. The same concept applies to skates. There are conventional hockey skates, which are the basic version with two metal blades. They’re great for children and recreational hockey, as they make it easier for kids to have fun on the ice without worrying about getting injured. If you’re an active adult with an interest in hockey, these are a great option, too, as they make the sport a little less strenuous. Conventional hockey skates are sold both with and without shin guards.
Inline Hockey Skates
Inline hockey skates are the same as conventional ones, only they have no metal blades. As a result, they’re much lighter, which makes them easier to maneuver around on the ice. They’re also less expensive to produce, as there’s no need to invest in a machine that turns out metal blades which then have to be sharpened.
How Do I Use Them?
Once you have the right pair of skates, it’s time to figure out how to use them. To begin with, practice on a flat surface, such as the ice or concrete. Once you get the hang of it, you can move around the rink and have some fun. When you’re playing hockey, always wear the proper protection, especially if you want to avoid serious injuries.
It’s important to note here that while the location and the setting are the same, the experience on the ice is very different when comparing the two. One of the most significant differences is that when you’re on the ice with your knees bent, your stomach is more likely to hit the ground. This makes you more unstable and prone to injury.
When Should I Replace My Skates?
Once you’ve been playing for a while, it’s time to consider replacing your skates. This is a common question among kids who love to play on the ice but are worried about injuring themselves. The truth is that if you play in a safe environment, with the proper protection, there’s no reason to worry about your skates too much. If you’re asked how much experience you have in hockey, it’s a good idea to mention that you’ve been playing for about a year, at least. This way, you won’t seem like a kid to your coach, and he won’t be worried about you getting hurt.
Final Takeaway
Hockey is a lot of fun, but it can also be quite dangerous if not done right. The key is knowing which gear to choose, whether you’re a kid playing around the neighborhood or an adult looking for some exercise. Knowing which type of gear is right for you is important, which is why we’ve gone into such detail about them in this article. While getting the right gear is essential to enjoying yourself at the rink, taking good care of your skates is also key to keeping injuries at a minimum. If you want to remain on the ice for longer, make sure to get yourself some sharpening tools as soon as possible. This way, you’ll avoid the frustration of constantly having to replace your skates. Like with any other sports equipment, proper maintenance can make a significant difference in how much enjoyment you get out of playing hockey.