If you want to try out rollerblading then it’s best to do it in a controlled environment. One of the best ways to do so is by using hockey skates! They look similar to regular skates but have a metal hockey stick-shaped object hanging off them. Since rollerblading is such a trendy sport activity, you might find it hard to get a pair of hockey skates if you don’t own a pair of steel skates already. Fortunately, you can convert your existing pair of hockey skates into rollerblades with only a few simple techniques. Here’s how to do so.
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Clean The Blades
One of the first things you need to do before you start using the blades is to clean them. Simply wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth or blow dry them on high for about 10 minutes then put them away. If you take good care of your skates, they will last a lifetime and perform well even after years of heavy use. This is especially important if you engage in aggressive sports like hockey or rollerblading because the dirt and oil from the road can cause your skates to malfunction. Also, be sure to lubricate the nose and heel area of the skate with a bit of oil or grease before you roll around in case your skate gets stuck in the snow or ice. Greasy areas contribute to easier gliding on surfaces and prevent slush and snow from sticking to the surface of the ice. However, if you don’t want to grease the whole skate, you can apply the oil to the nose and heel area via a small brush on the exterior of the skate before you wipe it down.
Treat The Metal For Better Gliding
Even though regular hockey skates are quite durable and can take a bit of wear and tear, they are still made of metal and as such, are poorly suited for gliding on ice. To make them work for this purpose, you need to give them a good buffing and polishing. The best way to do this is with the use of diamond spray on a foam polishing disc. Most hockey stores offer these discs as a convenient way of ensuring your skates glide smoothly on ice without any risk of slippage or falling over due to sharp edges. When removing snow and ice from the surface of the ice, it’s important to keep speed relatively low so that you don’t break through and hurt yourself on jagged patches of ice. At the end of each sweep, stop and peel off the outer layer of the ice to reveal the fresh, smooth ice underneath. This is one of the best ways to ensure your skates work well for years of use!
Adjust The Heel Skate For Better Rolling
Since regular hockey skates are designed to be worn on the feet, they have a relatively high heel which makes it easier to push off with your legs when walking or rolling. For better performance when skating, it is best to have lower heels which will put your feet closer to the surface of the ice. This reduces the amount of friction between your foot and the ice as well as increases the area of the ice you can cover per unit of time. You can get heel skates with adjustable straps so you can tighten them around your ankles for a custom fit. Some people also prefer to shorten the length of their skate or wear thick socks to maintain better balance while skating. It’s all a matter of personal preference! Keep in mind that thinner or cushioned socks will reduce the friction between your feet and the ice surface. This, in turn, will improve your performance on the slopes. It’s a small change but it makes a huge difference when it comes to controlling and gliding your body while rolling down the hill!
Create A Carrying Case
If you plan on carrying your skates in your arms on an airplane or train ride then you should consider creating a carrying case for them. This will protect them from getting damaged in transit and also keep them clean and organized while in your arms. Most hockey players use a shoulder strap which loops over their head and carries the weight of the skate on their shoulders. If this is too much pressure for you then you can carry them in your arms like a guitar or basset hound. If you have a backpack already then you can use that for carrying your skates. This will prevent you from having to buy an expensive case to protect your investment.
Keeping your skates clean and polished is important in order to maintain their functionality. You can use the above tips to keep them looking new for many years of use! When it comes to converting your hockey skates into something new and exciting, there are no rules! Design your own unique way to enjoy your favorite sport!