There is nothing worse than getting a blister while playing hockey. Whether you are on a pond or a frozen lake with your buddies, getting a blistered foot is a pain. If you are out on the ice for long periods of time, you run the risk of getting frostbite, too. It’s no secret that the game can be dangerous if you don’t know how to prevent injuries. In this article, we’ll discuss some techniques for preventing blisters from hockey skates and how to treat them if you do get them. It is important to note that these tips will only work for certain types of skates. If you are playing on a surface that is not waxed or polished, the risk of getting a blister is higher. Additionally, if you are playing in very cold weather, your hands may become numb due to the cold, which makes it harder for you to grip the puck. So, let’s get to it.
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Try Different Types Of Skates
The first thing you need to do to prevent blisters is to try out different types of skates. Different types of skates have different levels of hardness, which affects how well they absorb the impact of the puck. If you are new to hockey, start out with a softer skate to prevent too much damage to your feet. As you get more experienced, you can graduate to a harder or mid-hardened skate.
If you are on a pond or frozen lake, the ice is usually thick enough to prevent any real damage to your feet. However, if you are on a smaller rink or the street, having harder skates can help prevent injuries. Even if you are not playing on ice, having harder skates can help increase your speed, as well as give you a boost when performing tricks. When it comes to your health and safety, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Protect Your Skin
Another important factor in preventing blisters is to protect your skin. This means wearing mittens, warm socks, and gloves when playing hockey. Wearing mittens will protect your hands from getting chapped by the drywall or wood of the rink or street if you are playing on the wall. If you are playing outdoors in the winter, you will need to have warm socks on your feet to prevent your extremities from getting frostbite. Finally, if you are playing street hockey in the winter, you will need to wear gloves to keep your hands insulated from the freezing temperatures. If you do get cold hands, it can affect your play significantly, so be sure to protect them!
As for the best type of gloves for hockey, there are several options to choose from. For beginners, it is best to go with something simple and comfortable, but still having adequate protection. One popular choice among hockey players is the insulated glove. These types of gloves offer better insulation and are much easier to put on and take off than traditional gloves. This is because there are fewer strands interwoven between the knuckle and fingertip areas, making it less likely for the hand to become numb due to coldness. Another great option is the thumbless glove, which frees up your thumbs for other tricks and moves.
Hydration Is Key
Lastly, it is important to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will help maintain a good balance between oil and moisture on your skin, preventing any irritation and potential blisters. Sometimes, when the weather is cold and damp, it is easy to become dehydrated, even if you are not aware of it. To be at your best, you must stay hydrated. Some ways to do this include drinking sufficient amounts of water throughout the day, avoiding exposure to the sun during the day, and avoiding alcohol and other dehydration-causing drinks. Also, you can wear cotton gloves while gaming to keep your hands hydrated.
As you can see, there are several tips and tricks for preventing blisters from hockey skates. It is essential to remember that prevention is the key to avoiding injuries, so always make sure that your body is in good shape before playing, and try out different types of skates before making a choice. Also, make sure to protect your skin from getting irritated by avoiding hot coffee or tea while on the ice, as well as using sunblock and protective gear when outdoors in the summer. Finally, drink plenty of water and make sure to hydrate your hands to avoid any blisters from forming. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to enjoy your time on the ice without any complications caused by excessive wear and tear. So, remember to have fun but be safe at the same time!