Skates

Blades are not flat on the bottom. They have a small hollow groove, called the 'grind', running the length of them. The two sides of the groove - known as the "edges"- are very sharp. When you skate, you use the edges to help you turn, and more advanced skaters use the edges all the time when performing and practising their routines. The blade is also curved slightly from front to back.

Types
Different types of blades are used for the different sports. For example, figure skating blades have jagged points at the front known as 'toe picks'. These help with jumps, spins and stopping. There are even specific blades for beginners and more advanced skaters within each sport.

Blades vary in length, thickness or hollowness and the type you choose depends on the sport you are doing. However as a beginner, although you need good boots, you don't need the top of the range blades. A specialist shop or your coach will help you choose blades that are suitable for you.

Hiring
Hire skates are good for good for learning in. They are strong so they offer you support and they have extra protection for your ankles. It is very cheap to hire skates at a rink, so there is no need to rush to buy until you are ready.

Buying
Look for a boot that fits the shape of your foot. Boots need to fit well and hold your feet and ankles securely. At first they do feel stiff because they need 'breaking in', so buy a boot that suits the amount of skating you do. If the boots are too stiff, and you only skate an hour a week, it may take too long to break them in! As a general rule, buy the best you can afford and always ask for advice.

Skating rinks usually sell skating gear and often they often have second hand figure skating boots for sale from around £20. New figure skating boots start from around £40. Speed skating boots are more expensive. Sometimes boots and blades are sold separately, and this may add to the cost. Always buy from a specialist shop - most rinks have a shop. Your coach will also advise you about where and what to buy.

Caring for your skates
Keep your boots dry and never store them in a locker or bag for too long. The moisture builds up in an enclosed space and this can cause damage to your skates.

It is possible to buy blade guards for your skates but make sure these are not going to cause the blades to rust.

Occasionally, blades need to be reground to sharpen the edges. This needs to be done by an expert and an ice rink usually provides this service.

Clothes

Practice Sessions
Wear the same clothes that you would wear to a fun session. Your coach will probably tell you what is appropriate to wear.

Competition clothes
Judges expect a high standard of dress during tests and competitions. In all types of figure skating, marks are awarded for presentation and the clothes you wear are part of that presentation. Clothes tend to be close fitting so that judges can see the skater's movements. Professional skaters often have costumes designed specially for a particular routine to add to the performance.

In speed skating, clothes are very streamlined to offer the least wind resistance, whereas in ice hockey, players wear light, padded clothing for protection.

Rinks

Lessons
If you want to improve your skating, take lessons from a qualified coach. Most rinks have learn-to-skate schemes or classes where you can learn the basics in a group of people of a similar standard. These are held when the rink is closed to the general public. Coaches also offer private lessons on a one-to-one basis but these are more expensive than working with a group. The length and cost of lessons varies. Some coaches specialise in one type of skating, others offer general skating tuition.

As well as having qualifications to teach, a coach is usually a member of a professional body (BITA, the British Ice Teachers Association; a coaching member of NISA, the National Ice Skating Association or the PSA, The Professional Skaters' Association). A coach should also have insurance cover while teaching you.

Ask at your nearest rink for details.

Rinks in the UK
To find your nearest rink, look in yellow pages under 'Skating'.