FAQs

How often should I get my skates sharpened?

It is usually recommended that you get your skates sharpened around every 40 hours of skating. Some people like their skates to be sharper/duller so the 40-hour rule is more of a guide than anything. If you or your skater feels like they are “slipping” off their edge it may be time to get those skates sharpened!

What should I tell the sharpener to do?

For hockey players the most common cut is 1/2”.

For Figure skaters, it is usually recommended 1/2" (for beginners) or a 5/8’ (for recreational skaters).

What is ISI and why should I get the membership?

ISI stands for the Ice Sports Industry and it is a recreational skating organization that hosts many local and national competitions. If you take learn to skate classes at a rink that uses the ISI curriculum, you are required to get the membership once you reach pre-alpha. Once you have the membership and a private lesson coach you can start testing and competing which is fun for a lot of people.

Should I take private lessons or group classes?

There are benefits to both, so if you can afford it, I suggest you do both!

Group classes are good for “supervised practice” and making friends. Often times the instructor is not your private instructor so you can get someone else’s feedback and it can help improve your skating.

Private lessons are good for one-on-one attention and feedback. A private lesson coach is also someone who will stand in your corner and help navigate you through the ice-skating world. So it is important that you trust whoever you decide to be your private instructor.

When should I start doing off-ice?

You should start doing off-ice as soon as possible! Any and every maneuver can be improved by intentional practice off the ice. Because skating is so dynamic, you need to be strong, flexible, fast, agile, have good balance, and be mentally prepared. All of which can be more easily improved upon by doing off-ice physical and mental training.