One of the most interesting hobbies is figure skating. Skills such as the ability to maintain balance, perform easy turns and possibly rotate can be learned at any age. First you need to buy suitable skates, then be persistent. And the most important condition is a strong desire to learn to ride gracefully.
We evaluate the quality
Skates, like any other sports equipment, must meet the requirements. They affect the form, the material from which this sports equipment is created, and the production method.
The skate consists of a boot and a blade. The main feature of these blades is the front teeth. Due to their presence, it is possible to walk on toes and jump, which makes the ride more versatile and exciting.
A significant number of people think that prongs are evil, but they are not. You just need to learn how to use them. Also, shoes for figure skates have a distinctive feature that sets them apart from others - this is the heel. It helps in the correct distribution of weight over the entire foot.
Materials
Boots can vary in several ways.
- The material from which the upper part of the boots is made. Most often, leather is chosen, since it retains temperature well and can take the shape of a foot.
- Lining. It acts as a layer between the foot and the boot, which helps to ride the skates comfortably. In less expensive models, it also acts as a seal. In more professional models, it participates in smoothing out irregularities and creating comfort while driving.
The secondary function is performed by the substance from which the sole and heel are made. They can be made of leather and plastic. The sole, made of leather, reduces vibration, while the outsole of plastic is less heavy.
The criterion that is considered very important is the stiffness of the boot, since it is this property that plays a large role in maintaining the foot. For novice athletes, rigidity does not really matter, but for experienced professionals it is necessary, because they perform a lot of difficult jumps and rotations.
Determining how tough a boot is is not as difficult as it seems. You just need to press hard on its back, the more it seems solid, the higher the rigidity.
Focus on the blades
An important detail in choosing the right skates is the blade. A distinctive feature is considered not only the presence of teeth, but also the thickness and length of the blade itself, which affects the stability while riding. It has two ribs that are inside and outside. Between them there is a recess, which is most often called a "groove", which provides sliding.
Unlike wheels, which are involved in rollerblading, the blades of figure skates are in contact with the ice, firmly adhering, which of course is possible only with good sharpening. Just because of this, turns, whirling and jumping are so easy on figure skates.
Characterization is also allowed on several grounds:
- the quality of the metal from which the blade is made;
- length, shape and number of teeth;
- blade length;
- the size.
Considering these signs, you can choose the most comfortable and practical pair of skates. The most important and leading feature is the quality of the alloy. This greatly affects the price for which skates are sold in the market. If the blade is not made of the best steel, then it will not slide well and keep sharpening. If it is made of a better material, then the edges will wear off more slowly and the blade will glide well.
For first-time skaters, it is better to choose models for beginners, as the teeth on the blades of professional skates are located differently. This makes it difficult to learn how to ride.
The curvature of the blade is considered an important factor at the time of sliding. If you pay attention, you will notice that the blade is not even, but has a slightly curved shape. You can also place the blade on a smooth surface and see that the degree of contact depends on how much and in which direction the boot is tilted. The depth of the "groove" can be changed while the sharpening process is in progress. The deeper it is, the more stable the skates, but, unfortunately, this negatively affects the braking and smoothness of movement.
The most important thing is to thoroughly follow the sharpening of the blade and correct the flaws in time.
Dimensions
The shoes themselves, as well as the blades, are divided into sizes, which are most often measured in inches. Make sure that the blade fits your boot.
Popular brands
The following representatives are most often found on the market:
- John Wilson and MK from England;
- Jackson Ultima Skates from Canada;
- Graf Blades from Switzerland.
We take into account the type of skiing, models and classification by level of training
The blades used for reusable skiing and most often for hire cannot be adjusted in any way due to the fact that they are firmly attached to the sole. But on skates for experienced skaters, the blades are screwed onto them so they can be adjusted to fit later.
Skates used during fitness activities
By their appearance, they resemble warm boots, in which it is easy and comfortable to skate on ice. They use a soft lining to keep you warm and prevent you from freezing. For figure skating, such skates are often not suitable, but they will do quite well for a winter walk.
Sports equipment that is more suitable for beginners
These skates can be recommended for those who have just begun to comprehend figure skating, since these models are not very expensive and soft enough.
Examples of these skates can be divided into two categories.
- Massive, that is, the blades installed are inexpensive and not made of a durable alloy.
- Figured view. Such sports equipment is distinguished by the fact that it has the most durable boot and quality blades. Most often they are taken by those children who have already learned the basics of skiing and have moved on to more complex elements. Their cost is somewhat more expensive.
Semi-professional look
This type of skate is also suitable for adults, since their rigidity is average and it becomes possible to perform jumps.
Professional level
The next level is the workshop. Skates made and produced for this level are designed for athletes and people who can not only properly use but also look after such property. The boots are already quite tough and the blades are made of the best quality material, they keep sharpening for a long time. The skates themselves often do not wear out for a long time, unlike boots. Therefore, they, as a rule, provide for the possibility of replacement. However, a lot depends on the intensity of the classes. It is upsetting that the price of such sports equipment starts at $ 800.
Tips for choosing
Even though there is a huge selection on the market, it is necessary to take into account the requirement to keep the foot straight in the boot to avoid injury. When choosing skates with blades already installed, it is very important to emphasize how they are installed. It is necessary that the edge of the shoe matches the end of the blade.
To make sure that the blade is set correctly, you can try walking, and if you feel uncomfortable and the boot will tilt to the side, then it is advisable to pick up a new pair.
Fitting rules
It is not recommended to take skates for girls and boys that are several sizes larger, as they can still be carried away and it will be impossible to control them.
The shoe is laced in the following sequence.
- It starts from the toe and moves up. The lace passed through the first holes does not need to be tightly tightened.
- The higher the lacing rises, the more you need to tighten it. Closer to the middle, you need to make every effort, because it is this area that is responsible for the balance of the foot in the boot. If it is not secured enough, injuries such as twisting the leg can occur, which can also lead to falling.
- It's the turn of the hooks. They make lacing easier and are the easiest area. Weakly tightening is not worth it, but if you push it, then difficulties with blood supply to the leg may begin. As a last resort, the upper part of the lacing can be loosened while riding.
After finishing the lacing, fasten the ends of the laces. This is quite simple to do, you just need to wrap them around your leg and tighten very tight. After a certain time has passed, it may be a month of constant use, the boots should be re-lacing, as they could trample. If this is not done, it will be difficult to control the ride and this can lead to unwanted injury.
Necessary care
After you have finished skating, it is advisable to take a dry rag and walk it over the blade so that no wet marks remain. After that, put on a soft cover and remove the inventory. It is very important to keep the blades from rusting as this will necessitate a complete replacement. Therefore, you need to store them in a dry place.
It is highly not recommended to dry skates near the battery or directly on it, subjecting it to a sharp temperature drop. This can lead to unpleasant external defects. If you follow all the recommendations, then buying the first skates will not be difficult, but on the contrary will bring a lot of positive emotions. If the inventory is selected correctly, then the result will be noticeable in a week. You will be able to ride and improve in this sport without assistance.
For information on how to choose the right figure skates for a child, see the next video.
