Skate Sharpening

[GoLeafsGo]

Quick question folks:

If one were to buy a new pair of skates at a place like Canadian Tire, would they need to be sharpened before they can be used for the first time? Or would they be ready to go right out of the box??

Also, do you know of any places that offers beginner skating lessons to adults?

 

[cue]

Yes

You will need to have them sharpened.

There are lots of options in the parks and rec catalogue.
Check www.toronto.com

 

[tboy]

Most places including CTC will have a sharpening machine right there....They should include that in the skate purchase.....

My best advice is, especially if this is your first pair of ice skates, is make sure they are comfortable. If they aren't, you won't want to go....I find that too many people overtighten their skates to the point of restricting circulation in your feet. This is a big no no. I know guys who skate and they have them almost as loose as running shoes.

Also, don't cheap out on the skates. Get yourself a good pair and they will last you a lifetime. I found that on some of the cheaper pairs the rivets and screws that hold the blade on loosen up rather quickly. In addition, the boot on the better skates will be a lot more comfortable.

 

[torex]

always sharpen a brand new pair

tboy and yesguy make good points...with cheap skates it never fails...the blade and rivets always loosen which could be quite dangerous (hate to break my ankle to save a few bucks! LOL) and the boot usually is'nt to comfortable...and remember ,when you buy a good skate, the boot will last and get better and more comfortable with age...you can always replace the tuck and blade.

I only snug my top 3 laces ,mind you my foot is a double E...that's another thing, make sure you get the proper width...make sure to have your foot measured properly to ensure a properly fitted skate. ..... btw you can spend anywhere from $100 - $900 on a skate nowadays lol

If your planning on doing alot of skating purchase a good pair of skates , spend the money ,they will last you a long long time. If the toe is'nt coated already I suggest buying some toe guard and doing it yourself at home....almost like painting your sweeties toe nails LOL ...also pick up a stone....good to take burrs off in the dressing room or on the bench.

NAtional Sports does an ok job but it's always good to find a good rink guy! ...those rink guys sharpen ALOT of skates ....they get pretty good at it! lol

what area of T.O are you in? ...I might be able to point ya in the right direction.

 

[Galahad]

Another thing to know is that depending on the manufacturer, the listed size of skates are usually 1 or 2 size smaller than your normal shoe size. So if you wear size 10 shoes, you probably fit size 9 skates.

 

[shack]

btw you can spend anywhere from $100 - $900 on a skate nowadays lol

And usually you've gotta buy 2 of them.

 

[C Dick]

I would give the opposite advice - buy a $60 pair of skates at Canadian Tire first. It provides a good $60 lesson on what is important to you in a skate in terms of size, fit, etc. Then if you hate skating you are only out $60, and if you love it you now know much better what features to look for when you are buying the lifetime skates. If good ones were $500 and bad ones were $400 it would not make sense, but CTC sells skates for literally $60, and they are capable of basic learning.

 

[torex]

Also, do you know of any places that offers beginner skating lessons to adults?

ok...I missed that the first post around LOL


If your a beginner then I suggest you buy a low end pair...but I would'nt buy the $60 skates ....buy yourself a pair of CCM 252 tacks or Bauer Supremes...but make sure they fit properly because you won't enjoy learning to skate if your feet are screaming in pain.

another little tip with new skates... when your sitting in front of the tv doing nothing ...put on a pair of damp socks ,heat your skates with with a blow dryer and then put your skates on and lace them up comfortably....stand up and move your feet and bend your ankles around for awhile to help loosen up the skates(do this as often as you can)....make sure you have skate guards on or your floors and carpets might suffer lol

Ice sports and your local indoor and outdoor rinks usually have skate classes of all levels