Ice Skating, Intro

Ice skating is moving on ice by use of ice skates. It can be done for a variety of reasons, including leisure, traveling, and various sports. Ice skating occurs both on specially prepared indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as on naturally occurring bodies of frozen water such as lakes and rivers.

History

'Skating fun' by 17th century Dutch painter Hendrick Avercamp.

A study by Federico Formenti of the University of Oxford suggests that the earliest ice skating happened in Southern Finland about 4000 years ago.[1] Originally, skates were merely sharpened, flattened bone strapped to the bottom of the foot. Skaters did not actually skate on the ice, but rather glided on top of it. True skating emerged when a steel blade with sharpened edges was used. Skates now cut into the ice instead of gliding on top of it. Adding edges to ice skates was invented by the Dutch in the 13th or 14th century. These ice skates were made of steel, with sharpened edges on the bottom to aid movement. The construction of modern ice skates has stayed largely the same.


The Skater, 1782, a portrait of William Grant by Gilbert Stuart.
Central Park, New York City, Winter: The Skating Pond, 1862.

In the Netherlands, ice skating was considered proper for all classes of people to participate in, as shown in many pictures by the Old Masters. James II of England came to the Netherlands in exile, and he fell for the sport. When he went back to England, this "new" sport was introduced to the British aristocracy, and was soon enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It is said that Queen Victoria got to know her future husband, Prince Albert, better through a series of ice skating trips; meanwhile Fenland agricultural workers became masters of speed skating. However, in other places, participation in ice skating was limited to members of the upper classes. Emperor Rudolf II of the Holy Roman Empire enjoyed ice skating so much he had a large ice carnival constructed in his court in 1610 in order to popularise the sport. King Louis XVI of France brought ice skating to Paris during his reign. Madame de Pompadour, Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and the House of Stuart were, among others, royal and upper class fans of ice skating.

How it works

Ice skating works because the metal blade at the bottom of the ice skate shoe can glide with very little friction over the surface of the ice. However, slightly leaning the blade over and digging one of its edges into the ice ("rockover and bite") gives skaters the ability to increase friction and control their movement at will. In addition, by choosing to move along curved paths while leaning their bodies radially and flexing their knees, skaters can use gravity to control and increase their momentum. They can also create momentum by pushing the blade against the curved track which it cuts into the ice. Skillfully combining these two actions of leaning and pushing— a technique known as "drawing"— results in what looks like effortless and graceful curvilinear flow across the ice.

How the low-friction surface develops is not exactly known, but a large body of knowledge does exist. These are explained below.

Experiments show that ice has a minimum kinetic friction at −7°C (19°F), and many indoor skating rinks set their system to a similar temperature. The low amount of friction actually observed has been difficult for physicists to explain, especially at lower temperatures. On the surface of any body of ice at a temperature above about −20°C (−4°F), there is always a thin film of liquid water, ranging in thickness from only a few molecules to thousands of molecules. This is because an abrupt end to the crystalline structure is not the most entropically favorable possibility. The thickness of this liquid layer depends almost entirely on the temperature of the surface of the ice, with higher temperatures giving a thicker layer. However, skating is possible at temperatures much lower than −20°C, at which temperature there is no naturally occurring film of liquid.

When the blade of an ice skate passes over the ice, the ice undergoes two kinds of changes in its physical state: an increase in pressure, and a change in temperature due to kinetic friction and the heat of melting. Direct measurements[2] show that the heating due to friction is greater than the cooling due to the heat of melting. Although high pressure can cause ice to melt, by lowering its melting point, the pressure required is far greater than that actually produced by ice skates. Frictional heating does lead to an increase in the thickness of the naturally occurring film of liquid, but measurements with an atomic force microscope have found the boundary layer to be too thin to supply the observed reduction in friction[3].

Dangers

The first main danger in ice skating is falling on the ice, which is dependent on the quality of the ice surface, the design of the ice skate, and the skill and experience of the skater. While serious injury is rare, a number of (short track) skaters have been paralysed after a fall when they hit the boarding. An additional danger of falling is injury caused by the skater's own metal blades or those of other skaters. Falling can be fatal if a helmet is not worn to protect against serious head trauma.

The second, and more serious, danger is falling through the ice into the freezing water underneath when skating outdoors on a frozen body of water. This can lead to serious injury or death due to shock, hypothermia or drowning. It is often difficult or impossible for skaters to climb out of the water back onto the ice due to the ice repeatedly breaking, the skater being weighed down by skates and thick winter clothing, or the skater becoming disoriented under water. The skater may even not be able to find the hole he fell through. This may result in drowning or hypothermia, but the rapid cooling can also create a state in which someone can be revived up to hours after having fallen in the water.

Competitions

Major international competitions are sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU). These include the Winter Olympic Games, the World Championships, the World Junior Figure Skating Championships, the European Figure Skating Championships, the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. at Frysia, the Netherlands, the Elfstedentocht is a 200 km long race on natural ice around the province, which was held for the first time in 1909 and has by 2008 been held only 15 times because the ice along the entire course has to be thick enough for large groups to skate on. It is expected to become an even more rare event in the future, due to climate change.

Source: Wikipedia

Specialized Ice-Hockey Training for Kids - How Important Is That?

They say anything you do in childhood affects you at later ages. It's true. You can see that around you, in the people close to you, even in yourself.

Bad habits that one acquires at an early age are difficult to shake as an adult. Things you do wrong as a child or as an adolescent that are not corrected in time are very likely to remain with you for the rest of your life.

Ice-Hockey is not different. In fact, it may be more so than other aspects, because it involves so many techniques that are necessary to make a good hockey player. A fault in any of these as a result of a bad childhood habit will result in your child being a lesser hockey player when he or she grows up. Those bad habits will stick with them and hinder their progress. If your child acquires an error in skating technique, for example - that error will most likely be there forever, in every game, at every age.

The same goes for off-ice training. The importance of off-ice training for the development of an ice-hockey player is irrefutable. If your child does not practice off-ice properly, with drills matching his or her age and progress, your child's game will suffer during the season - and later in life. Your child needs personal guidance in order to practice correctly off the ice, in order to make his or her hockey abilities optimal - for now and for years to come. And there's more - proper off-ice training will improve your child's chances to avoid injuries.

If your child practices in a team, he or she doesn't always get the attention he or she needs. Errors on the personal level are often overlooked by coaches who have to pay attention to many kids at the same time, and focus on team play. Off the ice it's usually even worse - off-ice training doesn't get the emphasis it deserves, especially when it comes down to the level of the individual child. As a result, errors and bad practice habits are not corrected in time, and they root themselves into your child's play to stay.

One option to resolve this is to hire a personal coach to train your child off-ice. It's a wonderful method to root these mistakes before it's too late. However, few parents can endure the expenses involved with personal coaching to their children, for years and years, until they grow up.

Another option is to get The Hockey Speed and Power Specialized Training Manual, written by a former NHL player, intended exactly for that. Here's where you can learn about it. It's a series of three books specialized for off-ice training children and adolescents, in order to make them better hockey players, for the present and for the future. Each book is intended for a specific age group. Buy the one matching your child's age - or buy all three, so your child is never left alone and there is always proper coaching available, for years to come, until and through adulthood.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to help your child become a better hockey player - it's a small investment for big earnings in hockey abilities, at the critical childhood and adolescence ages.

Get Hooked On Figure Skating

You are never too old to figure skate, however if your thinking about making it to the Olympic games there may be some concern depending with the age in question. Skating can be a relaxing and an enjoyable pastime for young and old alike. However, the sport of figure skating involves a lot of stamina, flexibility and strength. If the aim is to compete at international or world standards then really the sooner you can get onto the ice the better. Then, stop commiserating about your age. Are you back from the rink yet? Figure skating is an enjoyable way to get fit and have a lot of fun as well. It is freedom. It is exciting. Anyone at any age can enjoy figure skating.

Even if you have not started young, don't despair! With determination, the right attitude and the will to succeed, anything is possible. If you would like to give figure skating a try, enrolling in group lessons would be a smart move. It's great to get instant feed back. The best thing is to have fun and be safe.

Basic figure skating moves can be equally easy and difficult to master. There are off days as well as good ones. With lots of practice, it is possible to become quite accomplished. If you wish to learn figure skating at a competitive level then it is important that you get a coach that you can trust, one that you can work with.

I am telling you this once and for all: There is no such thing as too old for figure skating. Ninety percent of figure skating is passion and determination which translate in how much time you spend on the ice.

If you are continuously thinking about it, or finding ways to improve yourself, reading about it, watching the competition umpteenth time on your Tvo over and over thinking, watching so much, somehow, those elements will transmit into your body. If you find yourself wanting to be at the rink at every waking moment to practice, then you are NOT TOO OLD.

You need the right combinations: perseverance, determination, and passion, you will need those especially when you are having an off day. Those days do appear at times. That is when you will go home angry, and frustrated, because you were doing fine and all of a sudden there is a glitch.
However, the next day, you lace your skates up and back for more. SO NO ONE IS EVER TOO OLD FOR ANYTHING, especially if you have determination, desire, and passion.

The sense of achievement will give a tremendous boost to your ego. The main thing is to enjoy your moments on the ice. After all that is why you are there isn't it? I always believe that if you are doing something that you are truly enjoying then you are going to want to improve your skills to get the most out of it.

Figure Skating - The Ins And Outs Of The Sport

Figure skating is a technically demanding and graceful sport. A pleasure to watch as the skaters glide over the surface of ice.

But do you really understand what it is all about?

What makes one jump tougher to do than another?

How do the Judges award the scores?

With the popularity of figure skating growing, especially during the Olympic games we thought we should help you to understand what it is all about.

Here is an amazing fact. Figure skaters will beat every hockey player in a flat out race. They even beat them skating backwards.

If you ever attend a professional hockey game and sit near the ice you will find the above statement hard to believe. But it's true. Figure skating is fast.

The reason for this is the hockey player is trained to use his power to accelerate in a quick burst of speed and to dart from side to side instantly. The figure skater is trained to glide with longer strides with less of the quick turns. They train to jump.

Figure skaters got their name from the compulsory figures they had to do in competition prior to 1990 when it was finally dropped. The skaters were required to perform figures tracing a pattern on the ice such as a figure eight. Not only that but they had to do it on the inside or the outside of the blade.

Once completed the judges would literally get down on the ice to check the tracing to see how close they came to perfection. Since figure skating is not an exact science, everything must be considered.

Points were awarded or lost if the figure went too far or there were additional tracings caused by wobbling or putting the other foot down. Skaters and audiences were no doubt extremely happy to hear they were eliminated.

The School figures competition was a part of the figure skating because the judges were able to better judge the technical perfection than the current methods do. Technique is not as important today as skaters who may be weaker technically may still win.

Up until recently there were two categories of skaters. Professional and Amateur. Only amateur skaters could compete in the Olympics. Professional skaters were barred. Times have changed as the cost of preparing to compete in figure skating has risen so that today it can cost up to $45,000 per year.

Now amateurs are allowed to earn money, but only in eligible, sanctioned events. The old categories are no more. Now eligible skaters are able to compete in the Olympics and ineligible skaters have given up the right by competing in unsanctioned events.

Each country has a figure skating federation to govern which is an eligible event. Once an event has been given the blessing of the governing body, anyone can enter.

Some skaters who have had success at the Olympics may feel they would be better off skating professionally and retire. Others may have simply decided to retire due to time or money restraints of Olympic competition.

Becoming eligible for Olympic competition is extremely competitive and some skaters simply drop out and turn professional performing in such shows as Ice Capades and Disney on Ice.

There are two programs in competitive figure skating.

The short program lasts 2 ½ minutes. Worth one third of the overall score, consists of required elements that the skater may perform in any order to the music they have chosen. They have three jumps, three spins and two footwork requirements. Failure to execute any of these compulsory movements will reduce their score. A missed move is a lost move since the skater cannot retry a move.

The longfigure skating program last four minutes and counts for 2/3 of the over all score. Judges allow a little more flexibility and there are no set requirements. Most of the competitors today include 6 or 7 triple jumps, several spins and combinations. Most men not only do the same but also do quadruple jumps during their free-skate program.

The judges then award points for a score. Two aspects are considered.

Technical mark takes into account the requires elements. It reflects the difficulty the skaters had to perform as well as the clean execution of the spins, footwork and jumps.

The Presentation mark reflects the flow, as well as the choreography and the balance of the figure skating program. It also takes into account the skaters ability to reflect themselves into the music. They must skate with speed, confidence and effort.

Scoring.

Figure skating is not an exact science and neither is judging. The scores can range from 0.0 to 6.0. Judges must take into consideration all of the various aspects involved in the program and make a scoring decision based upon the guidelines. Very rarely will an Olympic figure skating contestant obtain a score of 6.0.

Joe and Irma have built a wonderful fact filled site http://www.whistler-outdoors.com with well over 100 pages of information a visitor really must know prior to visiting.

Joe Macmillan - EzineArticles Expert Author

History of RollerBlades

Roller blades, roller skates or inline skates all refer to a skate. History of roller blade is somewhat long and winding. While people often use the term roller blade for the boot with wheels underneath, it may help to know that roller blade is actually a trade name and not the boot with wheel that you usually enjoy. Rollerblade, Inc. is the manufacturer of many modern roller skates.

Historical timelines of roller blades

1700s

The history of roller blades or roller skates, started in the early 1700s when a London stage performer used roller skates in a performance. This is the first sighting of a roller blade. The concept came from Holland where Dutchmen would nail wooden spools to strips of wood and attaching them to their shoes. They will use their skeelers to slide through frozen canals.

1760

Joseph Merlin, a London instrument maker and inventor wants to impress some people to promote his museum. He attended a masquerade party using metal-wheeled boots. However, to make his entrance engaging, he played his violin as he rolls his skates. Unfortunately, he crashed into a solid mirror wall.

1818

In this year, the premier German Ballet group known as Der maler oder dei Wintervergn or The Artist or Winter Pleasures used roller skates in one of their production numbers. The intention was actually to perform ice skating, however since during this time it is yet impossible to produce ice on a stage, rollers skates are a better alternative.

1819

Monsieur Petibledin received the first patent for a roller skate in France. His roller skates are made of wood sole that is attached at the bottom of a boot. There are two to four rollers made of either copper, wood or ivory forming a straight line under the wood sole.

1823

Another patent was issued for Rolito. Rolito is a shoe or boot with five lined wheels at the bottom. This is the first design that resembles our roller skates of today, however, Rolito cannot follow curved path as the skates of today can.

1863

The birth of quad skates entered the history of roller blades or roller skates. An American inventory names James Plimpton designed a usable pair of skates. His skates had two parallel sets of wheels: one pair under the heel and the other pair under the toes. Plimptons design was the first useable pair of skates; it is able to navigate curves unlike earlier models.

1902

Seven thousand people attended the opening of a skating rink in a Chicago Coliseum. This started series of skating rinks opening in the United States.

1970s-1980s

The disco era gave skating another boost in popularity where many Hollywood movies included roller skating in their theme. Over 4,000 roller discos are also seen operating in and around the United States.

1979

This marks the birth of the name roller blades. Hockey players and brothers Scott and Brennan Olson redesigned an old skates as a tool to practice hockey. They used modern materials in improving the design. They also establish Rollerblade, Inc.. The modern design of roller skates made the most useful and modern design possible for this sliding tool. Since, then roller skates are already known to people as roller blades.

Other improvements and variations are developed to roller blades but the history started with the establishment of Rollerblade, Inc.

Not sure which rollerblades to buy see http://www.skatesetc.co.uk for great advice and a wide range of rollerblades.

Can I Become a Certified Yoga Teacher - If I Was a Competitive Ice Skater?

Once in awhile, I get a great phone call. So, here is something to share with all of you. The following is a question and answer session between a potential applicant and me, which never came to fruition. Sometimes, Yoga is a little different from other activities.

Q: I am a former Silver Medalist figure skater and the years of competition have beaten my body up, but I would like to become a Yoga instructor and coach of ice skating. Does this seem like a viable option? I have a lot of back problems because of the pounding on the ice, but I will be able to do all the required poses.

A: Yes, being a Yoga teacher and a coach of ice skating would be a nice compliment toward the benefit of the young skaters you train, and you could teach them a lot about injury prevention and recovery from injuries. How long have you been practicing Yoga?

Q: Actually I never took a Yoga class, but I figured that it would be an easy transition and I could just jump into it. After all, I am very flexible and should be able to do all of the poses.

I've seen those Yoga pose charts and most of the postures seem like a "piece of cake." I can do splits in every direction and put my feet on my head backwards. How many days do you think it will take me before I can get certified?

A: Those are amazing feats of flexibility. I hate to answer a question with a question, but I have a question for you. How many days do you think it will take me before I can become a competitive silver medalist in figure skating?

Q: What are you trying to say? You know competitive skating is very tough. Not everyone can do it. You must be young and have the right kind of body. It takes years of practice, and you have to learn all of the precise techniques.

A: I agree that figure skating requires all that you say, but Yoga also has its own set of prerequisites. Most of the people who come into a yoga teacher training program have, at least, two years of experience, and many of our graduates have a decade, or more, of training.

Yoga has 5,000 years worth of precision techniques. There is terminology in Yoga that will cause your learning curve to be a bit more difficult than the average intern. You should consider some foundational training before applying to be a Yoga teacher.

Q: Do you mean you won't sell me a course? I just want to get certified. I don't need the "third degree" from you. You know, I can get certified somewhere else. I didn't like the idea of a 240 hour course anyway.

A: Yes, you can become a certified instructor elsewhere, but for the sake of any future students, please take Yoga classes for a year or two and find a compassionate Yoga teacher, who cares about your safety.

Well, that's all folks. That would have made a great podcast, but I would have needed permission, and I do not have the precise technical expertise. Come to think of it, that's why I have technical help.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Coverage of Special Olympics - Where Were the Major Television Networks?

I guess the major network television media didn't think that the Special Olympics were special nor really Olympics.

Katie Couric didn't have a little blip about one of the contestants even though her sympathetic style would dictate that she do so. There are always plenty of stories at the Special Olympics.

The Vice President of the United States was ignored as if he wasn't here in Idaho cheering on these special people. The contestants were thrilled by his visit. The national television media was not.

The local television channels asked, "Where is the national coverage?

People in China complained that they had competing athletes but there was no coverage. Well, that was true of Idaho. We had no coverage here to speak of. Well, some.

Even PBS had little or no interest.

U.S. Vice President Announces Appointment of Special Assistant for Disabilities Policy

Vice President Biden said that President Obama was concerned about the Olympics. During his visit to the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, on 12 February, he announced that Kareem Dale has been named the special assistant to the president for disabilities policy. Dale's appointment marked the first time a U.S. president has had a special assistant focused exclusively on disability policy.

Biden said, "The commitment that the President and I have to Special Olympics and people with disabilities is deep and abiding. And we are backing up those words with real action at the White House," said Biden. "This is our first step to ensure that we have a strong advocate for people with disabilities at the highest levels of our administration." The nation needs policy changes that will ensure Americans with disabilities can get and keep fulfilling jobs without worrying about losing government-funded health insurance or other assistance, he added. "This is a civil rights movement," Biden said. "There's a need to have changes in policy."

But this was not important to the national media. Why should they mention such trivia? Kareem Dale is partially blind but not as blind as the national media.

Biden watched ice skating. Five pairs competed: Jose Visiconty and Brenda Monreal, Special Olympics Mexico; Tobias Werner and Cristin Ziebe, Special Olympics Germany; and three pairs from Special Olympics Chinese Taipei - I Han Pan and I Ju Wang; Keng Shan Chang and Sung Chien Sung; and Kuei Ying Lin and Fang Ting Hung.

Biden awarded medals to the pairs, and Kwan gave them bouquets. Read the story at the Special Olympic web site.

So, over 2000 athletes come from all the world to Idaho to compete in the Special Olympics and the national media could not find one damned story?

Well, there were over 2000 stories.

Fly Old Glory!

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired college professor and business executive, former editor of an international engineering magazine. Writer, novelist, painter of landscapes. Lots of grand-kids.

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John T Jones, Ph.D. - EzineArticles Expert Author

Gatlinburg, TN

Nestled deep in the valley on the Little Pigeon River's west fork, Gatlinburg, TN is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Settled in the early 1800s, it's first was named White Oak Flats for the native white oak trees covering the land. It's said a middle-aged widow, named Martha Jane Huskey Ogle was the first settler. She came with her family to start a new life in what her late-husband said was a Land of Paradise. Not long after, families like the McCarter, Reagan and Trentham made residence along streams and hollows.

Around 1854, Radford C. Gatlin came to White Oak Flats and opened the Second General Store. In a short time controversy surrounded him and he was banished from White Oak Flats. However, the city still bears his name.

Gatlinburg did not changed much in the first century since it had been founded. When the Civil War erupted, locals had mixed feelings; some were for the Union, others the Confederacy. However, the people of White Oak Flats tried to stay neutral. Although only one Civil War skirmish was fought in Gatlinburg, TN, many raids had been made by both sides trying to get resources needed to keep the war effort going.

With the creation of the Appalachain National Park, tourism had a big boost in the Gatlinburg, TN area's economy. Many displaced mountain families moved into town, developing new enterprises or taking jobs in new hotels, restaurants and service facilities to meet the needs of the tourist industry.

Tourism slowed during World War II. But, by wars end, tourists returned with vengeance and the sleepy little village of Gatlinburg, TN expanding to meet the high demands. Formally incorporated in 1945, Gatlinburg, TN has since developed into a four-season resort and convention mecca.

There is so many things to do while in Gatlinburg like a visit to the Mysterious Mansion, take a cable car ride to Ober Gatlinburg with a marvelous ice skating rink at the top of the mountain And don't forget to visit one the unique car shows that are often held in Gatlinburg.

Don't miss visiting the Aquarium Of The Smoky's - its' the greatest aquarium found anywhere Tennessee!

If the day is rainy not stormy, by all means take a short drive on any of the roads outside of Gatlinburg; you'll be amazed at the majestic beauty before you.

Gatlinburg, TN is a family 'must stop' if you are ever in the area!

Anthony Benjamin is an avid world traveler, lover of nature and animals. He loves to write and share his wealth of information and adventures in his writings. His favorite place to retreat and write is his summer home, secluded high on a mountaintop in the Great Smoky Mountains. A visit to his website is a true delight: http://www.appalachian-treasures.com

All About Ice Hockey For Women

Ice Hockey is an adrenaline-surging sport that is packed with action, speed and physical contact. Hence this sport is an endeavor sought only by men... not! As early as the 1890s, women have shown interest in the sport. The person who actually donated the famous Stanley Cup had a daughter who pioneered the women Ice Hockey. She was Isobel Stanley, who inherited her fathers passion. She frequents the rink outside the Government House in Ottawa and play Hockey. She even organized the first Montreal Winter Carnival where women were allowed to play. This event was the first one to be recorded to have women participants, as only men are reportedly indulged in this sport during that time. It was rumored that it was through her persuasion that her father, Lord Stanly of Preston, donated the Stanley Cup to serve as the trophy for Ice Hockey Champions.

The traditional long skirt used by women as uniform while playing was also her innovation. Because of this utmost support shown, more and more women started to get involved. By 1990, hockey teams with exclusive female members became common, wearing long skirts, as this gives them the advantage at goaltending. During this time, there were no protective pads or helmets to cushion their fall and prevent injuries. It was in 1899 at the Rideau Skating Rink that the first competition between two women's teams was documented.

In 1920, the long skirts are still popular dress for women. It was during this time that the first Ice Hockey Trophy in Canada is competed by women teams. The trophy is the Lady Meredith Cup, after its donor, Lady Meredith, who is the cousin of the person who donated the Allan Cup for mens amateur ice hockey.

The women's Ice Hockey entered the Winter Olympics in 1998, which was held in Japan. The topmost positions were bagged by US (gold medal), Canada (silver medal) and Finland (bronze medal). In 1999, the National Women's Hockey League was organized but later disbanded after the 2006 to 2007 season. This gave way to Canadian Women's Hockey League and Western Women's Hockey League.

The play in Women's Hockey slightly differs to that of the Men's for certain rules and regulations. In women's hockey body checking is automatically considered a penalty due to the relatively smaller mass of the female body. However, in some competitions, body checking is allowed and it is the referees decision to award the penalty. Women are also required to wear full-face mask to prevent facial injuries.

Drew Mers is an advertising consultant to City Ice Pavilion, a rooftop ice skating rink in Long Island City, Queens, New York.

2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championship Will Be Spectacular

The decision has been made; the 2010 Figure Skating Canadian Championships will be held in London, Ontario Canada. As you may know Canada always has some of the best and most competitive figure skaters in the World. In mid-January of 2010 Canada will have its championships, as the rest of the World Figure Skating community watches in anticipation to find out which skaters are destined to be on the Canadian Olympic Team. London Ontario is no small player in Figure Skating, in 2005 the National Championships were also hosted there.

It proves to be one of the most competitive figure skating events ever, as the routines are getting more aggress and the skaters are more daring and stronger each year. These are pure athletes noted one recent commentator on the circuit. 2010 Canadian Championships will determine, which skaters are ready for the World Stage as the time to the Winter Olympics grows closer. Can Canada continue to dominate, or will China once again show their skills on skates.

The World of Figure Skating is coming closer together each season. The judges are busy merging styles and cultural aspects of the sport, and judging is becoming fairer. Some have surmised that all this also brings nations together in healthy sporting competition, as our world also becomes one.

The ice is where talent, athleticism and perseverance shines, as well as creative genius, style and finesse rule the day. If you have ever wanted to see a figure skating event, this is the one to see. But you better get your tickets soon, as they will sell-out, they always do. Canadians love their figure skaters and you will too.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Figure Skating Clothing

What you wear on ice depends on your purpose for getting on ice. Will you be joining a competition or taking a figure skating test? Are you there just for recreational figure skating? How many hours do you expect to spend on practice?

When you are on practice, your comfort and safety top the list of priorities in selecting clothing. Your garments should neither be too loose nor too tight, but just right to give you the freedom to move. Too loose is dangerous, because it forms loops that can get dragged on ice or by others, leading to possible harm. When it is too tight, on the other hand, there is no room for your movements, so you effectively limit your motion.

During practice, you should also make sure that your clothing is able to keep you warm. You might want to try a layered approach, meaning, prefer many thin ones rather than one piece of thick clothing, because the former permits adjustment to the cold. Rather than the sparkly tights used in competitions, try on jogging pants or sweat suits for practice, because these are way more comfortable. If available, nylon windsuits are also nice choices, because they are lightweight, they can keep you warm, are loose enough to allow movement, and they tend to keep water away from your skin. To further keep you warm, always wear hand gloves and socks in practice. These are ideal for the cold, and gloves also assist you when you get up the ice in the event of a fall.

If, however, you are joining a competition, your clothing should be different. It needs to be a little bit more special, because it is one way by which you can capture the audiences and the judges attention. Your comfort gets ranked lower in your priorities. The U.S. Figure Skating Association has set standards for clothing during competitions, and these are the following: 1) modest, dignified clothing, which is appropriate for the competition, 2) full-length trousers for men, 3) clothing with a neckline and sleeves for men, 4) skirts or pants for women that cover the entire hips, 5) prohibition of wearing unitards and bare midriffs, 5) avoidance of excessive decoration like beads and sequins, and if they are used, care should be ensured such that they do not fall off. It does not really matter where you want your figure skating clothing made.

What is more important is that these standards are well understood and followed, to avoid disqualifications and any other untoward event. In selecting the fabric, you might want those which are stretchable, to allow you more room for movement, without tearing your clothing out. Finally, always remember that you are being judged by what you do on ice, rather than what you wear. Thus you can always keep it simple, neat, modest, tidy, and appropriate for your age and what you are going to do.

What you wear is dictated by what you do on the ice. First make certain that it is appropriate for the event, and then take into consideration your comfort while performing.

Drew Mers is an advertising consultant to City Ice Pavilion, a rooftop ice skating rink in Long Island City, Queens, New York.


Review of the Original Dance from the 2005 World Figure Skating Championships

The judges ranking and their score for the OD are in parentheses.

1) Belbin/Agosto (2, 67.54) It is quite ironic that after spending all season complaining bout how much I dislike this program that I am ranking it first at worlds. But I feel they were the clear winners of the OD. They attacked this program and nailed everything. I got a good laugh at the British Eurosport's commentators trying to find something about this performance to criticize and coming up with 'Their arms weren't always in perfect unison,' because if that is the biggest problem with any program, it was obviously skated fabulously. The Charleston and quickstep were arguably the best of the night, and their foxtrot was almost up to the level it was four seasons ago. The choreography still is not very good, but their performance overcame that and made you forget about the it.

2) Navka/Kostomarov (1, 68.67) This is by no means a bad program, but it is also not a great program. Both the quickstep and foxtrot were done well, but not amazingly so. Still, the transitions are 1000% better than they were a season ago, making this actually looks somewhat like a dance program, instead of a pairs program with dance elements. And how can one not give them points for their extremely original musical selection of "Sing Sing Sing"? But as neither the difficulty level nor the interpretation was up to the level of Belbin/Agosto's, they deserved to place second.

3) Chait/Sakhnovski (5, 61.19) After placing 3rd at the GPF in the OD, I was crossing my fingers that their placement would be the same here. Unfortunately, the judges failed me. They, unlike the teams directly below them, had great interpretation of the rhythms and skated without any mistakes. And their energy level, as always, was ridiculously high. Plus, their skating skills, while not quite as good as the skating skills of the very best in the world, have improved so much that they should challenge those other teams.

4) Denkova/Staviski (4, 62.79) Awkward OD interpretation, but thy did skate all out. Their skating skills - and the fact that they too did not mess up, held them above the other teams here. Still, this OD is very forgettable.

5) Delobel/Schoenfelder (6, 60.25) Had Isabelle not made a small mistake on the sbs footwork sequence, they would have been challenging the top teams. Unfortunately, she did. Isabelle has nice interpretation, and even Olivier seems less lifeless than usual. Plus, the choreography is superb. The only other problem is that they are slightly off-beat for part of the foxtrot.

6) Grushina/Goncharov (3, 63.17) This program has many of they same weaknesses as B/A's does, which should not be a surprise, considering it is basically the same program. (Morozov's creativity or lack there of has sunk to a new low for "his" programs for G/G this season.) But unfortunately for them, they do not have B/A's technical strengths and charisma. Elena is lovely as always; Ruslan is dull as always. And I'm still waiting for them to finish their sbs footwork. Somebody needs to go out and push them during any footwork sequence.

7) Domnina/Shabalin (7, 58.86) These two probably had the best foxtrot interpretation of the season. It was graceful, musical, and truly brought the classical foxtrot to the ice. They even made their dance spin seem foxtrot-y. The sbs footwork didn't seem very powerful, and their twizzles, while miles better than many of the other team's, were a bit shaky. The quickstep was okay.

8) Dubreuil/Lauzon (8,58.30) Argh. The foxtrot and quickstep sections were extremely well-interpreted and the whole dance was extremely cohesive for a combination OD. But the sbs footwork was a complete and utter disaster. It got messed up about 1/3 of the way through, and they never quite got it back on track. There was a little to much of time spent not touching each other. And their Charleston was a bit awkward in places. Plus, why are they miming holding umbrellas? Isn't the whole point of "Singin' in the Rain" that one is singing in the rain, and not covered by umbrellas?

9) Faiella/Scali (9, 56.13) Their stroking has improved dramatically. Their twizzles still aren't very good. And they didn't really seem to truly get either rhythm, especially the quickstep. But technically, it was a strong program, and they had good energy as always,

10) Wing/Lowe (10, 52.52) They start off with a nice, although slightly dull, foxtrot. And then they transition into a nice, but slightly dull Charleston. I normally really like this team, but this performance seemed to lack energy. They don't have the technical content of the teams above them.

11) Fraser/Lukanin (13, 48.82) Their speed and polished has dramatically improved. Very nice foxtrot expression. They spend a little too much time apart. They had nice musicality too.

12) Kerr/Kerr (11, 50.71) There's still a fairly sizable gap between her skills and his, although he has improved. They have nice foxtrot expression. Theirs twizzles in the sbs footwork was very messy towards the end. Their quickstep was fine, but not quite as good as the foxtrot.

13) Gregory/Petukhov (12, 50.22) I got the advice to only watch him, not her, and I enjoyed them much more than usual. Interpret that as you want. Of course, then I missed the mistake she made on the twizzles during the sbs footwork, which also lacked flow. Decent Charleston expression. Too much stroking in foxtrot section.

14) Kulikova/Novikov (14, 48.72) She did best with the quickstep, while he shone in the foxtrot. Second quickstep had very little traditional quickstep character. They had a slightly messy quality overall.

I did not rank the rest of the teams.

Hoffman/Elek (17, 45.34) They start with a foxtrot, which was absolutely lovely and really captured the rhythm. The quickstep was very good too, but did not quite work as well as the foxtrot. And somebody needs to teach Atilla to twizzle, because I'm sick of him messing those up, as he did on the sbs footwork. And then he had trouble lifting Nora on the final lift, although a portion of that can probably be blamed on her 472346 pound dress. But overall, this was a very nice OD.

Gudina/Beletski (18, 42.85) They start off with an enthusiastic Charleston. But the foxtrot was dull, with little difficulty. And unfortunately they could not pick up the energy level with the final quickstep section, to Dancing Fool of all songs.

Watanabe/Kido (15, 46.57) A very good and in-character quickstep. Diagonal footwork could flow better. Their foxtrot was good, but not quite as in character as the quickstep. He has some trouble with the last lift.

Grebenkina/Azronjan (16, 46.02) Great energy, and their movements are very dance-y and fit the quickstep well. Their foxtrot is to extremely odd music - just a rhythm and no melody. But they end with another well-done quickstep section.

Beier/Beier (20, 41.66) Very cute and charming, with a good ballroom interpretation of the rhythms.

Kauc/Zych (22, 40.92) Fabulous foxtrot expression. Twizzles during sbs footwork were messy. Basic skating is very good. This program lacked the falls that their programs usually have, but it also lacked the energy and attack. Their quickstep expression is also very nice.

Pechalat/Bourzat (23, 40.71) They start with a very charming and well characterized Charleston. But she takes a bad fall during the sbs footwork. Their musicality in the foxtrot was good, but the choreography wasn't very ballroom. They fixed that during a great quickstep section.

Yang/Gao (19, 42.67) Decent foxtrot. She hits a lovely position during the lift. She's very charming. Charleston is nice too. He looks to have trouble rotating the final lift.

Golovina/Voika (21, 41.57) They start with movements that seem to exaggerated for the more subtle foxtrot rhythm. But they still have good musicality and energy. Decent quickstep, but again the movements don't fit the rhythm very well.

Munana/Munana (25, 36.31) As sick as I am of Chicago ODs, this one was great. Both rhythms, especially the Charleston, were interpreted fabulously. Both skaters sparkled. They clearly do not have the technical ability of the top teams, but if they can ad technical content in the future, they most definitely will be contenders.

Akimova/Shakalov (29, 31.35) Very polished, but little else going for them. He tripped on the sbs footwork. Diagonal footwork is . Their musicality is pretty good.

Aureli/Vaturi (24, 38.66) They start off with a lot of dancing in place. They have somewhat poor ice coverage on the sbs steps. But they have a good understanding of both the quickstep and foxtrot. Unfortunately, they really lack in technical content.

Haunstetter/Hoenlein (27. 33.00) Chicago. Again. But they have a very good Charleston, and his foot position during the lift was fabulous. Ugly and out-of-sync twizzles. The rest of the sbs wasn't much better. They looked like they were skating two different programs during the sbs steps. He is terrific.

Buck/Nelson-Bond (28, 32.85) Good Charleston expression. Pretty good speed through diagonal footwork. She hits great positions in their lifts. Their weakness seems to be basic skating. They also had unison trouble on the sbs footwork.

Keller/Keller (26, 33.23) Really weird Charleston music. Decent musicality. Their program is very empty. They also lacked energy. Their quickstep expression was the best of the three rhythms.

Galcheniuk/Krupen (30, 28.14) Most of their skating is decent. Their programs aren't empty, and their musical interpretation is okay. Plus, they have nice energy. Unfortunately, nothing about their skating is anything better than decent, especially their basic skating.

Required Ice Hockey Gear - The 13 Pieces of Equipment You Can't Live Without

So, you want to play hockey (or your son or daughter does), but you're not sure where to start. The first step is going to be purchasing ice hockey gear. This article goes over the basic ice hockey equipment requirements needed to get on the ice.

  1. Hockey Skates: Skating is the foundation for the game of hockey. If you can't skate, you can't play the game. So, it's important to get the best skates you can afford. Make sure to have them properly sharpened before you take the ice. You can buy skates new or used. Either is fine. Just keep in mind that you'll want to buy skates that are about one size smaller than your shoe size.
  2. Shin Guards or Shin Pads: There are two standard types of shin guards. One that has a strap that goes around your leg and velcroes onto the other side of the pad. Or, the type that has no strap and requires you to use hockey tape to get it to stay secured on your leg. It's a matter of preference. These are fine either new or used.
  3. Hockey Pants or Breezers: These are a pretty basic item. The better lines have good support for the tailbone and thighs. These are fine either new or used. Some of the styles will have suspenders to hold the pants up, others will have a tie at the waist to secure them. It's just a matter of what you like.
  4. Chest Protector or Shoulder Pads: For young kids (Mites through Squirts), mid-range shoulder pads are fine. But, once you are at a level that allows body checking, you're going to want pads with a lot of support at the shoulders and chest. This isn't an item you want to skimp on. Purchase the highest quality pads you can afford. New or used are both fine. Just check the integrity of the shoulder and chest areas on any used pads you are considering.
  5. Hockey Jock (shorts with built-in jock): This is pretty self-explanatory. There are actually two types of jocks available for hockey. The old school type (when that was all they had) and the new type of hockey shorts with the built-in slot for the jock to slip in. This is a matter of preference. Obviously, you're going to want to buy this item new.
  6. Mouth Guard (to protect your brain): A lot of people think the mouth guard is just to protect your teeth. While it does provide protection for the teeth, the main function of the mouth guard is to prevent a jarring hit to your brain. Never skimp on the mouth guard. Get a Shock Doctor, or have your dentist recommend a good orthodontist who can have one custom made for you.
  7. Neck Guard (optional with most associations): While this is an optional item in most leagues, the neck guard is becoming more and more popular as they keep replaying the NHL accident that shows what can happen when you take a skate to the throat. It's frightening enough to cause even the hardcore old-school hockey player to reconsider donning a neck guard.
  8. Elbow Pads: While the kids are young, mid-range elbow pads are fine. But, as they move into Peewee hockey (and above) you're going to want to put them in a quality pair of elbow pads. Make sure they are large enough to cover the entire elbow, as well as a portion of the forearm. These are fine to purchase new or used.
  9. Hockey Helmet: This is the one item I don't recommend purchasing used. Helmets take a lot of abuse in the upper levels of play and you never know how many hits a helmet has taken. So, always buy this item new. You can never pay too close of attention to protecting your head.
  10. Hockey Gloves: The hockey glove should feel like a large pair of winter gloves (a bit loose). The palm will be made of soft leather and the fingers will be a bit stiffer. These are fine to buy either new or used, however, make sure the palms are not worn through (which happens frequently with most players). Otherwise, you may get sent off the ice by the ref until you get it repaired.
  11. Hockey Stick: This is a piece of equipment that dozens of articles could be devoted to. There is a wood stick, a composite stick, and a two-piece stick. Those who love each type are loyal to their sticks. If you're just starting out, go with a wooden stick. It's less expensive and will get you in the game without a big cash layout. Also, for kids, there is virtually no benefit to an expensive graphite or composite stick. They don't have the physical strength to even utilize them correctly yet. If you have a left-handed player and aren't sure which way they'll shoot -- go with a straight blade. Within a short time you'll see which way they naturally shoot. It isn't unusually for lefties to shoot right (or visa versa).
  12. Hockey Jersey (usually provided by the team): This is an item you probably won't have to worry about. Teams typically provide the jerseys (although you'll have to pay for them).
  13. Hockey Socks (also usually provided by the team: Again, another item your team will provide to you at a charge. To keep your skates in good condition, always put your socks on before your skates. You would think people would instinctively know that, but they don't. Every season I see kids with their socks shredded by skate blades.

The above is just basic ice hockey equipment information to get you started. Hockey is the greatest sport in the world and it brings families together like no sport I've ever seen. My son starts his ninth year of travel hockey this season and it's never lost its charm to us.

Grant Wallace is a freelance writer and businessman who owns the Ice Hockey Locker, an internet store specializing in new and used ice hockey equipment.

Required Ice Hockey Gear - The 13 Pieces of Equipment You Can't Live Without

So, you want to play hockey (or your son or daughter does), but you're not sure where to start. The first step is going to be purchasing ice hockey gear. This article goes over the basic ice hockey equipment requirements needed to get on the ice.

  1. Hockey Skates: Skating is the foundation for the game of hockey. If you can't skate, you can't play the game. So, it's important to get the best skates you can afford. Make sure to have them properly sharpened before you take the ice. You can buy skates new or used. Either is fine. Just keep in mind that you'll want to buy skates that are about one size smaller than your shoe size.
  2. Shin Guards or Shin Pads: There are two standard types of shin guards. One that has a strap that goes around your leg and velcroes onto the other side of the pad. Or, the type that has no strap and requires you to use hockey tape to get it to stay secured on your leg. It's a matter of preference. These are fine either new or used.
  3. Hockey Pants or Breezers: These are a pretty basic item. The better lines have good support for the tailbone and thighs. These are fine either new or used. Some of the styles will have suspenders to hold the pants up, others will have a tie at the waist to secure them. It's just a matter of what you like.
  4. Chest Protector or Shoulder Pads: For young kids (Mites through Squirts), mid-range shoulder pads are fine. But, once you are at a level that allows body checking, you're going to want pads with a lot of support at the shoulders and chest. This isn't an item you want to skimp on. Purchase the highest quality pads you can afford. New or used are both fine. Just check the integrity of the shoulder and chest areas on any used pads you are considering.
  5. Hockey Jock (shorts with built-in jock): This is pretty self-explanatory. There are actually two types of jocks available for hockey. The old school type (when that was all they had) and the new type of hockey shorts with the built-in slot for the jock to slip in. This is a matter of preference. Obviously, you're going to want to buy this item new.
  6. Mouth Guard (to protect your brain): A lot of people think the mouth guard is just to protect your teeth. While it does provide protection for the teeth, the main function of the mouth guard is to prevent a jarring hit to your brain. Never skimp on the mouth guard. Get a Shock Doctor, or have your dentist recommend a good orthodontist who can have one custom made for you.
  7. Neck Guard (optional with most associations): While this is an optional item in most leagues, the neck guard is becoming more and more popular as they keep replaying the NHL accident that shows what can happen when you take a skate to the throat. It's frightening enough to cause even the hardcore old-school hockey player to reconsider donning a neck guard.
  8. Elbow Pads: While the kids are young, mid-range elbow pads are fine. But, as they move into Peewee hockey (and above) you're going to want to put them in a quality pair of elbow pads. Make sure they are large enough to cover the entire elbow, as well as a portion of the forearm. These are fine to purchase new or used.
  9. Hockey Helmet: This is the one item I don't recommend purchasing used. Helmets take a lot of abuse in the upper levels of play and you never know how many hits a helmet has taken. So, always buy this item new. You can never pay too close of attention to protecting your head.
  10. Hockey Gloves: The hockey glove should feel like a large pair of winter gloves (a bit loose). The palm will be made of soft leather and the fingers will be a bit stiffer. These are fine to buy either new or used, however, make sure the palms are not worn through (which happens frequently with most players). Otherwise, you may get sent off the ice by the ref until you get it repaired.
  11. Hockey Stick: This is a piece of equipment that dozens of articles could be devoted to. There is a wood stick, a composite stick, and a two-piece stick. Those who love each type are loyal to their sticks. If you're just starting out, go with a wooden stick. It's less expensive and will get you in the game without a big cash layout. Also, for kids, there is virtually no benefit to an expensive graphite or composite stick. They don't have the physical strength to even utilize them correctly yet. If you have a left-handed player and aren't sure which way they'll shoot -- go with a straight blade. Within a short time you'll see which way they naturally shoot. It isn't unusually for lefties to shoot right (or visa versa).
  12. Hockey Jersey (usually provided by the team): This is an item you probably won't have to worry about. Teams typically provide the jerseys (although you'll have to pay for them).
  13. Hockey Socks (also usually provided by the team: Again, another item your team will provide to you at a charge. To keep your skates in good condition, always put your socks on before your skates. You would think people would instinctively know that, but they don't. Every season I see kids with their socks shredded by skate blades.

The above is just basic ice hockey equipment information to get you started. Hockey is the greatest sport in the world and it brings families together like no sport I've ever seen. My son starts his ninth year of travel hockey this season and it's never lost its charm to us.

Grant Wallace is a freelance writer and businessman who owns the Ice Hockey Locker, an internet store specializing in new and used ice hockey equipment.

6 Things You MUST Know Before Buying Your Next Pair of Ice Hockey Skates

Mistake #...

1.) Rushing out to buy the top manufacturers model of skate.

Manufacturers make several models of skates to accommodate different levels of skating and the different physical sizes of skaters, as well as to cover several price points. So the 'Top Model' (read most expensice) may not be the best choice of skate to buy, for you. The higher the model of skate the more expensive it is, and, the stiffer it is. If you’re not physically heavy enough to deal with the stiffness of the skate it won’t matter how much money you pay, your skating performance will suffer. Skates that are too stiff for a skater means no knee bend. Very often it also means long-term discomfort. Be honest with yourself when it comes to your skating ability and physical size. Purchasing a model of skate that matches those two criterions, can dramatically increase your skating performance, and save you money.

2.) Fitting hockey skates like shoes.

Skates and shoes do not fit the same. A safe rule of thumb to use is that a skate will always fit a size, to a size and a half, smaller than your shoe size. Depending on how you fit your running shoes, a skate may even occasionally be as much as two sizes smaller. If your skates are currently the same size as your running shoe… they are too big. For example if you wear a size 10 running shoe start with trying on a size 8-½ hockey skate. If you generally wear an extra wide shoe, start with a ‘D’ width skate. The ideal fit, length wise, has been achieved when you are standing in a skate that is laced up. The longest toe of the foot should, in fact, feather the end of the toecap. When you bend your knees slightly (like when you skate) the toes will pull completely away from the front of the toecap. If they don’t pull away, then go up half a size, or if you need growing room, then go up half a size.

3.) Trying on a pair of skates and not lacing them up.

This is one of the most common reasons skaters end up in skates to big. Hockey skates are, by design, meant to fit when they are laced up.
As the boot is laced up, the foot will draw into the back of the skate. A skate that ultimately fits properly will, more often then not, feel small when the foot is placed in the boot prior to lacing it. Trying on a pair of skates without lacing them up is like trying on a button shirt without buttoning it… both are meant to fit when they are done up. So…when you put the skate on, be sure to give your heel a good kick into the back of the boot and then lace it up.

4.) Buying the same make and model of skate that that the pro’s (NHL) have.

This can be a tough one because the younger skaters want what their favorite player is wearing. The bottom line with this is that the skates that the general public is able to buy off the shelf are not the same as what an NHL player is wearing. The Vapor XX or CCM PRO or what ever the model might be, is not the same skate as what the general public are able to purchase. The pros are wearing custom made boots from the manufacturer. The NHL is a great marketing vehicle for the skate manufacturers and consumers need to be aware of this fact.

5.) Buying a larger a length to try and accommodate a wider foot.

If your foot is wide and the skate is tight then buy a wider skate not a bigger length. The really big skate that feels good in the store, will come back to haunt you almost every time. A skate has a very specific shape that is relative to the length of the foot going into it. If you purchase a skate that is the wrong length, nothing about the shape of the foot will line up with the boot. For example; the widest part of the foot comes back into the narrowest part of the boot. The arch of the foot no longer lines up with the arch of the skate. None of that will bother you in the store, but get out skating and it will show up.

6.) Not setting enough time aside to properly fit the skates.

It can take time to fit a skate for comfort. Wrapping a very stiff piece of material around the foot can sometimes be a challenge. How a skate fits in the first few minutes of putting it on compared to how it fits after spending some time to warm the boot up can make a dramatic difference. Give yourself at least an hour, so you can walk around the store and get a feel for the boot as well as warm it up. Also you may want to take the time to try more than one manufacturers skate and model.

For more expert information come in to either of our two Edmonton locations.

Patrick Francey is the owner of Pro Skate. He is a recognized expert in the skating industry for 'skate fitting to enhance skate comfort and performance' Patrick and his staff service all levels of hockey and figure skaters, including many NHL hockey players and world class figure skaters. His retail stores have been in operation for more than 25 years. Pro Skate prides themselves on long distnace 'custom skate fitting'.

http://www.pro-skate.com
e-mail proskate@pro-skate.com
Professional Skate Service
Edmonton, Canada
780 481-5532 or toll free 1 866-481-5532
780 438-9059 or toll free 1888 438-3888

How to Buy Hockey Skates

You can't underestimate the importance of skates. Your feet need to be one with the ice. You need speed, control and protection. Skates are the foundation that all other skills are built on... so don't put your son or daughter behind the 8-ball, by messing this up.

I've put together a helpful guide for you. Don't get fooled by flashy designs, it's important to interpret the features and benefits, and narrow down the right pair for your kids game.

WHAT'S THEIR GAME?

Crosby, Hanson Brothers or shinny? It's essential to know what type of player your son or daughter is in order to determine the skates they need.

If hockey is a big part of your life... Look for a stiff boot to give your player ultimate power transfer. Go with carbon-reinforced outsoles and heat-moulded or memory foam.

SKATE COMPONENTS

Boot: Comfort from custom fitting, protection from reinforced toe caps, and tough nylon for durability can improve your performance. For most players, the boot is the most important part of the skate. On top of fit, you need protection, comfort, durability and support.

Get the right protection

The only thing standing between your foot and a puck travelling 80 km/h is your skate. Look for features that offer protection. Tendon guards protect vulnerable areas of your ankles while reinforced toe caps prevent injury to your toes and forefoot.

Keep your feet dry

The big technology story in skate liners is moisture management. If your skate soaks up your sweat, it becomes heavy. Your feet will also stay wet leaving you prone to blisters and chafing. A liner engineered with moisture management properties will wick sweat away from your foot, transporting it to the outer surface of the liner. From there, the moisture evaporates leaving you dry in a lightweight skate.

Take the bite out of your laces

Lace bite is when the laces pinch your skin between the tongue and boot. To prevent it, look for a skate that has a non-slip tongue.

Durability for longer play

Top manufacturers engineer skates to withstand cuts, abrasions and the force of a slapshot. Look for tough materials like carbon reinforcements and Ballistic nylon.

Ankle support

Hockey skates are built to give you the ultimate in support. Memory foam inserts, reinforced nylon quarters and heel locks help to keep your feet stable and your ankles supported. Look for those features. This prevents loss of power.

Pro tip: Hardcore players should go with a stiff boot while active players should look for a moderately stiff boot. Recreational players should opt for pure comfort. Also, consider your weight. Heavier players generally benefit from a stiffer boot.

Outsole: To accelerate, turn and stop, you need a responsive but rigid platform. I'll explain which materials to consider in a second. Think of the outsole as the platform the boot sits on. It contributes to the lightweight properties and responsiveness of the skate. It also acts as the blade-to-boot interface, giving you torsional rigidity and maximum energy transfer.

Some high end skates have a carbon or graphite reinforced outsole. It gives the skate its lightweight properties and maximum energy transfer that hardcore players thrive on. Other skates have outsoles with partial carbon or plastic reinforced outsoles.

Holder: The holder transfers energy from the boot to the runner to give you maximum power. Much like the outsole, the holder gives you the benefit of torsional stiffness and maximum energy transfer. It transfers energy in three ways:

By focusing the energy generated by the boot and the outsole directly to the runner.

By remaining torsionally rigid; therefore, storing and transferring the energy that the player has generated with his or her stride.

By being lightweight, reducing fatigue on the player.

Pro tip: Hardcore and active players should look for lightweight, stiff holders for improved energy transfer. Recreational players should look for a plastic holder for value.

Runner: Also known as the blade, look for stainless steel (higher end) for durability or carbon (lower end) for value. Also known as the blade, the runner gives you the benefit of side to side stability with sharp edges, friction reduction, agility and durability.

You have two materials to choose from. Stainless steel will last longer and is more durable. Carbon steel is less durable than stainless but it's ideal for the value conscious player.

Most skates come with stainless steel runners.

Pro tip: While recreational players could benefit from the value of a carbon runner, hardcore and active players need the durability of stainless steel.

A Quick Heads Up...

Most of my high-end clients have two pairs of skates. If you play more than three or four times a week, you should consider it during the season. You can rotate one pair every four to six months. This ensures you'll always have one dry pair, broken in and ready to wear.

Well there you have it...be sure to check in with us often. We update our articles and blog all the time with the stuff to help you have the latest information on everything hockey.

Train Smart!

Eric Morrissette Master Trainer and Coach

Eric Morrissette is a trusted trainer to many of the NHL's best players. People from all over the world have come to his training facility in Edmonton, Alberta Canada to train with him and attend his camps. Numerous coaches and trainers have gone through his extensive 'Hockey Insiders' Mentorship Program to learn how to build successful hockey businesses of their own. To get more information and tons of free videos and articles visit: http://www.yourhockey.com or http://www.yourhockeytraining.com


Skatesailing - The Ice Age

As with any extreme sport, some people enjoy the warmth of surfing and others prefer the cold weather and would rather skate instead of surf. With this, another popular extreme sport has been created Skatesailing. Skatesailors like to take to the ice and zip around the lake on their two skates. The cost of this sport is relatively low and very seasonal.

Most people who enjoy skatesailing do so with the simple pair of skates and a sail that is held and steered by skater. As the wind velocity increases the skater moves into the wind and picks up speed across the ice. The skater can reach speeds up to 40 mph and above. The downside to this sport is that you are landing on a hard surface should you fall. Extreme skaters love this sport; they live for the challenge to tame high winds.

As with most skating sports they take place on a lake. Most of the time, lakes can create great wind gusts that can help increase the speed of the skater. It can be dangerous to be skatesailing on thin ice, so you should always practice caution and heed signs about ice conditions. Since the skater needs a basic pair of skates they can also purchase their sail. A setup can cost up to $500 depending on which type of sail they have purchased. Some sails are held like a boom while other sails drape across the shoulder bladed.

If you are new to the sport you may want to exercise with caution, there are some schools that will teach you the art of skatesailing. You will need a good pair of ice skates as well as the sail. Pay close attention to the instructor, they will teach you the art of turning, navigating, speeding up and slowing down. Once you have mastered the basics you can then begin to speed up and learn other tricks that can increase your speed. You can also learn how to skatesail on skis, although there needs to be more wind to push you and the skies.

Although skatesailing has become popular, it is a seasonal sport. Most people who enjoy skating will take to it with passion.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!