If you are new to figure skating and the world that it is, we would like to help you learn the ways!
Read below for some frequently asked questions!
Please don't hesitate to email us at skatedirector@ci.stillwater.mn.us with any further questions!
The quality of skates your skater has is everything! A good quality pair of skates should be the correct size and be of adequate quality. They need to keep your ankles erect, and feet flat on the ground. Most cases of “weak ankles” are due either to cheap department store skates, or to floppy, worn-out or oversized skates. *We do not recommend plastic skates with the hockey/figure skating blades, and our Skate School DOES NOT allow double-runners.*
Snow pants are great for keeping young skaters dry and warm.
Winter coats are suggested for our Tot level skaters.
Lighter jackets for the more advanced levels.
Helmets, of any kind, are not required but many skaters in our Learn-to-Skate classes wear them. It is your personal preference whether you child wears one or not.
Mittens are best for the little ones. They are the easiest for everyone to put on. Also, dark colors are best. Instructors sometimes draw on the ice with permanant markers. I don't suggest putting on brand new outfits for lessons for that reason, and the fact that they are wearing 12 inch blades on their feet.
For the older, more advanced skater, we prefer small; one-size-fits-all gloves. This allows us, as their coach, to see their hand and finger positioning.
The St. Croix Valley Recreation Center proudly sells Riedell Figure Skates!
Please contact Andy to be fitted professionally!
The SCVRC sharpens both hockey and figure skates.
The frequency of sharpening a skater's blades varies depending on how often your child skates and for how long.
A skate blade is not built like a knife where there is only one edge. There are two edges on each blade. Take a look at a skate blade and if you look closely, you will see that there is a small groove between the two edges, called the hollow. This is why we teach our skaters "edges" and the importance of knowing an outside edge from an inside edge.
When skating outdoors it require a bit more maintenance than if you are skating indoors. There is more debris that collects and nicks the blade. Walking indoors on the mats also causes these nicks on blades. This is why we suggest hard guards when walking.
Brand new skates will need to be sharpened.
To check your blades to see if they need sharpening, you can try scraping your nail against the blade. If some of your nail shaves off, the blades are sharp. If no nail comes off, then it may be time to get them sharpened.
Many skater's have a different opinions as to how sharp they like their skates. It is a personal choice, and will take a few sessions to decide how you like your blades.
**All the different ice is scheduled on different days of the week. Please view the rest of our website for all schedules and times!**