Ice skating is becoming more and more popular entertainment, and not only among children and young people. You can also meet quite respectable people on the skating rinks. Oddly enough, there are many newcomers among them. They have to re-learn the basics of this beautiful and very rewarding sport. For ice skating to be enjoyable and safe, it is necessary to take proper care of their sports equipment.
It is necessary
- - plastic covers to protect the blades;
- - soft fleece covers for storing skates;
- - special protective covers for boots.
Instructions
Step 1
Plastic covers to protect the blades. Skates with unprotected blades must not move outside the ice. Even if there is a special rubber track from the dressing room to the rink itself, it is better to go through these few steps in covers. Contact with cement floor, metal thresholds, or sand and salt-dusted snow paths will jagged the blades. They become blunt and no longer keep their feet on the ice in the correct position. In addition, with an unprotected skate blade, you can easily injure others, ruin your shoes. In sports stores, two types of plastic covers are more common: with a heel loop or sliding on a spring. To put on the cover, put the loop over the part of the blade protruding from the heel, then gently slide cover forward, slide it over the tip of the blade. Align so that the blade fits into the slot in the sheath. When walking in skates, the cover should not dangle and fly off. If this happens, it needs to be adjusted to the length of the blade: simply move the loop forward or backward. Several mounting holes are provided for this in the base of the cover. The edge of the cover at the back protrudes more than 2-3 cm beyond the edge of the blade - cut it off with a sharp knife. Spring covers are put on in the same way. Insert the end of the blade from the heel into the sheath and then pull over the toe. If the size of the spring cover is correctly matched to the length of the skate blade, they hold very well and serve for a long time. The initial fit is best done at a skate shop or skate sharpener.
Step 2
Skate Storage Covers - The most common mistake is to store skates in protective plastic cases. In no case should this be done. After removing your skates, dry your boots and blades with a soft cloth - an old towel or other rag will do. Damp blades can rust and need to be replaced with new ones. These covers can be purchased at a specialty skater store or sewn on your own. Little athletes will be delighted by the covers in the form of funny animals.
Step 3
Protective boot covers - Professional figure skating boots are expensive. They also need protection. You've probably noticed that during the performances of the skaters, the skates match the color of the costume. This does not mean that they have their own pair of skates for each number. Before going out on the ice, together with a suit, they put on skates made of the same fabric. They not only look good, but also protect the boots from accidental scratches and cuts. The design of such a cover is very simple - outwardly they look like a sock without a sole. First put on the cover (like an ordinary sock), pull it up so that it does not interfere with putting on the skate. Lace up the skate, as usual, pull the cover on top, it should completely cover the boot, except for the heel. Covers made of a woolen sock with a slot in the sole for the blade or sewn from pieces of fur will help warm the boots if you want to ride longer in the winter on an open rink …
