Equipment

Speed Skates

Skates

Inline Speed Skates are made of 4 components (Boots, Frames, Wheels and Bearings) , generally available for purchase in packages or as component items – with a large number of available skate components being readily interchangeable.

Boots/Shoes

Speed Skating boots appear lower-cut than recreational inline skates, however use more advanced construction materials to achieve sport-specific support. Boots make use of a fibreglass, carbon fibre or similar rigid or semi-rigid shell, into which shaping foam and lining are made. 

Stock (sized) boots are available to suit all skaters and many skaters – particularly those with unremarkable feet – can expect to make use of Stock boots for years. Stock boots can be molded to conform to the shape of a skater’s foot using the careful application of heat and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Skaters should look for a boot that suits both their foot shape and size, allowing for a small amount of growing room (up to 2cm) if required. Because the ankle cups of a skating boot are somewhat rigid and fixed in position, using a boot that is too large can cause problems at the ankle where the foot and boot do not align adequately.

Custom boots, built from moulds of a skater’s feet, are also available – offering a more expensive, but precise-fitting boot for high performance skates. Boot shells are constructed around a metal insert or block, that accepts fastenings from the underside of the frame, to attach the two components.

Frames

Frames (or chassis) align and support the wheels and attach to the boot.  Frames come in a range of sizes (lengths) and configurations (number, size and position of accepted wheels) to suit a wide range of skaters.

Skaters should consult their coach as to a suitable frame length and configuration for them. Using a frame that is too heavy (fitted with too many large wheels) or too long (making it more resistant to side-to-side movements) can impede the skater’s development and skill acquisition.

Wheels

Speed Skating wheels are a different profile (sectional shape) to the wheels for other inline skating sports and are available in a range of sizes, designs, tyre compositions and hardnesses to suit all skaters, racing styles and surfaces. Wheels are formulated specifically for each of Indoor and Outdoor surfaces – with compositions to suit varying conditions at any of these venues. 

As a new Speed Skater, you certainly don’t need many sets of wheels. Your coach can advise you on what wheels are best depending on where the Club trains and competes.

Wheels are made up of a 1 or 2 compound outer tyre, moulded to a plastic or similar wheel hub.  A central opening in the wheel accepts industry-standard 608-sized ball bearings – 2 per wheel, separated by a metal spacer ring placed between the bearings to ensure their correct separation distance. Wheels are inserted into the skate frame, aligning the bearing hole with the frame’s axle hole. 

Bearings

608 (standard) sized Ball Bearings are used for Speed Skating. Standard wheels accept these bearings, which should be inserted 2 per wheel (1 each side), with a metal spacer placed between them. Bearings may present with metal shields on both sides, a mix of shield types or with 1 shielded side and 1 open side (for easy maintenance). 

Each bearing should be inserted into the wheel so that the shielded size faces outward, preventing dirt entering the bearing. Bearings require regular, easy maintenance to ensure their performance is maintained and their working life is prolonged.

Wheel Restrictions

There are restrictions on the wheel size and how many you use depending on your age.

Skaters age as at 31st December in the year of the Competition:

Maximum Wheel Size (diameter of wheel in mm)

5 years and under 84

6 years to 9 years 90

10 years to 13 years 100

14 years & over 110

If you’re unsure, please speak to your Coach. Whilst you can train with any wheel size, racing strictly follows the rules above.

Protective Gear

Helmet

An ANSI-approved Bicycle Helmet is required for Speed Skating and skaters are required to wear the helmet for Practice and Competition, Indoors and Outdoors. The Helmet should be correctly sized and fitted. If you own a suitable bicycle helmet, you already have what you need.  If not, see your local Bicycle Shop or Bayside Blades to select a helmet and have it sized and its fastenings adjusted for you by the staff.

Gloves

Open or closed fingered cycling gloves are required to be worn for Outdoor Skating at Practice and Competition. This applies to all skaters under 18yrs. The gloves should fit well – meaning they are fitted sufficiently to the hand so that any landing on the hand would not cause the glove to come off.

Skin Suit

A specific sports uniform exists for Speed Skating (the ‘skinsuit’ or ‘bodysuit’) but is not required to train with (the Club suit will be compulsory for official racing events).  Although the Skinsuit offers maximum freedom of movement and low resistance, skaters may prefer to wear a shirt and shorts. Any sporting shorts are suitable, together with a shirt that covers the shoulders which is clean and modest.

Skinsuits are one-piece lycra uniforms (generally short-leg and short-sleeve) which are available from the Club as the club racing uniform, as well as being commercially available from some skate shops.  Second-hand skinsuits are always available, particularly from skaters competing professionally overseas who may change teams or sponsors from one season to the next. Expect to see all advanced skaters practising and competing in a skinsuit.