General Speedskating Environment
- Why choose Speedskating
- Getting started in speedskating
- How many long-track speedskating ovals are there
- How many short-track rinks are there
- What’s it cost to be in speedskating
General Midway Speedskating Environment
- How many skaters are in the Midway Speedskating Club
- Does Midway have "tryouts" in order to join the Club
- What’s it cost to be in the Midway Speedskating Club
- What kind of commitment to the sport does Midway Speedskating Club expect from it’s skaters and their parents/guardians
- Who are the coaches
Long-Track Speedskating Equipment
Short-Track Speedskating Equipment
General Speedskating Equipment
- Socks
- Lacing up Skates
- Compensation techniques for fitting speedskates on skaters that have specialized foot issues
- Skate Sharpening Tools
- Outdoor skating considerations
Speedskating Meets
- Signing up for an out-of-town meet
- Going to a Long Track Meet
- Going to a Short Track Meet
- Discussion with your Coaches
- Awards
Management of the Midway Speedskating Club
- Non-profit Organization
- Partial ownership of a business venture helps defray some expenses
- Business Meetings
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct, Fair Play, Etc.
Answers
General Speedskating Environment
- Why choose Speedskating
Speedskating is a life-long sport. Participants range from <5-years old to 70+ years. Speedskating is heavily technique-based and can be sometimes thought of as a form of ballet-on-ice. It is very common to see entire families participate. This involvement can transend generations from parents-to-kids, then on to their kids... The speedskating community is small. Friendships abound. There is competition, but it is usually always friendly and supportive for one-another. If this sounds like the type of environment you'd like to be involved with, then perhaps speedskating is for you.
- Getting started in speedskating
One way to get started into speedskating is to enroll in a Novice-level speedskating program at an early age. The City of Roseville Parks and Recreation Department has such a program (see Novice Program). Boys and Girls ages 4 through 13 are invited to participate. Participants learn the fundamentals and proper techniques of speedskating. The Roseville program also sponsers several optional novice-level meets on the weekends. Speedskates can be rented for the entire season at a reasonable rate. It's a great way to get started and see whether or not speedskating is for you.
At the conclusion of the novice program, skaters are typically invited to skate with the Midway Speedskating Club for a few Monday night sessions. This gives the skaters a chance to meet the coaches, experience what a practice session would be like, and become more familiar with the Midway Speedskating Club. This is a typical path for new skaters joining the club.
- How many long-track speedskating ovals are there
There are only 5 long-track speedskating ovals in North America. They are located in:
Indoor Facilities:
Salt Lake City, Utah (indoor)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (indoor)
Calgary, Canada (indoor)Outdoor Facilities
Lake Placid, New York (outdoor)
Roseville, MinnesotaResidents of the Minneapolis & St Paul Metropolitan area are very fortunate to have a world-class speedskating facility located in their city. Members of the Club live across much of the metropolitan area.
- How many short-track rinks are there
Short-Track speedskating can occur in most olympic-sized hockey rinks. The main concern is availability of safety cushions used for lining the corners of the rink to help protect the skaters in case they fall. Short-Track speedskaters wear very little padding, can be skating very-very fast, and are turning corners on the edges of their blades. Speedskating clubs, such as Midway, own their own safety cushions. Skating rinks do not own any. Therefore, short-track speedskating generally occurs only when an actual speedskating club is involved.
- What’s it cost to be in speedskating
As in most sports, the costs involved range widely. Skaters interests, abilities, etc. tend to influence cost decisions.
For long-track speedskating
Speedskates can range in price from $50 for a very-used pair, to $ hundreds for a new middle-range pair, to $ thousands for custom-made top-of-the-line models
Skate sharpening equipment is a requirement. Speedskates must be hand sharpened. They cannot be sharpened on a machine. A skate sharpening jig with stones can probably be purchased used for under $100. Top-of-the-line equipment can run $ hundreds.
Skate guards, soakers, etc. are relatively inexpensive.
For short-track speedskating
Speedskates, sharpening equipment, etc. are similar. The skates, especially the blades, are different. Sharpening jigs may be different.
There are a few more safety items required for short-track such as an approved speedskating helmet, chest & neck protective bib, knee pads, shin guards, etc. (see Equipment)
For both long-track & short-track speedskating
Skating meets range from local, to regional, to national, to international. Local long-track meets are held at the Guidant John Rose Oval every Saturday morning during the season. These are pack-style races. On Sunday mornings, local metric-style timings are conducted. For speedskating club members, these events are free.
National events can require travel to other locations in North America. Travel costs such as gas, hotel, meals, etc. add to the cost. Some skaters only participate in local events, while others participate more broadly.
International events increase costs to an even greater extent. Only a few skaters participate to this degree.
Short-track meets are typically held out-of-town. For Midway skaters, Wisconsin is a common destination.
Costs vary widely, depending on many factors.
General Midway Speedskating Environment
- How many skaters are in the Midway Speedskating Club
In recent years, the Midway Speedskating Club has had approx. 50-60 skaters enrolled. The Club feels that it could support a maximum of 90 skaters. This is based on the number of skaters on the ice at any one time, the number of qualified coaches available, etc.
- Does Midway have "tryouts" in order to join the Club
The Midway Speedskating Club does not use "tryouts" as a method of determining who is allowed to join the Club. However, the youngest skaters must be able to move freely about on the ice, and the Club does not offer a program to handle beginning speedskaters who are over the age of 18. For skaters who are 18+ years of age, please refer to other GMSA speedskating clubs in the area (see Resource Links).
- What’s it cost to be in the Midway Speedskating Club
Membership dues for 2007 are $425 for returning (previous year) skaters. 1st year skaters can join at a reduced rate. Skaters must also join US Speedskating at an additional cost of $55 (2006/2007 season).
- What kind of commitment to the sport does Midway Speedskating Club expect from it’s skaters and their parents/guardians
The Midway Speedskating Club believes in a balance between, school, home, other sports, and speedskating. However, regular participation in practice sessions during the week and regular particiaption in saturday morning local-meets is strongly encouraged.
The Midway Speedskating Club is a non-profit, parent-run organization. Like most sports, parents are expected to volunteer for various roles. These can range from judging, timing,.. to track officiating,... to serving as a board of directors member...
- Who are the coaches
Many of the Midway Coaches have been past national speedskating champions. Some of them Olympians. Several have coached previous U.S. Olympic teams. It's an highly experienced group of individuals. The coaches are all very personable individuals and they have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.
Long-Track Speedskating Equipment
- Long-Track Boots
Long-Track speedskating boots are low-cut to allow freedom of motion for the ankle. The youngest skaters may not have enough ankle strentgh to stay balanced over the blade, but that will develop over time.
Lower-cost used long-track boots/skates tend to be constructed of leather uppers and may not have a lot of stiffness to them. Stiff boot construction provides additional ankle support. Medium-to-higher priced long-track boots are typically made of composite materials (graphite, etc.). These boots are heat moldable and can be form-fit to a skaters foot.
Highest-cost long-track boots are custom made to a skaters exact foot dimensions. Typically, this is done using a sock mold. A sock is saturated with hardening material, then put on and allowed to dry. The sock is then cut off and sent to the factory to use as a mold for constructing the boot. This option allows skaters who have unique foot shapes, different size feet, etc. to have perfectly fitted boots. However, they are expensive and most skaters don't go this route.
- Long-Track Blades
There are 3 common configurations of long-track blades. The most historic configuration is when the blade is permanently fixed to the boot. In this case, approx. 60% of the blade will protrude out in front of the boot and 40% of the blade will protrude behind the boot.
The second common configuration is a "fixed" blade that is bolted onto the boot. Typically, the boot will have lateral slots and the blade will have longitudinal slots. These 2 slots allow the blade to be infinitely adjustable relative to the boot.
The last blade configuration is a "klap-style". These blades are mounted on a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the boot to pivot, relative to the blade. Klap-style blades allow the blade to be in direct contact with the ice for a longer period of time between strokes. The Midway Club coaches do not want their skaters to use Klap-style blades until they reach the Juvenile-level (ages 13 & 14).
- Clothing
The Guidant John Rose Oval is an outdoor facility. Practice sessions and meets are conducted down to -25 F temperature or wind chill. The colder it is, the more frequent warm-up breaks occur. However, the rule is to stay warm. Here are some clothing guidlines (also see Equipment).
Skin suit -- Midway skaters are issued 2 skin suits. One of these is for practice and the second is for competition. Skaters are expected to wear the appropriate skin suit for the occasion.
If the skater reaches a certain elite-level, then U.S. Speedskating will issue the skater a 3rd skin suit. U.S. Speedskating expects that skin suit to be worn at all major competitions, in place of any Club skin suit. Basically, U.S. Speedskating rules overshawdow Club rules.
Gloves -- Warm mittens or gloves are a requirement when on the ice, especially in cold outdoor weather conditions.
Neck Gaiter -- A warm neck gaiter is typically work during outdoor practice sessions, or anytime when the weather turns bitterly cold.
Long Underwear -- This is especially important under bitterly cold conditions.
Stocking Cap -- Don't forget that the major loss of heat in a body occurs through the head. A stocking cap really helps hold the heat in.
Jacket, sweatshirt,... -- Typically, a jacket or sweatshirt is worn as an over-garment to hold in heat and keep the skater warm.
Thermal pants -- Some skaters wear thermal pants as an over-garment, especially in bitterly cold conditions.
Eye Protection -- Eye glasses or safety glasses should be worn while skating, especially on outdoor ice. The Guidant John Rose Oval operates down to -25 F temperature or windchill. Skating in these conditions drops the wind chill factor even more. Without some form of eye protection, the skater subjects their eyes to potential frostbite. Also, high winds in outdoor environments can subject the skaters eyes to dirt, leaves, etc.
Short-Track Speedskating Equipment
- Short Track Boots
Short track boots are slightly taller than long track boots. This extra length gives more ankle support to the skater during turns (which encompass approx. 2/3 of the entire track length). Many short track boots have an extra tensioning belt feature built in that also helps gives a bit more support. This strap is not meant to replace proper lacing; it just provides a supplement to it.
Short-track boots are typically made of composite materials (graphite, etc.). These boots are heat moldable and can be form-fit to a skaters foot.
Highest-cost short-track boots are custom made to a skaters exact foot dimensions. Typically, this is done using a sock mold. A sock is saturated with hardening material, then put on and allowed to dry. The sock is then cut off and sent to the factory to use as a mold for constructing the boot. This option allows skaters who have unique foot shapes, different size feet, etc. to have perfectly fitted boots. However, they are expensive and most skaters don't go this route.
- Short Track Blades
Short-track blades are all non-clap style solid blades which have the following attributes:
They are taller than long-track blades to allow tighter cornering. Without this additional height, the boot can sometimes contact the ice, lifting the blade edge off of the surface. Lose the edge and you fall.
The blades are “radiused” (i.e. Ground with a certain curve front-to-back of the blade) for a smaller radius speedskating track, as compared to the larger radius speedskating oval.
The blades are typically bent sideways in an arc. Again, this is to keep more of the blade in contact with the ice during cornering. Recall that 2/3 of short-track racing is cornering, not straights.
The blades are also mounted to the boot differently than long-track blades.
In looking down at the skate through the top of the boot, the blade should be centered directly under the heel of the boot. Specifically, under the center of the skaters heel.
However, the front of the blade is different. In looking down at the skate through the top of the boot (use the right-hand skate, not left-hand) the blade should visually appear from under the boot where your large toe is located. This arrangement biases the blade so that skating forward is really skating to the left. Recall that 2/3 of a short-track is cornering to the left.
Now match similar adjustments on the front of the left-hand skate to make that blade parallel to what you just did on the front of the right-hand skate. This means that in looking down at the skate through the top of the left-hand boot, the blade should visually appear from under the boot where your smaller toes are located. Again, this arrangement biases the blade so that skating forward is really skating to the left.
- Clothing
Short-track speedskating is basically an indoor activity held on an Olympic-sized hockey rink. Here are some clothing guidlines (also see Equipment).
Skin suit -- Midway short-track skaters who are actively involved in competitions are typically issued a short-track skin suit. This skin suit has buil-in shin guard and knee pad protection. The skin suit also has no hood attached, as compared to a long-track skin suit.
If there or no short-track skin suits available, or if the skater prefers, they can wear their long-track practice skin suit. However, in this case they must also wear a pair of shin guards and knee pads.
If the skater reaches a certain elite-level, then U.S. Speedskating will issue the skater a short-track skin suit. U.S. Speedskating expects that skin suit to be worn at all major competitions, in place of any Club skin suit. Basically, U.S. Speedskating rules overshawdow Club rules.
Gloves -- Short-track gloves (batting gloves, etc...) are a requirement when on the ice. You will not be allowed to skate in competitions without them.
Neck Guard & Bib -- A neck guard with attached bib is also a mandatory requirement for short-track practice & competitions. You will not be allowed to skate in competitions without them
Long Underwear -- Typically not required due to practice and competions being held indoors. It is up to the skater to determine their own comfort levels.
Approved Helmet -- This is an approved short-track skating helmet. A bicycle helmet is not acceptable since it typically has holes or slots in it taht could allow blades to penetrate. There is only 1 acceptable design.
Jacket, sweatshirt,... -- Typically, a jacket or sweatshirt is worn as an over-garment to hold in heat and keep the skater warm. Again, each skater must determine their own comfort level.
Shin Guards and Knee Pads -- These are a requirement for both practice and competions. Some skin suits will have them built-in. You will not be allowed to skate in competitions without them
Eye Protection -- Eye glasses or safety glasses should be worn while skating in short-track practices and competitions. This is for the safety of the skater to protect against eye injuries caused by blades, etc. during potential falls, etc...
Specialty equipment -- Kevlar clothing, Kevlar gloves, Kevlar shin protectors, fencing suits, etc. are also available to help protect the skater from potential injuries. It is up to the parents and skaters to determine what is reasonable and practical, given their particular skater.
General -- Short-track speedskating places a lot of skaters on the ice in very tight proximity to one another. As ages and speeds increase, the risk of bodily injury also increases. It definitely has significantly more safety risks associated with it than long-track speedskating has.
General Speedskating Equipment
- Socks
There are several options for socks,
- Multiple layers of socks
- Single layer of socks
- Thin foot coverings
- NO socks
Multiple sock layers provide the warmest possible layers on the ice. This is especially important on outdoor ice where temperatures and wind chills can create frostbite concerns. This can be a good strategy for the youngest skaters.
Single layer of socks is what many skaters do. It works in most situations.
Thin foot coverings, such as nylons, somewhat protects the foot from blisters and abrasions. That's about it
No socks, allows the closest possible connection between the skaters foot and their boot. In essence, the boot almost becomes part of the foot. Of course the downside to this approach is the possibility of blisters and frostbite.
Skaters and parents should carefully evaluate the choices.
- Lacing up Skates
Skate laces should be:
- Loose-to-slightly tight at the toes
- Tight around the middle of the foot
- Loose-to-slightly tight at the top of the boot
During normal skating, lace tension can shift around. Typically, the top of the boot can become too tight while the middle of the boot becomes too loose. There are several methods to control this:
Loosen & re-tighten laces during rest periods. This also allows the foot to rest and improves blood circulation. Many people just remove their skates entirely, but it depends upon how long the rest period is.
- Use thicker laces – Sometimes just switching to a thicker lace material provides enough friction to maintain proper lace tension.
- Use waxed laces – The wax coating on the laces further increases friction between the laces & boot, and tends to lock in the setting for a longer period of time.
- Use over-under eyelet lacing instead of under-over eyelet lacing. This lacing technique is harder to pull tight, but really locks-in the tension. However, be advised that you might need a “lace puller” to take your skates off.
- Tightest combination is all of the above together.
- Please be very careful in using these techniques so as not to slow down blood flow to the feet, which can cause frostbite, etc.
- Compensation techniques for fitting speedskates on skaters that have specialized foot issues
If you have speedskates that allow lateral adjustments between the blade and the boot, slight shifts can help compensate for weak ankles not balanced over the blade (i.e. ankle tends to bend inward or outward instead of being balanced over the blade.)
If your speedskate blades are not built into the boot, mounting wedges available that can tilt the blade relative to the boot. These can help correct foot alignment concerns.
- Skate Sharpening Tools
There are many sharpening tools available for sharpening speedskates. Here are a few:
- Sharpening jigs
- Flat rectangular stones
- Grinding wheels
- Burr stones
- Oil or other
- Burr cutting tool
Sharpening jigs -- This is a requirement for every skater. A good jig supports and secures the skate blades in an accurate repeatable position. This is critically important for sharpening. Several styles are available.
- 2-point blade clamping jigs -- These jigs locate and clamp on the blades at 2 discrete points along the blade. They can be used for both long-track and short-track blades.
- Full-length clamping jigs -- These jigs clamp along the entire length of the blade. They generally can not be used for short-track blades if the skater is using bent blades.
Flat rectangular stones -- This is the most common method of sharpening speedskate blades. Flat stones come in the following types:
- 3-5 grit levels (i.e. fine, medium coarse,...)
- Diamond impregnated stones
- Normal sharpening stones
- double sided stones (different grit on each side)
- 6 -10 inches in length
- Etc.
Grinding Wheels -- This approach is not as common, but it does have some advantages. Basically, skate sharpening is done using generic bench grinding wheels on their sides, not on their normal front face. Each time the grinding wheel if placed on the skates, a new section of grit is used for sharpening. In contrast, flat rectangular stones have a tendency to be used in the same grit region each time. Grinding wheels come in the followingb types:
- 3-5 grit levels (i.e. fine, medium coarse,...)
- Diamond impregnated grinding wheels
- Normal grinding wheels
- 6 -8 inches in diameter is common
- Etc.
Burr Stones -- Burr stones are used to remove the fine metal burr that forms as a result of sharpening speedskate blades. Burr Stones come in the following types:
- 3-5 grit levels (i.e. fine, medium coarse,...)
- Diamond impregnated burr stones
- Normal rectangular burr stones
- Square, wedge-shaped, etc. burr stones
- Etc.
Oil or Other -- Some stone manufacturers recommend using certain oils with their stones. The oil improves the cutting surface and helps to wash away removed metal particles. Some skaters use water, or other chemicals as well. Some skaters just use the raw stones.
Burr cutting tool -- An alternative burr removal technique is to use a burr cutter. Basically, this tool cuts-off the burr rather than honing/grinding it off using burr stones. Some skaters prefer this method.
- Outdoor skating considerations
Skate boot coverings -- These come in several different thickness's. The thinest skate boot coverings are mainly for cosmetics. The medium thickness helps to break the windchill factor. The thickest, and hardest to put on, does a good job of providing an insulation layer in addition to helping the brek the windchill factor.
Hand warmers -- Hand warmers are small chemical packets that heat up when opened. They can be placed inside of mittens to help keep the skaters hands warm.
Multiple layers -- The standard recommendation for any outdoor sport or activity is to dress in multiple layers of clothing, rather than relying strictly on just i main article of clothing to keep warm. Multiple layers have the advantage of being able to adjust the skaters body temperature more easily through the addition/deletion of layers.
Speedskating Meets
- Signing up for an out-of-town meet
- Going to a Long Track Meet
- Going to a Short Track Meet
- Discussion with your Coaches
- Awards
- Medals
- Cash
- Participation
Management of the Midway Speedskating Club
- Non-Profit Organization
The Midway Speedskating Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sport of speedskating
- Partial ownership of a business venture helps defray some expenses
The Midway Speedskating Club has partial ownership of a business venture which helps defray some expenses. Profits from that venture are periodically transferred into the Clubs non-profit account in order to help suppliment Club expenses.
- Business Meetings
The Board of Directors of the Midway Speedskating Club meets monthly to review Club business. Board members are elected by the skater families (1 vote per family). Board members each serve a 3-year term.
General membership meetings are held once-per-year, or as needed.
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct, Fair Play, Etc.
The Midway Speedskating Club operates under a strict Code of Conduct. That code is outlined in the Membership Manual which each skater family receives every year. Bylaws in the Clubs Constitution, define disiplinary proceedures, actions,...
The Club also operates under U.S. Speedskating rules. Bylaws in their constitution also dictate proceedures, actions,...