Speed Skate Care – Saint John Amateur Speed Skating Club

Dry Thoroughly: Immediately after leaving the ice, use a towel or rag to thoroughly dry both the boots and the blades to prevent rust.
Use Soft Guards: Once the blades are dry, put on soft blade covers (sometimes called soakers or cloth guards) for storage.
Do Not Store in Hard Guards: Never store your skates in their plastic or hard guards, as this can trap moisture and cause rust.
Let Them Air Out: At home, take the skates out of your bag and let them dry completely before storing them. Do not leave them in a sealed bag.

Use Hard Guards: Always wear hard guards on your blades when walking on any surface, including the rubber mats in the dressing room. Even small amounts of dirt can dull the blades.
Sharpen by Hand: Speed skate blades are different from hockey or figure skate blades; they are flat and must be sharpened by hand using a jig, sharpening stones, and a deburring stone. Using a machine designed for other skates will permanently damage the blades.
Check Sharpness: Check your blades regularly for sharpness. A common test is to lightly draw your fingernail across the blade; if it shaves off a bit of your nail, the edge is sharp.
Sharpen Regularly: Skates should be sharpened every 2-6 hours of use, depending on the skater’s style and weight. Sharpening frequently for a short time is better than doing a long sharpening session on very dull blades.
Check Bolts: Before every practice, check that your blades are still tight on the boot. If they wiggle, tighten the bolts, but be careful not to overtighten them, as this can strip them.

Avoid Heat: Do not leave your skates near a hot radiator or in a sunny car window, as excessive heat can cause the shape of the boots to change.
Check Laces and Buckles: Ensure your laces and buckles are in good condition and replace them when necessary.