Skating is the only sport that creates the feeling of flying, while still touching the ground. It’s common to develop a love for skating after the first glide.

If new to skating, focus on a small marching action to keep balance and move forward with control.  Once you are comfortable with this process, you can advance to “walking like a duck” to encourage the push and glide process. You will soon be on your way to striding around the ice!

1.  With the foot pressed forward (toes should be wisping the front, not curled or squished), make sure there is NOT more than an index finger behind the heel of your foot. Consider trying the next size smaller if larger; too much room can be as detrimental as skates too tight
2.  Tighten beginning at toes removing slack from bottom
3.  Before beginning any hooks, tie first part of a shoe knot to keep tension.
4.  Hook laces on opposite sides making an “X” pattern at each level.
5.  When lacing around the hooks, first stretch them out to the right and left respectively then put them around the hooks. If they are wrapped around the hooks then pulled, this causes undue stress on the hooks. 
6.  At top, tie a knot like you would on your shoe. Pull knot tight.
    a. Avoid any added “extra” knotting; will make removal harder.
    b. Cover laces with top of long sock, including the knot.
7.  Foot should feel “held” and not sliding or significantly moving.
    a. If “loose” tie again or seek smaller size; not uncommon to be smaller than  shoe size.  Often a good skate fit is down one size from regular shoe sizing. This however, is also determined by the width of the foot
    b. Should be snug, but not hurting.  

Ice is ice, but outside always feels special and amazing. Dress warm and in layers to prepare for colder temperatures and wind-chill. Dressing in layers allows you to add or remove layers to perfectly match your comfort.  Because of the raw elements, expect to sharpen your skates sooner as rocks and debris will impact your blade more than at an indoor rink. If unsure whether they need to be done, err on the side of sharp vs. dull.

Many rinks have skates for rent at additional fees beyond admission. Go for the snuggest fit you can without being painful. If your foot is sliding around, two possible solutions: 1. Tie them tighter 2. Go for smaller size. Public skating usually has some very specific rules and procedures, so be sure to seek out information to make sure you enter the session correctly. Most public skate sessions will have skaters going around the outer section of the ice with the center oval reserved for lessons or skaters doing moves.

The act of skating is a pure study in balance and coordination, making it excellent exercise. The blade is about the width of three coins and slightly rounded from toe to heel. For first timers, it’s best to practice very small marching steps, lifting your feet no more than an inch off the ice, to get used to your skate’s support. Making motions smaller at first will help you adjust to the new sensations of wearing skates and gliding. The near frictionless motion of each small step forward will become natural with some practice.  Once you are comfortable, if you feel adventurous, turn your feet out to “walk like a duck” and move forward. This process, which promotes gliding, will have you skating around the ice in no time.

Learning to skate can feel like learning to walk all over again, so prepare by practicing to get back up. If you find yourself on the ice and not on your feet, maneuver to your hands and knees to support yourself. Then plant one foot flat, ensuring the blade is as flat as possible on the ice. Raise your hips to allow the planting of the second foot upon the ice while still keeping your hands on the ice to balance. Bend your knees slightly, raise hands off the ice and slowly seek balance to fully upright again.

With practice this will be easy, and if concerned try a few practice get ups in the lobby to ensure you know the sensations of having skates on your feet.

SOFTEC SERIES

The Softec Skate Program is engineered for comfort, warmth and durability. But it doesn’t stop there. These skates not only feel incredible, they look incredible! Softec, the industry leader in sport and figure style recreational skates for men, women and children.

Welcome to Comfort!

JS450

JS452

JS150

If the love of skating is starting to grow, adding coaching is a great way to accelerate development. Rinks tend to have a club with professional coaches and learn to skate classes that can grow confidence and inspire. Make small goals and dream big because every champion started just like you. 

Public sessions are a great way to develop your skating skills. Like swimming without a pool, it’s hard to simulate the feeling of skating outside of the real thing. Balancing outside the base of your feet and near frictionless gliding, even roller skating cannot compare. At some point, you may be stalled in your skills progression - consider group and/or private instruction. Nearly all rinks have a flyer or information on their learn-to-skate offerings and their rink based professional skating coaches who are skilled in helping skaters like you.

To ensure you get the value from your lessons, it’s advised to invest in skates of your own. This way, lessons can build with each instruction without taking time to acclimate to a different rental skate. Owning your skates allows a familiarity to develop with each step, glide and turn. Skaters will often remark on how amazing it is that their skates feel like an extension of themselves. At Jackson, we make the perfect match to your level and development. Ask your coach and skate shop which pair are right for you. 

Utilize our Jackson Ultima Fit Guide to help determine which Jackson Ultima Skate is the perfect match for your level, as outlined by both Skate Canada and US Figure Skating!

(click to view)

To ensure enjoyment on the first skating class, do these 3 simple things:

First, arrive at least 15 minutes before the class starts to ensure you know where skaters meet, all paperwork is completed and where change-rooms are located.
Next, dress warm and in layers, making sure to have a jacket, long pants, long socks, mittens/gloves, hat and maybe a scarf (if outdoors and it is extremely cold). It is advisable to stay away from heavy, bulky clothes as they can get in your way and hinder your progress. If you are taking lessons indoors we suggest you do not wear a scarf as this could get in your way and that of others. A scarf could also be a hazard during some lower skills as it could get under your skates causing you to fall.  Helmets are a requirement for most Learn to Skate programs. In Canada, CSA approved helmets are required. Check your local organization’s information board to see if a certified helmet is mandatory.
Lastly, success prep, example - stop at the restroom before class and/or have a snack 30 minutes beforehand along with any other things that get you ready to learn.

Wearing Jackson Ultima skates assures your equipment is the best, and with these steps you will be too.

1. Wipe away ice and water after each skating session.
2. Put on skate guards when going to and from ice.
3. Store between sessions without skate guards, preferably with soft cloth “soakers” to prevent rust and absorb condensation.
4. To let skates dry out overnight, remove from skate bag.  Do not place on or near a heat source. 
5. Sharpen regularly
    a. Beginners – Every 25-30 hours on ice. 
    b. Novice’s – At least every two months.
    c. Elite – Varies, from weeks to months.

JS450

JS452

JS150

ASCEND SERIES

Jackson Skates are designed with specific Support Ratings to ensure the boot has the appropriate level of support for the skater's skill level and body characteristics. We then match the boot with the appropriate blade design. From Ultima Mark II to Aspire XP, no other skate manufacturer comes close to our skate offering.

The Ascend Series is built on the Jackson Adapted Width (AW) Last, which  provides a more relaxed fit, particularly in the Arch area, while retaining our generous toe box and excellent heel lock, ideal for flat feet.

Excel

Mystique

Artiste

Artiste

If you are regularly skating, it is a great time to invest in your own skates. Make sure to get a skate-bag and cloth “soaker” to carry, protect and store them. You should also purchase hard-guards for walking in the rink to protect your blades from becoming prematurely dull. With the help of a coach, you may begin preparing for show/competition. Enjoy it, live the moment and let the focus be on the fun of the experience! 

1. Wipe away ice and water after each skating session.
2. Put on skate guards, plastic protectors, going to and from ice.
3. Store between sessions without skate guards, preferably with soft cloth “soakers” to prevent rust and absorb condensation.
4. Let skates dry out overnight removed from skate bag. 
5. Sharpen regularly
    a. Beginners – Every 25-30 hours on ice.
    b. Novice’s – At least every two months.
    c. Elite – Varies, from weeks to months.

Congrats to you on becoming an aspiring skater! You are setting goals and making plans, whether to join the Axel club, join a synchro team or work to pass your Tests. Now is the time to develop greater understanding of your equipment. Know your blade’s radius of hollow by asking your skate-shop or coach. Learn to replace your skate laces—which should be done about every six months. Clean and inspect your skates monthly. And get into the habit of sharpening on a schedule, about every month if skating about 3x a week.

As a skater, there are many disciplines of ice skating to enjoy. But often, skaters choose to specialize and excel at one. Jackson makes the boots, blades and skates to support your dreams whether they are broad or narrow. Always work with your coach(es) and skate tech to evaluate your individual needs. Sometimes a slight change can have large impact in comfort or skating skill.

Examples of skating disciplines include: