Learn to Skate - Skaters Welcome to the wonderful world of ice skating

One of the most unique forms of exercise, ice skating can be challenging, but extremely rewarding. Advanced skaters are a thrill to watch as they lean on edges, jump high in the air, and spin at high speed without getting dizzy.

Jackson Ultima is the only figure skate manufacturer who can equip you from your first pair - even rental - all the way to your last, and every stage along the way. Whether you have never seen ice before, simply enjoy the fun of skating casually with friends or alone, or are striving to earn a gold medal, the resources below will help you understand the finer details of the sport.

Your stage

Pick where you are right now

The advice - and the skate - changes as you progress. Choose a stage to see what matters at that point, and what to skate in.

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!

Putting on your skates

First time skaters often utilize rental skates where generally the sizing is the same or slightly less than the skater's shoe size. Putting them on, open the laces fully - this makes it easy to slip the foot into the skate.

  1. Check the heel gap

    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 from the toes up

    Begin at the toes, removing slack from the bottom.

  3. Lock the tension before the hooks

    Before beginning any hooks, tie the first part of a shoe knot to keep tension.

  4. Cross at every hook

    Hook laces on opposite sides making an “X” pattern at each level.

  5. Stretch, then wrap

    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. Finish with a normal knot

    At the top, tie a knot like you would on your shoe. Pull the knot tight.

    • Avoid any added “extra” knotting; it will make removal harder.
    • Cover laces with the top of a long sock, including the knot.

  7. Check the feel

    The foot should feel “held” and not sliding or significantly moving.

    • If loose, tie again or seek a smaller size. It is 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.
    • Should be snug, but not hurting.

Falling & getting up

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.

Exercise, balance & coordination

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.

Outdoor

Outdoor vs rink public skating

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.

Rentals

Renting at the rink

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: tie them tighter, or go for a 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.
Beginners finding their balance on a rink during a first lesson
First time on the ice
A skater on the ice getting back up after a fall
Falling & getting up
Skaters on an outdoor rink in winter
Outdoor vs rink public skating

What to skate in at this stage

Ensuring comfort and support during your first few times on the ice is paramount to enjoying and falling in love with the sport.

Beginner

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.

Elite · Vista · Sport · Vibe

Explore Softec
Beginner

Finesse Series

Constructed from reinforced vinyl coated uppers to provide strength, support, and durability. Padded felt covered tongues deliver comfort and support, reinforced eyelets ensure durability. A stylish, maintenance free PVC sole with riveted Mark I blades for added security.

JS450 · JS452 · JS150 · JS160 · JS180

Explore Finesse

2000 Series

The intermediate solution

Cutting edge technologies that deliver the ultimate solution for the intermediate level skater - paired with the Legacy blade range.

Jackson Flex boot

Flex

All the features of our Fusion Series skates with the flexibility of blade choice.

  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit
  • Jackson wrap system for better fit and security
  • Lightweight microfiber material has Dura Guard protection for added durability
  • Lightweight Fusion Sole
Jackson Entré boot

Entré

Moderate support of Elle or Freestyle with 2000 Series features and choice of blade.

  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit
  • Jackson wrap system for better fit and security
  • Lightweight microfiber material has Dura Guard protection for added durability
  • Lightweight Fusion Sole
Jackson Debut boots

Debut

5000 Series features in an intermediate-firm support.

  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit
  • Jackson wrap system for better fit and security
  • Reinforced heel with aluminum plates eliminates sole separation
  • Lightweight microfiber material has Dura Guard protection for added durability
  • Lightweight Fusion Sole
Jackson Premiere boots

Premiere

Experience and technology from leading skaters in the sport, in our 2000 Series.

  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit
  • Jackson wrap system & offset hooks for better fit and security
  • Reinforced heel with aluminum plates eliminates sole separation
  • Lightweight microfiber material has Dura Guard protection for added durability
  • Lightweight Fusion Sole

5000 Series

Tradition meets technology

Paired with the Matrix Advanced and Apex blade ranges.

Jackson Elite Pro 5320 boot
Elite

Elite Pro 5320

Skate in style!

  • Premium suede upper made on Jackson's Elite last
  • High performance microfiber lining with memory foam
  • Split leather reinforcements alternated with Jackson's Heat Moldable materials
  • Features our new Supreme tongue
  • Fusion Sole is 17% lighter than our LCL sole
Jackson Elite boots
Elite

Elite

Tradition meets technology.

  • Split leather reinforcements alternated with Jackson's Heat Moldable materials
  • Lightweight carbon fiber sole
  • Women's: traditional leather upper made on Jackson's Elite last, with our new Supreme tongue
  • Men's: high performance microfiber lining with memory foam; molded covered tongues with softer edges reduce irritation at ankle bones and instep
Jackson Supreme boots
Elite

Supreme

The standard in lightweight performance.

  • Split leather reinforcements alternated with Jackson's Heat Moldable materials
  • Asymmetric flex points for inside and outside ankle areas provide better flexibility and support
  • Lightweight carbon fiber sole

Specialty Perfect Match

Low cut, for maximum flexibility

Jackson Debut Low Cut boot
Specialty boots

Debut Low Cut

Better by design.

  • Similar to the Debut, with a low cut design that promotes maximum flexibility without compromising support
  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit

Paired with Apex Specialty or Ultima Finesse blades.

Jackson Supreme Low Cut boots
Specialty boots

Supreme Low Cut

The standard in lightweight.

  • Heat Moldable Technology for instant custom fit
  • Similar to the Supreme, with a low cut design that promotes maximum flexibility without compromising support

Paired with Apex Specialty blades.

Jackson Ultima Specialty blades
Specialty blades

Apex Specialty

Technology is our edge.

  • 7' rocker design & short heels for enhanced maneuverability
  • Unique Tapered Edge Design
  • Titanium coating hardens the steel
  • Higher stanchion for deeper edge
No published photo
Specialty blades

Ultima Finesse

  • 7' rocker with lightweight cutout design

Offered alongside Apex Specialty on the Debut Low Cut.

Technology is our edge

The blade ranges

Jackson Ultima Legacy and Protégé blades
Intermediate

Matrix Legacy, Ultima Legacy Lite

Protégé & Protégé XP

  • 8' rocker with intermediate competition profile
  • Straight & diagonal cut available

Legacy Lite

  • Lightweight cutout design
  • Cross cut pick pattern

Matrix Legacy

  • 8' rockers with 420J stainless steel blade
  • Lightweight aircraft grade aluminum chassis
  • Cross cut pick pattern
Jackson Ultima Matrix Advanced and Apex blades
Advanced

Matrix Advanced & Apex

Unique Tapered Edge Design in our Advanced Blades results in superior edge control with better grip to the ice and a quieter skating performance.

Apex Advanced

  • Titanium coating hardens the blade for superior edge life & exceptional durability

Matrix Advanced Series

  • 33% lighter
  • Lightweight aircraft grade aluminum chassis

Watch

The series on video

Jackson Ultima skate pairings

Finesse Series

Heat Moldable Fit System

Evo

Elle

Freestyle

Every stage

Skate care

  1. Wipe them down

    Wipe away ice and water after each skating session.

  2. Guard the walk

    Put on skate guards - plastic protectors - going to and from ice.

  3. Store in soakers, not guards

    Store between sessions without skate guards, preferably with soft cloth “soakers” to prevent rust and absorb condensation.

  4. Let them dry

    To let skates dry out overnight, remove them from the skate bag. Do not place on or near a heat source.

  5. Sharpen regularly

    • Beginners - every 25–30 hours on ice.
    • Novices - at least every two months.
    • Elite - varies, from weeks to months.

Specialized disciplines

Many ways to skate

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:

Singles

The original discipline - a person does jumps and spins to accent a piece of music.

Pairs

The athletic combination of two single skaters; they jump and spin in unison and partner to do lifts high overhead along with partner assisted throws.

Dance (solo & couple)

Both in solo and partner, skaters do prescribed patterns of dances with steps and turns to a prescribed beat and rhythmic style of music. In a “free dance” the skater(s) will be able to set their own patterns and moves.

Synchro

A team comprised of between eight and twenty skaters showing unity of purpose with footwork, movements, lifts and step-outs of things like spins and jumps.

Theatre on Ice

The focus shifts from the elements to the choreography, story and showing theatrical idea. While skaters use elements from other disciplines, the eight to twenty-four skaters' purpose is more theatric in nature.

Showcase

Very similar to Theatre on Ice, but participation can be as low as one skater and often the arena is darkened with use of spotlights like a true stage production. Costuming, scenery and props are also commonly used to portray a story. Also a branch of interpretive showcase, where skaters are all given the same music and their programs must be made within a very limited time.

School Figures (Patch)

Often seen in older images of the sport, it was removed from competitive structure but has seen a resurgence by coaches as it finely teaches tracing, balance and control of the boot and blade. There are both patterned tests and “freestyle” school figures which can be made on freshly made ice. It's best done then because tracing is the primary goal - to repeat the shape carved into the ice by the blade multiple times.

Moves in the Field Tests

Prescribed moves of skating which increase in difficulty. Passing the Senior Moves in the Field is the “gold” test - more of a prerequisite for taking tests than a discipline.

Accessories

Protect your new investment

Protect your new investments with a skate bag and guards for both travel and at the rink!

Throughout our years of innovation, millions of skaters - including countless internationally renowned professional and amateur competitors - have relied on Guardog™ skate guards for blade protection. Available in a variety of fun and unique styles.

Guardog Super GlitZ

Super GlitZ

Ten dazzling colours

Guardog Vivid PearlZ

Vivid PearlZ

Seven pearlescent colours

Guardog SwirlZ

SwirlZ

Three fruity scents

Guardog ChameleonZ

ChameleonZ

Colour-changing in the cold

Jackson oversized skate bag

Skate bags

From $44.95

Fit guide

Which skate is your perfect match?

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.

Learn to Skate Fit Guide - Skate Canada. Recommended complete skates by level and mass.
Level Under 40 lb / 20 kg 40–80 lb / 20–40 kg Over 80 lb / 40 kg
CanSkate 1–2150/180 Series, 500 Series, Excel500 Series, ExcelExcel, Mystique
CanSkate 3–5ExcelExcel, MystiqueExcel, Mystique, Artiste, Evo
CanSkate 5–6Excel, MystiqueMystique, Artiste, EvoMystique, Artiste, Evo
StarSkate 1–2Mystique, Artiste, EvoMystique, Artiste, Evo, ElleArtiste, Evo, Elle
StarSkate 3–5Artiste, EvoArtiste, Evo, ElleEvo, Elle, Freestyle
StarSkate 5–10Artiste, Evo, ElleElle, FreestyleElle, Freestyle

See your authorized Jackson Ultima retailer

The charts are a guideline. See your Authorized Jackson Ultima Retailer for proper sizing and fitting - they will also assess the skates you are using now.

Open the fit guide Find a dealer
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