How to Be a Speed Skater

There's no other way to get to the top of the speed skating world than through a lot of hard work. If you're a fierce competitor that loves thrills, this intense sport may be worth the muscle-shredding training. It's best to start young, but if you're already involved in a sport where similar skills are required --- like ice hockey --- you're in position to evolve into a great speed skater.

Things You'll Need

  • Race suits
  • Ice skates
  • Clap skates
  • Helmet
  • Goggles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn as much as you can about the sport prior to getting into it. To really excel, you have to make a commitment to accept all the hard work that's ahead of you.

    • 2

      Search for a speed skating club in your area and join it. This will lead you to finding a coach that's right for you, as well as teammates you can turn to for advice and support.

    • 3

      Buy all of the equipment you need to skate. This includes: normal ice skates, clap skates, a few racing suits, a helmet, goggles and possibly gloves.

    • 4

      Practice as much as possible. Do so as often as possible with your coach, so he can guide you through mistakes, but don't use your coach's unavailability as an excuse. Speed skating requires hours of dedication; practice by yourself or with teammates.

    • 5

      Sign up for speed skating competitions once you've had at least a year of skating training. Increase the frequency of competitions as you advance in the sport --- they'll only make you better.