How to Offset Ice Speed Skates

Speed skates that are used on short tracks have blades that are offset to the left to allow skaters to maintain high speeds and control in the turns. By offsetting the blades, the skater can lean farther and push more effectively in the corners without hitting the side of the boot on the ice. The blades are removable so that they can be adjusted to the perfect position for each individual skater.

Things You'll Need

  • Black electrical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the bolts on the blades. Set the blades closer to the center than you think is optimal, making sure to move both the front and the back of the blade in the front to back direction. The back will be more centered than the front.

    • 2

      Tighten the bolts on the blades. Skating with loose bolts can cause the blades to fall off or cause the skater to fall.

    • 3

      Place black electrical tape on the edge of the bracket on the bottom of the boot to mark the offset. Mark the front and back brackets on both skates.

    • 4

      Skate fast in practice to test the offset. This is the only way to get an accurate picture of how the offset will work for you in an actual race.

    • 5

      Offset the blades a fraction of an inch or more to the left if the boot is making contact with the ice on the corners. Adjust the black electrical tape as necessary to reflect the change in offset. If there is no contact between the boot and the ice, move the blade and the tape closer to the center of the boot.

    • 6

      Skate at maximum speed again to be sure the offset is perfect for your skill level. Readjust the offset as necessary.