How to Dress for Speed Skating

In speed skating, athletes like you need to stay on the cutting edge. The hard work and years of training on ice proves fruitless if you are wearing speed skating attire that slows you down. There is a specific way you need to dress for speed skating to succeed and adhere to international rules. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

  • Arm band with appropriate color
  • Clap skates
  • Gloves
  • Knee guards
  • Protective glasses
  • Helmet
  • Speed skating suit
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Instructions

  1. Use the Right Apparel for Speed Skating

    • 1

      Locate a speed skating suit that fits tightly to your body. International speed skating organizers require every skater to wear a suit that fits the contours of the body to ensure that every race is run completely on skill. You can speak with the rest of your team to develop a team logo and graphics for the racing suit.

    • 2

      Wear protective glasses during speed skating races to prevent eye damage. You should utilize clear glasses similar to those used by professional marksmen to get a clear view of the course ahead of you. Glasses prevent bits of ice and debris from entering your eyes as your round the sharp turns.

    • 3

      Attach an arm band to your right arm as you dress for speed skating events. Arm bands help judges and fans determine the starting position of a skater as the race progresses. A red arm band indicates you start in the outside lane, while a white arm band shows you start on the inside.

    • 4

      Try out clap skates in practice before you begin competing in major speed skating events. Traditional skates have a fixed blade at the bottom of the boot while a clap skate has a hinge that allows the blade to separate from the rear of the boot. Clap skates allow greater flexibility and foot movement during speed skating races.

    • 5

      Compile a different speed skating uniform for short track events than long track races. In addition to traditional skating garb, a short track skater needs gloves to protect his hands from skate blades as they round corners. Short track racers also need knee and shin guards to shield the blow of the inevitable fall.

    • 6

      Strap on a hard plastic helmet as your dress for short track races. Short track skaters must wear a helmet due to the high speeds and the significant number of accidents that happen during international races.