Equipment & Clothing

A speed skating helmet is similar to a bike helmet but without the vents. It is lighter and offers impact and cut protection. A hockey helmet offers impact protection as well as covering the skull completely, thus protecting against the possibility of a skate cut. Either helmet is suitable for beginning skaters. For skating outside, an outdoor sport helmet provides protection and warmth.

A neck protector will keep the neck area protected when falling. Hockey neck guards are often used but they must be the bib-style and protect the upper chest. Speed Skating Neck Protectors are softer and provide ease of movement. Neck protectors must be cut-resistant and cover the neck and the upper chest area in a bib-style that velcros around the neck and covers under the chin.

All skaters must wear safety glasses. These are shatter-proof glasses and must have clear lenses. For Competitions, there must be a safety strap to attach around the back of the head (a shoelace works in a pinch!)

The club has basic glasses available to purchase and these are also avialable at local hardware stores.

Gloves are required to prevent cut fingers and abrasions on the hands from falling. Kevlar is probably the best material as it will resist cutting. A heavy woolen mitt will tend to get soaked rapidly in short track, as the ice is kept wet during practice and competitions. Woolen mitts are suitable for long track skating. Leather lined mittens are also suitable for outdoor long track skating where warmth becomes important. 

Shin guards that do not resist movement (such as those used for soccer) and knee pads are required for short track skating to prevent injury from skates and falls. Kevlar ankle guards are required for practice and competitions and a pair will be provided to all new skaters by the Club. Red Deer Club suits have built-in shin guards but hard guards are still required for practices and recommended for Competitions.

Short Track Skates have a long, flat blade fixed to a boot that comes just above the ankle. 

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Kevlar Ankle protectors are worn over-top of the ankle and cover the top of the boot to prevent cuts. 

Cut-resistant suits are also available for purchase but are not required for younger skaters (they are required for older skaters in competitions). Made of fabric similar to cut-proof gloves or neck guards, they are worn under the skinsuit and protect the entire body (or parts, depending on the type).  Cut-resistant suits can be purchased online and can, sometimes, be found used. 

Speed Skates require hard guards - provided by the Club with skates for the season. They allow skaters to walk short distances and protect their hand-sharpened blades. 

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Soft guards are used for transporting and storing skates. Never store in hard guards as this may cause rust and grit in the guards may strip edges. If you don't have soft guards, wrapping skates in a towel will protect them and keep them dry.