For the beginning skater, it is recommended to rent skates.  Some of the advantages of renting skates are:  reduced  cost, properly sharpened skates, supportive leather boot, etc.

Generally at Freestyle 1, it is recommended that you purchase your own skates with the guidance of  instructor/coach. Which skate depends on the size, age, and ability of a skater.

HOW DO I PURCHASE FIGURE SKATES?

Numerous options are available:  checking bulletin board for used ice skates, sport shops, magazines, and the internet.  Before your purchase skates, it is highly recommended you contact your instructor/coach.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SHARPEN MY SKATES?

You should get in the habit of inspecting your skates each time you dry off the blades, and when there are dulled or there are a lot of nicks, get them sharpened.  The usual test for sharpness is dragging a fingernail lightly over the edge—if it planes off a little sliver, they’re sharp, if it just slides, then they’re dull.  It is not unusual for blades to wear unevenly.  For example, the inside edges may wear more quickly than the outside edges or the fronts more quickly than the tails.

WHERE DO I GET MY SKATES SHARPENED?

Check with your coach as to where to get your skates sharpened.

HOW DO I KNOW MY SKATES ARE WORN OUT?

Ask your instructor/coach for their recommendation.

WHERE DO I PURCHASE ICE SKATING APPAREL?

Ice Skating apparel can be purchased at the Crystal Ice Figure Skating Club Dress Resale in September/October, in skating magazines, and the internet.  Skating apparel with the CIFSC logo can also be ordered at the Fall Registration meeting and throughout the season.