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Club Information

General information about the club and its operations can be found on this page

 

Fundraising Opportunities

In order to keep our fees competitive, we must rely on fundraising to offset the increased operating costs and facility rental charges.  There are various ways that you can help fundraise.  We certainly don’t expect parents to participate in every fundraising activity, but we hope that you will support the club where you can. 


 

Ontario Skaters Promotional Contest

Some years as part of your membership fee, you will receive a book of Ontario Skaters Promotional Contest tickets.  The cost of the tickets is incorporated into your membership fee so it is up to you whether you wish to sell the tickets and recoup your money or put your name on each of the tickets.

Boston Pizza Restaurant

Each time a member of our club visits a Boston Pizza location in Skate Canada—Ontario, our club receives a cash rebate.  Please deposit your receipt in the box marked with the Chatham Skating Club name/ logo on it as you leave the restaurant.

Web Site, Newsletters, and Facebook

Please ensure that you visit and read our communication locations to keep up with events and skater’s news. 

Our web site is chathamskatingclub.com

Our Facebook page is “Chatham Skating Club – Official Group” 

  All About Skates

Buying New Skates

 

Buying proper skates for your child is very important.  Even at the CanSkate level, improperly fitted skates can cause blisters, bunions, ankle, and knee problems.  When fitting your child, remember these basic guidelines:

  • Never buy skates more than 1/2 size larger than the foot measures.  Make sure that you can squeeze no more than one finger down the back of the boot when it is on the child’s foot.  If the boot is slightly too big a thick insole will make the boot comfortable and decrease the chance of blistering.
  • Make sure your skater can stand securely in the boot.  If the ankle is tilting to the one side, the boot is too big or too small or there is not enough support for their weight.
  • Molded plastic skates should be avoided because the plastic ends up controlling the foot.  These skates are so inflexible that skaters will have problems bending their knees and hanging flexion of the ankles.  In addition, the plastic gets very cold and stiff on the ice, making the skater’s feet cold.
  • Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room to wiggle the toes.  The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place.
  • Have your child walk around in the skates off the ice; they should feel comfortable.

 

 

Sharpening Skates

 

Be very careful where you go to get your skates sharpened.  A hockey grind is very different from a figure grind, and the stone used to sharpen is also very different.  A figure skating blade has various rockers (curves of the blade), depending on the level of the skater.  The bottom pick should NOT be removed—the pick is part of the design of the figure skates and is essential to proper balance.  It is suggested that you see a professional skate sharpener that will set the proper grind level for your skater.  Skates should be sharpened after about 30 hours of skating.

Lacing Skates

 

Make sure your socks are pulled up all the way.  One pair is enough.  Extra socks actually hold the feet tighter allowing them to get cold faster.  Center the tongue of the boot and pull is as high as you can.  Keep the lace at the bottom of the boot snug but not tight as to cramp the toes.  Tie the laces tight over the instep (but not around the instep) for maximum support.  From the instep to the top of the boot, the laces should be snug but not too tight so the ankle can flex and extend comfortably.

Care of Skates

 

Always walk in hard guards but never store your skates in hard guards, because the blades will rust.  Use a soft cloth to dry your blades after skating.  Fabric blade covers absorb the moisture from the blades and prevent the blades from rusting or getting chipped as you transport your skates.