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Speed Skates? Equip Yourself with the Gear, Strategies, and Insights Needed
Speed skating is a demanding type of inline skating that emphasises speed and stamina. Are you thinking about trying inline speed skating, or just intrigued by it? Here, you'll discover what makes speed skating distinct from other roller sports.
Key elements of inline speed skating include:
- Technique: Expertise in complex techniques like the double-push.
- Equipment: Stiff, low boots, a lightweight frame, and large wheels up to 125 mm.
- Speed: Top skaters can achieve speeds of 37 mph (60 km/h) on flat surfaces.
- Community: The sport offers a vibrant social scene through skating clubs and events.
Overview
Getting Started with Speed Skating
Joining a speed skating club is an excellent choice if you're keen on starting the sport. You'll receive tailored guidance for your specific level, and you'll also share the experience with those who share a common interest.
“One aspect of speed skating I truly enjoy is its social nature. While you often work towards collective goals, the sport allows for individual practice and competition as well.” - Trine Brøns Nielsen, former member of the SkatePro Team and Danish champion.
If no speed skating club is nearby or if personal mentoring isn't available, online resources can be valuable. Numerous tutorials can guide you through basic speed skating skills. Below, we outline foundational techniques to kick-start your journey (and possibly, you might establish your own local club in the future).
Essential Equipment for Speed Skating
To begin inline speed skating, all you need is a pair of speed skates, some protective gear, and a suitable practice location.
Defining Inline Speed Skates
Speed skates are uniquely characterised by their boots, frames, and wheels, distinguishing them from standard fitness skates. In speed skating, every fraction of a second is crucial, and the skates' features reflect this performance focus.
- Boot Design: Low, stiff carbon fibre boots with minimal padding enhance energy transfer.
- Wheels: Large wheels (up to 125 mm) maintain momentum, and harder rubber reduces friction for increased speed.
- Frames: Rigid, lightweight frames made from aluminium or carbon ensure power is not lost through flexibility.
Selecting the proper speed skates involves aligning them with your skill level and aspirations. For those entirely new to the sport, we recommend starting with higher-cut boots for improved ankle support before advancing to dedicated speed skating boots.
The type of skating and surface conditions, such as long routes on harsh roads or sprints on a track, will also influence your decisions. Softer wheels offer grip on uneven surfaces, whereas harder ones reduce friction on smooth paths.
Fundamental Techniques in Speed Skating
The effectiveness of a speed skater is dictated by their specific techniques. Mastering these aspects is critical for enhanced performance:
- Skating posture: Achieve a low centre of gravity with a horizontal torso to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Push off: Apply significant lateral pressure on skate edges against the ground to propel forward effectively with each step.
- Arm movement: Arms aid in maintaining a rhythm and help with balance during rapid manoeuvres.
- Double push method: This sophisticated technique involves an internal "under-push" phase preceding the usual lateral extension, boosting power for each stride.
View this slow-motion video, which offers a compelling demonstration of the mechanics involved in the double push technique, along with posture and arm movement, as executed by professional speed skaters Mark Horsten and Lars Scheenstra.
Protective Gear in Speed Skating
Due to the high speeds achieved in speed skating, wearing protective gear is crucial, even if it slightly affects aerodynamics.
Speed skates differ significantly from other inline skates with smaller wheels and support cuffs. Beginners may fall more often as they adapt to these changes; experienced skaters reach speeds where any fall can be severe.
As you delve deeper into speed skating, you'll naturally seek out specialised gear designed to minimise aerodynamic drawbacks. However, the main priority should be protection, so initially, opt for gear that might not be the most aerodynamic.
Helmets and Inline Speed Skating
Helmets are compulsory in professional speed skating. Whether aiming for competitive racing or casual enjoyment, head safety is paramount. Avoid taking risks with head injuries, which offer no advantages in performance and carry potential long-term impacts.
If pursuing a dedicated speed skating helmet, look for a design that is aerodynamic and allows ample ventilation. For added safety against rotational impacts, consider a helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). All skating helmets in our range are safety-certified.
Elbow and Knee Safety in Speed Skating
While aerodynamics are important, freedom of movement is a major consideration for knee and elbow safety. To retain an edge in performance, opt for low-profile protectors rather than bulkier, hard-shell options. Many choose "sleeve-style" protectors with thin, impact-resistant foam; these offer discreet protection without significantly hindering aerodynamics or flexibility.
Safeguarding Wrists in Speed Skating
Due to the risk of fractures or tendon injuries that may need extensive recovery time, it's wise to protect hands and wrists with specific wrist protection. We recommend snug-fitting, durable models to keep your attention on performance. For committed speed skaters, "second-skin" gloves combine protection with full dexterity and ease of movement.
