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Speed Skates: Equip Yourself With Gear, Techniques, and Insights
Speed skating provides a demanding, performance-focused take on inline skating, prioritising speed and stamina. Are you thinking of getting into inline speed skating, or simply curious about the sport? Here, explore what makes speed skating distinct from other roller sports.
Inline speed skating revolves around:
- Technique: Perfecting complex techniques such as the double-push.
- Equipment: Low, rigid boots, a lightweight frame, and big wheels up to 125 mm.
- Speed: Top skaters achieve 37 mph (60 km/h) on flat ground.
- Community: A vibrant social side exists through speed skating clubs and events.
Overview
Steps to Begin Your Speed Skating Journey
If you're considering taking up the sport, joining a speed skating club is highly recommended. They offer tailored guidance suited to your level while allowing you to share the experience with fellow enthusiasts.
“One thing I adore about speed skating is its social element. You frequently work towards shared goals, yet it’s a sport where you can practice and compete individually.” - Trine Brøns Nielsen, former SkatePro Team Rider and Danish champion.
Should you not have easy access to a speed skating club or personal guidance, online resources are a great alternative. Numerous tutorials are available that explain basic speed skating techniques. Below, we delve into fundamental techniques to kick-start your journey (perhaps you might even start your local club one day!).
Essential Gear for Starting Speed Skating
To begin inline speed skating, all you need are speed skates, some protective gear, and a suitable area for practice.
Definition of Inline Speed Skates
Speed skates distinguish themselves from regular fitness skates through specific boot, frame, and wheel characteristics. In speed skating, every fraction of a second matters, and skate features directly reflect this performance emphasis.
- Boot Design: Stiff, low-cut carbon fibre boots with minimal padding to optimise energy transfer.
- Wheels: Large wheels (up to 125 mm) help preserve momentum, and harder rubber lowers friction for increased speed.
- Frames: Rigid, lightweight aluminium or carbon frames ensure energy isn't lost in flexibility.
Selecting the correct speed skates involves aligning with your skill and ambitions. Beginners should opt for higher-cut boots that support the ankles before moving on to dedicated speed skating boots.
Your choice also depends on whether you're covering long distances on uneven roads or sprinting on a track. Softer wheels provide grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels reduce friction on smooth pavements.
Core Techniques for Speed Skating
A speed skater's efficiency largely depends on their specific techniques. Mastery of the following is crucial for optimum performance:
- Speed skating body position: Maintain a low centre of gravity with a horizontal torso to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Speed skating push off: Apply lateral force to the skate edges for maximum forward thrust with each stride.
- Speed skating arm swing: Arms aid rhythm and stabilisation during high-speed moves.
- Double push technique: An advanced manoeuvre, involves an internal "under-push" before the lateral outward push, boosting power in each stride.
View this slow-motion video for a detailed look at double push technique mechanics, as well as body position and arm swing, demonstrated by professional speed skaters Mark Horsten and Lars Scheenstra.
Safety Gear for Speed Skating
Due to the high speeds involved in speed skating, it's crucial to wear protective gear, even if it somewhat affects aerodynamics.
Speed skates differ considerably from other inline skates, which typically have smaller wheels and supportive cuffs. As a beginning skater, you may fall more frequently while adapting to these features; experienced skaters reach speeds where falls can be severely damaging.
As your commitment to speed skating grows, you’ll probably start using specialised protective gear designed to minimise aerodynamic downsides. Nevertheless, the priority is safety, so don’t hesitate to start with less aerodynamic gear.
Helmet Use in Inline Speed Skating
Helmets are compulsory in professional speed skating. Whether you're a competitive racer or casual skater, head protection is vital. Avoid head injuries as they won’t aid your performance and can have long-term effects.
If you wish for a specific speed skating helmet, select one with an aerodynamic shape and good ventilation. Consider a helmet with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for better protection against rotational impacts. All our skating helmets meet safety standards.
Elbow and Knee Pads for Speed Skating
Besides aerodynamics, unrestricted movement is key for knee and elbow protection. Opt for low-profile protectors instead of bulky designs to retain a competitive edge on the skates. "Sleeve-style" protectors with thin, impact-absorbing foam provide subtle protection without greatly affecting aerodynamics or range of motion.
Wrist Guards in Speed Skating
Guard your palms and wrists with wrist protection to reduce the risk of fractures or tendon injuries, which may lead to lengthy recovery periods. Choose models that fit snugly and are durable, allowing you to focus on your performance rather than injury prevention. For serious speed skaters, options like "second-skin" speed skating gloves offer protection while maintaining dexterity and range of motion.
