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What to wear:*
Helmet** A bicycle helmet works well.
Long sleeves** A club uniform, Under Armor or any close-fitting, flexible shirt is fine. Some skaters layer a lightweight sweatshirt or fleece top over this.
Long pants** or Lycra skin suit Under Armor, a club uniform, or any close-fitting, flexible pants or sweats are fine.
Gloves** Lightweight gloves with smooth, reinforced fingers work well. Skaters have used everything from gloves designed specifically for speedskating to regular winter gloves to football gloves to gardening gloves.
Short track or long track speed skates** Boots and blades designed for short track will give the skater an advantage in a short track race, and boots and blades designed for long track will give the skater an advantage in a long track race, but no one will stop you from wearing either type of skate for either type of race. We are primarily a short track club, but there are plenty of opportunities for long track skating as well.
Neck guard This is basically a piece of strong fabric with Velcro to close it around the neck. Pick one up at any store which sells hockey equipment.
Knee pads Volleyball or soccer knee pads are fine.
Shin guards Soccer shin guards are what most skaters use.
Eye protection Use shatter-proof sport glasses or goggles which will not fall off the face.
Water or sports drink Please just bring this; don't actually wear it.
*While this list is recommended for practices, most items are mandatory for participation in meets.
**These items are mandatory for PWSC practices at the Plymouth Ice Center. Beginners can try the sport in hockey or figure skates. Your first practice is free.
Sources for gear:
http://www.specialequipment
.com or 1-800-266-9285
Other links:
Short Track Speed Skating Equipment - pictures and info from Olympic.org
Long Track Speed Skating Equipment - pictures and info from Olympic.org
About Speed Skating - basic information about equipment, technique and skate sharpening
Sharpening Speed Skates - from Speed Skate PEI
Long Track and Short Track: What's the difference? - from Southern California Speed Skating Association
US Speedskating - check out "Speedskating 101" under "Clubs & Programs" and "Rules" under "About USS"
a speed calculator from Southern California Speed Skating Association
International Skating Union (ISU) - Speed Skating - official site
Club uniform (optional):
PWSC members who intend to participate in meets may want to purchase a club uniform. The uniform (or skin) is a long one-piece suit and - in the past - has been custom made to measure.
The uniform is NOT required for participation in meets. You MAY compete wearing any appropriate clothing as long as you wear all safety equipment.
You may also check with club members who are looking for buyers of uniforms they have out-grown or no longer need. Past club uniforms or Under Armour (and the like) in the club's colors are good options for meets.
If you choose to order a custom-made uniform, measure carefully and measure all the way around the body (not just the front of the chest, for example). Custom uniforms are not returnable, and they are not the responsibility of the club.
