Figure skating equipment list with all 21 items: skates, practice outfits, competition costumes, blade guards, soakers, tights and gloves.
Figure skating needs 21 items, and ten of those are the skater’s own, from the boots and blades to the guards and soakers that keep them dry. Five belong to the coach, including a music player, notebooks and a video camera for reviewing routines, and six to the rink, from the ice and the sound system to a resurfacing machine and a jump harness. The table below lists all twenty-one with the purpose of each one and who supplies it.
- What equipment do you need for figure skating?
- Figure skates that fit, a practice outfit that keeps the muscles warm, gloves, and tights or skate socks. Blade guards for walking off the ice and soakers for the bag are the two accessories nobody skips, because a wet blade rusts overnight.
- What skates do figure skaters use?
- Figure skates are a stiff boot on a toothed blade, and the toe pick at the front is what separates them from hockey skates. Beginners start on a soft recreational boot, and a skater working on jumps moves up to a stiffer boot with a mounted blade.
- What is the most important equipment in figure skating?
- The skates. Everything else supports them, and a boot that is too soft or the wrong size costs control on every edge and invites ankle injuries.
- What do figure skating beginners need first?
- Well fitting skates, warm and stretchy clothing, gloves and blade guards. A rink usually rents skates for the first lessons, so the first purchase is often the guards, the soakers and the gloves.
Figure Skating Equipment at a Glance
Ten items belong to the skater, five to the coach, and six to the rink. A beginner in a learn to skate program buys the first items on the personal side and uses the rink for the rest.
| Item | What it does | Who supplies it |
|---|---|---|
| Figure skatesboot and blade | Stiff boot on a toothed blade, the toe pick sets up every jump | Player |
| Practice outfit | Stretch layers that keep muscles warm in a cold rink | Player |
| Competition costume | Full range of movement plus the look the program calls for | Player |
| Blade guardshard plastic | Walk off the ice without dulling the edges | Player |
| Soakerssoft covers | Absorb the water left on the blade so it does not rust in the bag | Player |
| Tights or skate socks | Thin layer under the boot, no bunching and no blisters | Player |
| Gloves | Warm hands and padded palms for the falls that come with jumps | Player |
| Jacket or sweater | Worn between run throughs so the body stays warm | Player |
| Music device | Plays the program music during a practice session | Player |
| Water bottle | Cold air dries a skater out faster than it feels | Player |
| Music playerfor choreography | Cues and repeats a passage while the coach works a section | Coach |
| Notebooks | Notes on elements, run throughs and progress per skater | Coach |
| First aid kit | Ice cuts and bruised hips are the routine injuries at a rink | Coach |
| Video camera | Recording a jump is the only way to show the takeoff edge | Coach |
| Team jackets | Club identity at competitions and test sessions | Coach |
| Ice rink | The surface itself, with boards and a barrier around it | Facility |
| Sound system | Program music loud enough to skate to across the whole sheet | Facility |
| Spectator seating | Seats for parents at practice and for the audience at events | Facility |
| Locker rooms | Somewhere to change, lace up and leave a bag | Facility |
| Ice resurfacing machineZamboni | Shaves and floods the ice so the surface stays smooth | Facility |
| Jump harness | Rig on a pulley that holds a skater learning a new jump | Facility |
Equipment for Figure Skaters
#1 Figure Skates
Figure skates are the quintessential tool for any skater, designed with specialized blades to facilitate jumps, spins, and footwork. A proper fit is vital for control, comfort, and to prevent injuries, making them the most critical piece of equipment for performance and practice.
Jackson Classic 200 Figure Skates
Boot and blade mounted
- Uppervinyl coated, reinforced for ankle support
- LiningNylex with a padded felt tongue
- OutsolePVC, with a moisture resistant footbed
- BladeMark 1 stainless steel blade, already mounted
- Fitmedium width, women and girls sizes
#2 Practice Outfits
Practice outfits need to be comfortable, allowing for a complete range of motion, and warm, to keep muscles limber in cold rink conditions. They facilitate focused training sessions by enabling skaters to move freely and comfortably while perfecting their routines.
JoyCan Starry Sky Training Set
Jacket and skirt
- Fabrichigh stretch, four way, with a velvet lining
- Cutlong sleeves with thumb holes, skirt over leggings
- Detailrhinestone pattern across the jacket
- Warmthlined for cold rink air between run throughs
- Sizesgirls and women
#3 Competition Costumes
Competition costumes are not only about aesthetics; they are carefully crafted to complement the performance, allowing for a full range of movement, and sometimes even contributing to the storytelling of the routine. They are an integral part of a skater's presentation and overall score.
JoyCan Gradient Skating Dress
Long sleeved
- Fabricfour way stretch with a breathable mesh lining
- Sleeveslong, with hook finger cuffs at the wrist
- Colorgradient from deep purple to haze purple
- Seamsseamless splicing to cut friction
- Customsizes and rhinestone placement can be adjusted
#4 Blade Guards
Blade guards protect skate blades from damage when walking off-ice, ensuring the sharpness and integrity of the blade's edges. This is essential to maintain the performance quality of the skates and to ensure the safety of the skater on the ice.
Guardog SolidZ Skate Guards
Hard walking guards
- Setfour pieces with springs and screws
- Length12.5 inches, can be cut down to 6 inches
- Usewalking from the locker room to the ice
- Bladefits figure and hockey blades
- Caretake them off before the skates go in the bag
#5 Soakers
Soakers are soft blade covers that help prevent rusting by absorbing residual moisture post-skate. They are crucial for blade maintenance, ensuring longevity and optimal performance of the skates.
Homoyoyo Terry Blade Soakers
Absorbent bag covers
- Materialterry cloth with an anti cut nylon bottom
- Sizeabout 13.38 by 2.75 inches
- Fitelastic, stretches over most figure blades
- Usegoes on the blade after it is wiped dry
- Caremachine washable
#6 Tights or Skate Socks
Tights or skate socks provide a smooth layer between the foot and the skate, reducing friction and preventing blisters. They are designed to be warm and durable, offering support while maintaining a sleek and professional look on the ice.
ChloeNoel Over the Boot Tights
Light tan
- Cutover the boot, the foot section covers the skate
- Colorlight tan, the standard competition shade
- Fabricthin and stretchy so the boot still laces snug
- Sizingchild extra large to adult extra small
- Usetest sessions and competitions
#7 Gloves
Gloves are not just for warmth; they also protect skaters' hands during falls on the ice. They provide a barrier against the cold and help maintain grip when performing certain elements or maneuvers.
CRS Cross Padded Skating Gloves
Impact padded
- Paddingthree impact resistant pads on the palm side
- Fabricwater resistant outer, fleece lined
- Extratouch screen fingertips on the black pair
- Sizesyouth small, youth medium large and ladies small medium
- Fitsized by fingertip to palm length
#8 Jacket or Sweater
A jacket or sweater is crucial for skaters to maintain body warmth during practice. This helps prevent muscle strains and keeps the skater comfortable, allowing them to focus on technique and performance.
NY2 Sportswear Polartec Fleece Jacket
Fitted, adult sizes
- FabricPolartec polar fleece
- Cutfitted through the body, not a loose warmup jacket
- Adult smallchest 34 inches, length 22 inches
- Sleeve23 inches, shoulder 14 inches
- Useworn between run throughs and off the ice
#9 Music Devices
Music devices are essential for practice as they help skaters synchronize their routines to their chosen music. This tool allows for on-the-spot adjustments and continuous practice, which is key to perfecting performances.
#10 Water Bottle
Hydration is vital for any athlete, and figure skaters are no exception. A water bottle should always be within reach to ensure skaters can stay hydrated, maintain high energy levels, and perform at their best during long practice sessions.
Equipment for Coaches and Teams
#1 Music Player
A music player is essential for choreography practice, allowing coaches to play the skaters' routines music. It enables precise timing, essential for syncing movements with musical cues. An indispensable tool for both training and performance preparation.
#2 Notebooks
Notebooks are fundamental for coaches to track skaters’ progress, jot down routine modifications, and plan practice sessions. They serve as a personal ledger for observations and feedback, crucial for an athlete's development and strategy formulation.
#3 First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a non-negotiable component for coaches and teams to attend to unexpected injuries swiftly. Stocked with supplies for cuts, sprains, and basic medical care, it prioritizes skater safety and ensures quick intervention when necessary.
#4 Video Camera
A video camera is vital for recording practices and analyzing routines. It provides a visual feedback mechanism for coaches and skaters to scrutinize performances, refine techniques, and enhance overall presentation and execution.
#5 Team Jackets
Team jackets not only keep coaches and skaters warm but also foster a sense of unity and professionalism. They are a physical representation of team identity and spirit, an integral part of a team's image and morale.
Equipment for Facilities
#1 Ice Rink
An ice rink is the centerpiece of any figure skating facility, providing the smooth, frozen surface necessary for all skating activities. It must be adequately maintained to ensure safety and performance, allowing skaters to execute intricate maneuvers and routines essential for training and competition.
#2 Sound System
A sound system is crucial for figure skating facilities, as it allows music to accompany the skaters' routines. Quality sound enhances performances, enables choreography practice, and adds to the overall atmosphere during competitions and exhibitions, making it fundamental for both skaters and the audience's experience.
#3 Seating for Spectators
Seating is essential for accommodating audiences at figure skating events, allowing spectators to comfortably watch and support the skaters. Proper spectator seating enhances the viewer experience and is crucial for hosting large competitions where a significant audience presence is expected.
#4 Locker Rooms
Locker rooms offer skaters a secure and private space to prepare before entering the ice and to debrief after their routines. They provide essential facilities for personal storage, changing clothes, and sometimes for mental preparation, contributing to the overall preparedness of the skaters.
#5 Ice Resurfacing Machine (Zamboni)
An ice resurfacing machine, often referred to as a Zamboni, is indispensable for maintaining the ice surface. It smooths out scratches and ruts created during skating, ensuring a consistent and safe skating surface that is crucial for optimal performance and the prevention of injuries.
#6 Jump Harness
A jump harness is an important training tool in figure skating facilities. It assists skaters in practicing jumps by providing support and reducing the risk of falls. This tool helps build confidence and improve technique, especially for those learning new and complex aerial maneuvers.
KQFCAZRE Figure Skating Jump Harness
Pole harness for coaches
- Poleseven settings from 1.6 to 2.2 meters
- Systemdouble pulley layout for a smooth pull
- Beltpadded skater belt with an adjustable fit
- Userotation and takeoff work for beginners
- Placeice or an indoor training floor
FAQ
What is the equipment you need to play Figure Skating?
Figure skates, appropriate attire, and protective gear are the equipment you need to play Figure Skating. These items provide the essentials to perform on ice safely and effectively.
What is the most important equipment in Figure Skating?
The figure skates themselves are the most important equipment in Figure Skating, as they allow for the precision and artistry that define the sport.
What is a recommended list of Figure Skating equipment for beginners?
Here's a recommended list of Figure Skating equipment for beginners: well-fitting figure skates, comfortable and warm clothing, gloves, knee pads, and a helmet for protection. These basic items will help newcomers start learning safely.
