Choosing Your First Figure Skates: A Parent's Guide
Your child's eyes light up every time they step on the ice. They've mastered the basics in rental skates, and now they're asking for their own pair. This exciting milestone in your young skater's journey comes with many questions, and we're here to help you make an informed decision.
When Is It Time?
The transition from rental to owned skates is a significant step. If your skater is taking regular lessons, showing commitment to the sport, and has mastered basic skills like forward and backward skating, it's likely time to consider their first pair of figure skates.
Understanding Skate Levels
Starting Strong: Beginner Packages
For skaters just beginning their figure skating journey, complete skate packages offer the perfect solution. The Jackson Artiste is an excellent first figure skate, providing the right combination of support and flexibility for new skaters. As skills progress, the Jackson Elle or Edea Discovery Package offers slightly more support for developing skaters ready to tackle their first jumps and spins.
Growing with the Sport: Intermediate Options
As your skater advances and starts working on more challenging elements, their equipment needs will evolve. The Edea Overture has become a favorite choice, particularly for skaters with smaller feet, offering the perfect balance of support and flexibility. For those ready to take on more advanced jumps, the Edea Chorus and the Jackson Premiere provide excellent options, each offering unique benefits for progressing skaters.
At this level, boots and blades are typically purchased separately, allowing for more customized combinations to suit your skater's specific needs. Popular blade choices include the Ultima Legacy 7 and John Wilson Coronation Ace, each offering reliable performance for developing skaters. These blades provide the perfect balance of stability and maneuverability needed for mastering new elements.
Advanced Equipment: Looking Ahead
While most parents won't need to consider advanced-level skates for their first purchase, understanding the progression can help with long-term planning. For serious competitors and advanced skaters, several outstanding options are available.
In the Edea line, the Edea Concerto provides exceptional support for advanced jumps and spins. The Edea Ice Fly and Edea Piano represent the highest level of figure skating boots, designed for the most demanding elements. The Jackson Supreme 5300 offers another excellent choice for advanced skaters, providing superior support and performance.
At this level, blade selection becomes crucial. The John Wilson Pattern 99 and Gold Seal are considered the gold standard for competitive skating. For those seeking quality alternatives, the Ultima Apex Elite and Ultima Apex Supremeoffer comparable performance at a more accessible price point.
Making the Right Choice
When selecting your child's first figure skates, consider these key factors:
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Current Skill Level
- What elements are they working on?
- How frequently do they skate?
- What are their immediate skating goals?
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Growth and Development
- Current foot size and growth expectations
- Skating intensity and boot break-down considerations
- Future skating aspirations
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Investment Level
- Consider both initial cost and long-term value
- Factor in additional equipment needs (guards, soakers)
- Think about potential resale value
Professional Fitting: A Must-Have Experience
Perhaps the most crucial step in selecting new skates is getting a professional fitting. At Stay Sharp Sports, we understand that proper fit is essential for both comfort and progression. A professional fitting ensures:
- Correct size selection
- Appropriate width and volume matching
- Proper alignment considerations
- Expert advice on boot and blade combinations
Next Steps
Once you've selected the perfect pair of skates, proper care and maintenance become essential. Be sure to ask about:
- Break-in procedures for new boots
- Daily care routines
- Blade maintenance requirements
- When to schedule professional maintenance
Remember, investing in quality figure skates is an investment in your skater's development and enjoyment of the sport. With proper guidance and care, the right pair of skates can help your young athlete achieve their skating dreams!