Quicky FAQs What is Short Track Speedskating? Short track speedskating is racing on ice on a 111 meter track. It's highly tactical and requires strength, endurance and skill. It is an Olympic sport and there are State, National and World Championships every year. Short track is pack-style racing among groups of 4 to 6 skaters. Speeds can approach 30 mph during sprint races. Races are from 111 meters for tiny tots up to 10k for adults. A standard meet will have a 500m, 1000m and a 1500m race for most skaters. A 3000m race or a relay is included if time permits. Who can skate? Anyone can skate. Our members are from 6 to 70 years old, from novice ability up to National Class ability. Our members vary from casual skaters who skate for fitness, to highly competitive skaters. Cyclists, runners and inline skaters use short track for cross training. When is the Short Track season? Short track practices start in September and racing begins in October and continues through to early April. Where are the races? Many local meets are held within the Lower Mainland. Skaters also may elect to travel upcountry to compete, and for the most competitive, may travel to meets throughout Canada, and into the US. What equipment do I need? All speed skaters should have: Boots, blades, wrenches, blade covers, helmet(mandatory), gloves(mandatory), long sleeved shirt (mandatory for races), towel to dry blades and knee pads. The following items are optional, but recommended: Deburring stone, sharpening jig and stones. Visit a Picutre Guide to SpeedSkating. What clothes should I wear? For training: Long sleeved shirts with skinsuits, tights, bib tights, or sweats, and a warm-up jacket. For races: Skinsuits with kevlar pads or shin guards, warm-up jackets and tear-away pants. Visit a Picutre Guide to SpeedSkating Where do I buy equipment? Your best bet is to talk with our Coach, our Executive, and our skaters, who can offer first hand experience, and often know exactly where to get what you want.There are also a number of on-line resources (Caveat: Ordering on-line from the USA can be expensive if you ship by a commercial shipper, such as UPS (add $30 to the cost), and more if the shipper forgets to include a "customs declaration sticker."). Most basic equipment can be purchased (or rented) from the club, and from local sporting goods stores. What kind of boots should I buy? Short track boots are made of carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass and leather. There are two studs or bolt holes spaced 6 1/2" apart on the sole. These are used to attach blades or inline frames to the bottom of the boot. Currently the most popular "off-the-shelf" boot is the Bont 'Hustler', and the Canadian made Pass "251", both areavailable in standard models or custom ones made from casts of feet. If price is a factor, there is the entry level Bont Sharkie boot. Custom boots are available from a variety of vendors. What kind of blades should I buy? Blades vary in length from 13" to 18". The width of the blades can vary from 1.1mm to 1.4 mm. Hardness can vary from 60 rockwell to 68 rockwell. Speed skating blades are flat ground as compared to the hollow ground found on figure or hockey skates. Brand new blades should be sharpened before you skate on them. The handling characteristics of blades are determined by their length, width, radius, bend and composition. In general, as blade surface in contact with the ice increases, top speed also increases, but then maneuverability decreases. Popular blades are Zandstra, Pennington, Swift, Darkstar and Viking. Zandstra offers a wide selection of blades and is most popular among beginning skaters.