What is the difference between Short Track and Long Track
Skates?

The Long Track Klap Skate.  There are many varieties of Klap skate, but the basic
idea is the same.  The mechanism allows a slightly longer push, thus resulting in
slightly faster speed.  This is now pretty much the standard for Long Track speed
skating.  While Klap skates are not allowed in pack style racing in some countries,
they are in the United States.  On the far right is a non-klap,
or "fixed blade" skate.

The Short Track Skate.  Again, there are many varieties.  Most of them share a
few things in common: higher ankle support and adjustable offset blades (to the
left, or inside of the turn) to keep the boot from rubbing the ice when leaning into
the left turn at high speed. Notice the left offset on the pair at right, and the
adjustable blade mount below.


What do I need to start skating?

You need a helmet, gloves, skates (do not have to be speedskates) , elbow and
knee pads (can be the type used for in line or hockey) and a neck guard.


Where can I buy equipment?

US Speedskating has a link to numerous vendors in the US and Canada at
speedskating.org/vendors.

How do I keep my blades sharp?

It is very important to keep your skate blades sharp and rust free.  Ask the
coaches or other club members for a demonstration on how to sharpen skates
using a jig.  Click on this link for info on keeping skates sharp: Seven Steps to
Sharp Blades.