Beginners are allowed to attend up to four sessions as a walk-on without making a long term commitment to the club. Walk-ons will be asked to pay a walk-on fee for each session that you skate.
Before you step on the ice as a walk-on you must be a member of the following organizations:
1.
US Speedskating
2.
MASA, Middle Atlantic Speedskating Association (our regional Speedskating association)
3. CSC,
Connecticut Speedskating Club (our club)
Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of the introductory first time membership, which is a 2-month trial membership that costs $10. Membership to MASA and CSC is free for the first year.
Membership to these organizations is required so that our club insurance covers you while you are skating. You can become a member of US Speedskating by going online to the US Speedskating membership page.
What experience/equipment do I need?
It is highly recommended that you have at least some skating experience (on ice or inline). Ideally you should be comfortable balancing on skates and able to skate a few laps around the rink on your own.
The only equipment that is necessary is: ice skates (hockey or figure skates are okay for beginners), a helmet (bicycle or hockey is okay), neck guard (available at sporting goods stores that sell hockey equipment), full fingered cut resistant gloves, long sleeve shirt, full length pants. We also recommend knee and elbow pads as they reduce the chance of injury during a fall.
How do I obtain speedskates?
Our club has a number of used Speedskates that are available to beginners. These skates cost $50 to rent for the season and are offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Members of the club will help sharpen them. Most club members begin with an introductory skate/blade package. Most people who have purchased the introductory package have not needed to upgrade as they became more experienced.
For more information on speedskating suppliers that our club members have dealt with please check out our CONTACT page.
Additional gear:
When you DO buy skates make sure you also get the following items:
- Skate guards: (these allow you to walk on your blades without ruining them)
- Soakers: (you put these on your blades after you skate so they are protected and can dry off)
A Sharpening Jig: (used to sharpen the skate blades when they become dull). Club members will be available to teach you how to sharpen skates.