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ASK MR. EDGE
December 2004
Mr. Edge is a qualified skate technician with years and years of experience. He can answer your questions on boots, blades and foot problems related to your equipment. Questions will be answered in SKATING magazine and later posted on the web site.
HO! HO! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Tis the season as people say! One of our regular contributors, Ken Hammarstrom from New York, has a little something he would like to share with everyone. I thought it was quite appropriate for this time of yea,r so here we go.
It was two days till Christmas and all through the rink, I stopped for a breather and to get a big drink. The holiday music was filling the air, that last jump I did caused quite a harsh stare. All three clubs were here today, along with the pro's earning their pay.
My scratch spin is doing quite well, but who's to say, it could happen again, but not the same way. Now Jackie and Carol are working on their spins, while David and Sherril are sharing their grins. Now Betty and Dave are working on a dance, so are Janet and Archie I assumed from a glance.
All of a sudden with the roar of the wind, out came a man dressed in red; except of course, for his beard and the hair on his head. Now all of the skaters stood back by the boards, while the skater in red laughed and roared. He did a few crossovers and a clean triple toe, then a double loop that he sure seemed to know.
As he slowed to a stop and the skaters did their roar, he then waved and smiled as he stepped out the door.
I asked Betty if it was anyone she knew, and she said Ken, I haven't a clue!
So all of you skaters keep trying every way, practice makes perfect, Santa did say.
So to all, have a happy holiday and keep on your toes, Santa will be watching, just see how it goes.
Q: I'm at Basic 8 and almost pre-pre. When do I need to change my skates? A year or two?
Jennifer, Sugar Land, Texas
A: Well Jenny, your time is up! Now is the time to make that change. You're going to need a beginning freestyle blade and a bit more supportive boot. Don't go overboard on the boot. At your level, a good blade will take you further than a really good boot. There are three or four good blade choices for under $130. You should also be able to find a boot for around $100 or slightly less to go along with your blades. Good luck!
Q: I skate barefoot and was wondering if it's actually better to skate this way or to use nylon's and what is the difference?
Katherine, Gill
A: Advantages of wearing nylon's or tights:
- Easier to get your feet into and out of your boots
- Your boots will have a more pleasant odor to them
- The inside lining of your boots will hold up longer
The advantage of going barefoot:
- Assuming the boot fits like a glove (which it should when skating barefoot), you have a much better feel for the ice under you. This of course results in much better control when skating.
Q: How do you get rust off your blades?
Lauren, Cherry Hill, N.J.
A: Taking the proper preventive steps is a good start. After skating, be sure to wipe down your blades very thoroughly until they are completely dry (a terry-cloth towel will do quite well). Then store them in some soakers till the next time you use them.
NOTE: After a while your soakers will become damp, no matter how well you wipe your blades down. When this begins to happen, turn them inside out and put them in the dryer for 1015 minutes.
For removing the current rust, having them sharpened will remove any rust on the bottom of your blades. For removing it from the sides, just put some lightweight oil on them and take a metal scouring pad and wipe it off. Most if not all of the rust will be removed. However, be sure and do this just before you have them sharpened, otherwise you will dull your blade edges.
To all the moms, dads and anyone else who may be reading this, do have a happy holiday season this year.
Mr. Edge and all related elements are property of Arena Sports & Consulting Services, Inc. ©2013. Send your questions to Mr. Edge via mail (Ask Mr. Edge, SKATING magazine, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906); FAX (719) 635-9548 or e-mail them online.
The opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor the problem may very well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
