- Forms
- Current Issue
- Membership
- Fantasy Skating
- U.S. Figure Skating Auctions
- SKATING Magazine
- Judges & Officials
- History
- Employment
- Member Services
- Museum & Hall of Fame
- U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance
- Figure Skating A to Z
- Headquarters Staff
- Scholarships, Grants and Awards
- Logo
- STAR
- Sponsors
- Mission Statement
- Links
- Contact Us
ASK MR. EDGE
December 2005
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.
In my last article I had mentioned about gathering some information on skater's injuries and what it costs them in time and money. Some of you may wonder why I'm doing this.
Quite simply put, there is a direct relationship between the underlying cause of the injury, and the resulting effect it has on the body. Another way to put it is that there is one primary cause resulting in several types of injuries.
Well over 90 percent of the e-mails I receive about a particular problem or injury all have one thing in common. They are the result of either the boot being improperly fitted or the skater being in too stiff a boot. Enough research has already been done to prove that far too many skaters are indeed in too stiff a boot and that because the boots are not bending, the massive force upon impact is sending a tremendous shock wave up through the rest of the body, resulting in knee and hip injuries. Making matters worse, is that in many cases the blades have been improperly mounted resulting in very unstable landings.
Part of the problem, or for that matter maybe even the entire problem is the thinking that a stiffer boot is needed for the higher jumps. Nothing could be further from the truth. A much better fitting boot with less support is the answer.
OK, parents…..listen up!
I do realize just how expensive boots and blades are, but what you don't realize is just how much more money you are needlessly spending, not to mention running the risk of injury. It would be absolutely ill-advised to suggest that you purchase boots with enough extra room and support in them to last almost two years. One way or another you are going to pay the price, be it new boots and blades or in medical bills. So I ask you, which is less expensive and more productive?
Stay tuned folks, in the not so distant future I'll break it down for you to see just how much more money you may be needlessly spending.
In the meantime, I welcome anyone who would like to share their sad but true story of their injury and just what it had cost them over a period of time and whether or not they have truly recovered.
My apologies for being so long winded about this. Moving right along now, let's start with:
Tara Green from Fishers is having trouble centering her spins and travels across the ice quite frequently. She was wondering if it has anything to do with her blades. She just bought new skates two months ago.
Indeed yes, because your blades are in need of a sharpening. Even if you are only skating once a week, two months is a long time between sharpenings. Let this be a reminder to all skaters, that when you start to slip on moves that you normally do not, then it's time to have your blades sharpened.
Now for something out of the ordinary.Alexandra from Whitewater, Wis., has a couple questions. First, the chrome on the sides and toe-picks of her skates is peeling off. How to fix or prevent this. Second, her skates have scuff marks on them that look like tennis shoe marks on a floor. How to remove is the question.
Answer to first question, when not skating, keep your blades completely dry. Do not leave any water on them. Wipe them down with a dry terry cloth towel. If this doesn't work, then you may have a blade that is of much lower grade steel in which case this will always happen.
Answer to the second question, to remove scuff marks from your skates, try the following. One of them is sure to work.
a. Fantastic (good on vinyl or man-made leather boots)
b. Nail polish remover with acetone in it. (good on most leather boots-rub gently)
c. Gooff Off spot remover. (again, rub gently)
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.
