First steps to becoming a speed skater
Speed Skating Canada has a “skater development” section that outlines its long-term athlete development model for learning how to speed skate. This is an invaluable resource for parents who want to give their kids the right start in the sport.
Speed skaters need to be able to run, roll, throw, jump, glide, and kick. They also need to develop agility, balance, coordination, and speed (as in explosive “quickness” of muscles).
But before a child can even think about racing, they need to be confident on the ice. And the best way to get a child skating is to hit your community rink.
Many facilities will rent skates – and helmets, which are mandatory in many jurisdictions – that you can all wear to get a start. When your kids start bugging you to go to the rink every day, you can always find good skates at your local sports swap.
Activities your child can do now
Even before your children put on skates you can do the following activities with them to help develop skills for speed skating:
Find out what skills can be introduced to children at different ages using our Skills Builder tool.
