What your skate bag contains is largely dependent on what level of skater you are. The following is a guide on what type of equipment is appropriate for each level and sources on where to find it.
CanSkate, Jr. Achievers & Pre-Hockey
Skates - The type of skates you choose to wear will reflect what discipline you are learning to skate for. Those interested in figure skating or recreational skating (particularly girls) will prefer a figure skate while those keen on hockey should be in hockey skates. Skaters in the Early Figure Skating Program must wear figure skates.
Whatever skates you do select to wear, there are some fitting guidelines to follow. New boots should be comfortable although one should expect some initial discomfort around the ankles and other "pressure points". Often these can be relieved by "popping out" the boot*. The skater's heel should fit snugly in the heel area. A quick test is to have the skater stand in the laced skate. Hold the boot down on the floor and ask them to try and lift their heel. If the heel slides up, then this boot is not right for the foot. Toes should not be cramped and there should be room to raise them slightly.
* This is one of the reasons that we don't recommend that skaters wear the solid plastic skates. They do not offer any way to make adjustments for fit and they simply do not permit the skater to bend properly.
If you are looking for a good basic figure skate, there are several available. Check out the Skater's Edge Shop on Schoolhouse in Coquitlam. They can fit you into a CanSkate appropriate level boot.
For young skaters it never hurts to look at a pair of good used skates. Rarely do young children break down their skates. They grow out of them before that can ever happen. It is better to purchase a pair of good used skates rather than inexpensive new ones. Every September during our Open House, our club also has a used apparel and skate sale.
Helmet - All children are required to wear a helmet on Intro-CanSkate, CanSkate and Pre-Hockey (hockey helmet with face mask) sessions. While a bike helmet may be used, we recommend using a hockey helmet as it provides better protection.
Skate Guards - Save your skates and your sharpening. Skate guards are inexpensive and should be worn when skaters are walking in their skates off the ice. Be sure to label your guards with your skater's name.
Soft Rag - Keep a rag handy to dry blades and skates after use. Do not put wet guards back on after drying!
Fabric Blade Covers -(Optional but recommended) Skaters with figure skates should consider using fabric blade covers to put on their blades after they have been dried off with a rag. The fabric will absorb any additional moisture that wasn't caught by the rag and will protect the blades in the skate bag. These covers can be made or purchased at a skate shop (all colours and patterns are available now including ones with animal heads and legs!)
Clothing - Ensure that they are dressed warmly. Pants that are made on nylon and that are thin are good to wear over warm pants, these nylon pants will keep the skater dry, if they fall and get wet. Nothing fancy is required. Just ensure that the clothing is not too loose and provides some warmth. Mittens or gloves must be worn.
Skates - Selecting Skates becomes a little more involved now. While the basic fitting rules suggested above for CanSkate still apply, there are other considerations. It is highly recommended that you see a professional skate fitter to ensure the right fit and get a boot with the appropriate stiffness.
Skate Guards - Save your skates and your sharpening. Skate guards are inexpensive and should be worn when skaters are walking in their skates off the ice. Be sure to label your guards with your skater's name.
Soft Rag - Keep a rag handy to dry blades and skates after use. Do not put wet guards back on after drying!
Fabric Blade Covers - (Optional but recommended) Skaters with figure skates should consider using fabric blade covers to put on their blades after they have been dried off with a rag. The fabric will absorb any additional moisture that wasn't caught by the rag and will protect the blades in the skate bag. These covers can be made or purchased at a skate shop (all colours and patterns are available now including ones with animal heads and legs!)
Screw Driver - (for those with separate blades that are screwed to the boot). Always handy to have incase a screw becomes loose.
Hair Elastics and Clips - There is nothing more frustrating than trying to skate with your hair flipping into your face. Keep extras in your bag for rush days or the day after the new haircut that created more wisps than you could have imagined.
Clothing - Skaters should wear figure skating attire. For girls, a skating dress or skirt with leggings is appropriate. For boys, skaters should ensure that they do not wear loose clothing. There are several different stretchy skating pants on the market. Again, so long as they can move easily and the pants are not baggy, they are fine.