In this article i’m going to tell you everything you need to know about speed skating. Where and how it originated, where it is practised, what competitions are available, what sort of skates you need. Let’s get straight into it!
What is Speed Skating?
Roller speed skating is a very fast paced form of skating, where skaters enter into competitions to achieve the fastest times over set distances, like the running track events in the Olympics, on wheels! This type of skating is usually performed on inline skates, rather than quad skates.
The skaters use a specific technique known as push, glide and regroup. A double push is used to give the skater additional power.
Is any special equipment needed?
Speed skating boots are of a particular type. They have low cut ankles and these are often made from carbon fiber for mobility. They typically have either long (‘clap skates’) or short (‘short track’) blades. The wheels of the skates are typically hard (85A hardness) and they are 100mm upwards in size. They use fast bearings such as ABEC 9.
The skater will also typically wear a skin tight suit which will help with the aerodynamics of the skating, creating the least amount of friction with the air, as possible. The suit will also protect the skater’s body from cuts. Gloves are typically also worn and note the skater sometimes puts a hand down to take corners, so they offer good protection from this.
A helmet is essential as the skaters can reach fast speeds and they sometimes skate in groups so could trip each other. The skater also typically wears shin or knee pads underneath the suit.
How can you get involved in speed skating?
Speed skating competitions are typically held indoors on banked tracks or closed road circuits. Major events take place at venues such as the Colchester Sports Park. International competitions can be held all over Europe.
In addition to this, there is a roller speed skating event at the olympics. See the link below:
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