FAQ’s
What equipment and clothing are required to speed skate? |
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Equipment:
Clothing:
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What is the cost of equipment? | ||||||||||||||||
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The cost of equipment varies depending on where you purchase the items. A very rough estimate for item costs are as follows:
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What is the cost of registration? | ||||||||||||||||
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Is speed skating dangerous? |
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As with all sports, some risk is associated with speed skating, depending on the skill level of the participant. Providing all safety equipment is worn by each skater, and instructions followed from the coaches, there is minimal risk to skaters.
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What do speed skaters use for safety equipment? |
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Most of the safety gear required for skating is part of personal equipment. This includes the following:
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Where does the club have practise and how many times a week? |
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All practices occur at Kal Tire Place (3445 43rd Ave, Vernon, BC). A schedule of practices and events can be viewed on the
Schedule Page.
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Can you attend for fewer sessions than in the program, and do I pay less for fees? |
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Each program is designed to accommodate the level of skill of a developing skater. Recreation sessions, Learn to Skate, and Intro-6, usually skate one day per week. Competitive usually skate two days per week, and Elite Skaters usually skate two to three days per week, depending on ice availability, with off-ice training as well. A skater’s level of participation is dependent on skill/ability and the commitment of the individual skater and their parents. Our fees include ice rental, ice programs, and coaching, and may be adjusted for skaters who require a higher level, but who can only attend one practice based on their commitment level. Certain circumstances are reviewed at the discretion of the Board.
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What are the time commitments? |
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Recreation, Learn to Skate and Intro-6 may be up to 60 minutes per week on ice. Competitive sessions may be up to 90 minutes per week on ice, and Elite sessions are approximately 90 minutes on-ice and 90 minutes off-ice doing dryland. Competitive and Elite skaters may choose to skate one day per week in Kelowna for a nominal fee — usually Thursdays. This allows for more ice access.
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Are there races and how far do we have to travel? |
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Yes. Races occur throughout the season from September to March. Depending on the level of the skater, races may occur within the local region (Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops) or may be available throughout the province or country depending on qualifying times.
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Do participants in speed skating have to race? |
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No. Competitions are encouraged, but not mandatory. Competitions are useful as a method to improve an individual’s personal best time, but not necessarily beat other skaters. Continual improvement, maintaining or improving fitness while having fun, are key goals in this club – not just winning races. Our kids love to compete, racing the clock for faster times.
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What ages can you enroll in the program? |
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Speed skating is a sport for all ages. The youngest age a child can begin skating with the club is 3 years old. Otherwise all other ages are welcome to join the club, including adults who belong to our Masters program.
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