What is short track speed Skating?
Short track speed skating is a fast, adrenaline filled sport with action packed racing on ice. Groups of 4 to 6 skaters race around a 111m track with lots of overtaking, thrills and spills and reaching speeds of up to 45 km/hr on a 1 millimetre thick blade.
With the club you can take part just as a recreational skater or compete in racing, and possibly on to represent your country.
Who can do it?
Speed skating is a sport for all ages, from 5 to over 75.
It is an excellent aerobic activity and is ideal for your general fitness.
We encourage adult skaters as well as children, in a supportive family atmosphere.
We welcome anyone who wants to skate fast and have fun.
Whether you want to learn to speed skate for the first time,
are looking for a recreational experience,
wanting to improve your skating skills for other sports,
or you want to train and compete at a high level, we encourage all.
How do I start?
If you that can skate a little already, come down to one of our sessions and we will get you started.
Why not come and watch our club session on a Saturday (at 07:30) , have a chat with members and join the fun.
For those who have never skated before the National Ice Centre runs courses that will provide you with some basic skating skills. See the National Ice Centre’s Learn to Skate course. This will allow you to better enjoy speed skating and do it safely. The coach will advise as to when you are ready to come to the speed club.
Or you can contact us here.
We also welcome hockey skaters and figure skaters who want to learn how to race on ice, or just what to learn how to skate faster.
Just come with enthusiasm, fun and throw in a competitive spirit and we’ll will see where we can take you…
What do I need?
To try out speed skating you require to have the following equipment:
Speed skates; The club owns a number of speed skates which can be hired. These are loaned out on a first come first served basis.
A helmet (a standard cycle one is fine): We also have a small stock to loan out.
Wear comfortable fitting clothing (no short sleeves)
Gloves.
As you progress you will also require the following:
Knee Pads (football or skateboard ones are fine)
Shin Pads
Neck Protector