When you start your search for figure skates, be aware there’s lots out there on the internet but few good ones!  Don’t be fooled by makes with names associated with the Alps!  Don’t use someone else’s old skates either.

Speaking as an ex ice figure skating coach, I can remember the numerous tragic mistakes pupils, who had not asked for equipment advice, made.  Needless to say these boots ended up in the bin, or at best, the charity shop.

Ice boots need to be strong, leather upper at least, and a minimum stiffness rating of 20 (Graf 500) much higher if you plan to jump with them 48 (Edea Overture)

And you must be willing to spend a bit of money.  Beginner sets start from about £80.  With £40 skates, you are generally better off with the rink skate hire!

The blades must be of good quality steel, and attached by way of screws, not riveted like ice hockey skates and with proper full-size picks on the front. The fit must be close for adults, but perhaps with a little growing room for children, though not more than one size.  Make sure you get the right width skate too. Comfort-wise, unless you get the right width the boots will never be comfortable.

Fasten them up properly, making sure your heel is in the back, with a little space behind the top of the tongue, so that you can bend your knees without the boots cutting into your shins, yet retaining sufficient ankle support.

Beware, most boot manufacturers only offer a particular standard fitting, whatever their websites tell you, so you need to pick your brand and model very carefully and try them on your feet.

Yes, there’s quite a bit to think about, so it really is worth visiting a specialist store like us, and I mean one that stocks all the good brands, Belati, Edea, Jackson, Graf and Risport, and all the good blades from John Wilson, MK and Ultima. Not just a couple of white figure sets along with a row of ice hockey boots.

We will charge a little more than the bargain basement internet prices, but you will be measured and properly fitted within a wide range of goods.  You will also have our aftersales services, like skate sharpening (bad sharpening usually ruins your blades), free blade fitting on the high end models, and advice from people who skated to a high level, virtually all their lives!

Some Suggested Models coming up:

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Now in stock are the new 2015 Bauer hockey skates, get yours now!

Remember all our Bauer skates are pre-sharpened by us on our PROSHARP machine, so no need to wait around, they are ready to go!  

Please note that the stronger the ankle and instep supports, the better!

Nexus 3000

This model is a great beginner recreational skate and takes little time to break-in. It features a light weight mesh package and brushed nylon liner, with a TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro. blade holder and stainless steel runners, making it super light weight. It comes with comfort foam ankle pads and a pre-shaped comfort felt tongue to make it more comfortable. We find this skate quite similar to the Supreme 140 by Bauer, but find this tends to suit those with slightly wider feet.

Bauer Supreme 140

Again a great beginner recreational skate with little break-in time. It features a premium nylon package and microfiber liner and comes with a TUUK LIGHTSPEED Pro. blade holder and stainless steel runners, as well as an anatomical form fit tongue, making this another light weight skate.  It also has an integrated heel/ankle support which provides good heel lock.

Bauer Supreme 150 – 

More to come…

Bauer Supreme 170 – 

More to come…

This summer, we’re featuring the  K2 FitX Pro (2014) and Alexis xPro (2014), both with sharp styling and unique Hi/Lo technology in our range of 2014 inline skates this summer.  The Hi/Lo wheel configuration of 84/84/80/80mm from the rear to the front of the skate gives added control and manoevrability without compromising speed.

Designed for intermediate to advance skaters, at £150 these are the perfect skate for those wishing to go further with their skating – literally!

We’re also carrying the K2 Raider and Marlee Pro boys’ and girls packs, comprising vibration-resistant, durable skates that adjust across three sizes for longevity and a protection kit that includes wrist, knee and elbow pads. All at just £80!

Check out our entire range of K2 2014 inline skates – there’s a pair waiting for you!

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

London Skate Centre supports BBC Children in Need

As part of our winter 2013 ticket offer with Ice Rink Canary Wharf, we’re donating two pairs of ice skates for their BBC Children in Need special event on 12th November 2013.

Skaters at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, in association with Tresor Paris will attempt the to break the world record for the longest conga on ice, which will make its way around the rink and its unique skate path.

There’ll be a raffle on the night to raise funds for BBC Children in Need, with prizes including a pair of our skates and ice-skating tickets, with every participant will be given a limited edition Tresor Paris teddy bear to keep them warm after a night’s skating.

Entry is free, and includes an hour’s free skating on the rink after the event. Participants in the conga will also receive a complimentary ticket to skate at Ice Rink Canary Wharf at any time during the 2013/14 season and, if the world record is broken, a certificate to show they helped break it.

To register as a participant or for more information on fundraising please contact:-

events@icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

London Skate Centre websiteWe’ve rebuilt and redesigned our website to make it as usable and enjoyable as possible for our online visitors. Its new features include:-

  • An adaptable design for use on desktop and mobile devices
  • SSL protection to help protect our customers’ data
  • Optional registration for speedy re-ordering
  • newsletter for our ice figure, hockey and rollerskaters
  • Optional emails to update customers of promotions and sales
  • Categories and filters to help customers find products quickly
  • A contact form so visitors can email us straight from the site

We hope you like our new site. Your feedback is always welcome, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.