EQUIPMENT
Skate Rentals & Maintenance
Rental options, costs, fitting and blade care for Dartmouth Crossing skaters.
Which skates are available?
The club maintains an inventory of speed skates for use at the arena for the First and Fast Strides programs and for rent for all other programs. There are three types of skates in the inventory:
Viking Adjustable Skates
Viking Adjustable Speed Skates are ideal for our youngest and newest skaters. These skates feature an adjustable boot that accommodates growing feet, making them an excellent choice for children learning to skate.
Their longer, flatter blades provide greater stability and help beginners develop balance, confidence, and basic skating skills.
These skates are primarily used in our First Strides – Learn to Skate program. Club-provided skates are available for use during lessons, subject to availability, and are returned at the end of each session.
Zandstra Recreational Speed Skates
Zandstra Recreational Speed Skates are a great option for beginner and recreational skaters who need larger sizes than those available in our Viking Adjustable skates.
Available in European sizes 35–47, these skates feature a comfortable, supportive boot and longer speed skating blades that help skaters develop balance, control, and proper skating technique.
Skaters enrolled in First Strides – Learn to Skate may use these skates during lessons at no additional rental cost, subject to availability.
They are also available for seasonal rental by members participating in other club programs, at the same rental rate as regular speed skates.
Regular Speed Skates
Regular Speed Skates are designed for skaters who have developed their basic skating skills and are ready to advance their speed skating technique, speed, and racing abilities.
These skates feature specialized speed skating boots and long blades that allow skaters to develop more efficient strides, improve cornering, and maximize their performance on the ice.
Regular speed skates are recommended for participants in our Fast Strides – Learn to Speed Skate, Competitive 100, and Competitive 111 programs.
The club maintains an inventory of regular speed skates from several manufacturers. Because sizing varies between brands, skaters should attend a fitting session to ensure a proper fit.
Renting is an affordable option for growing skaters and families who are new to competitive speed skating, allowing them to use quality equipment without the expense of purchasing their own skates.
Rental fees
| Rental option | Listed fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| One session (Fall session or Winter session) | $100 |
| Whole year (mid-July–mid-April) | $125 |
Rental conditions and care
- Renters must be current registered members in good standing.
- Rental fees are paid in full before skates leave the arena.
- Hard blade guards and soft soakers are included with rental skates.
- Hard guards are for walking off ice; never leave them on for blade storage.
- Skaters or parents handle routine blade maintenance and should attend a sharpening demonstration.
- Do not use ordinary commercial hockey skate sharpening equipment on speed skating blades.
- Renters are responsible for loss or damage beyond normal wear.
- Return skates clean, sharpened, correctly laced and with both guards and soakers at the end of the period.
- The existing website lists replacement fees of $18 for soakers and $25 for hard guards.
There is a limited inventory of skates available for rental, so skaters wishing to rent skates for the season should attend an early fitting session.
For fittings and availability, contact the club by email ↗.
Sharpening guidance
Speed skate blades should be sharpened by hand in a specialized jig with stones to preserve the blade profile. Ask club personnel to show you how before attempting it. After use, dry blades and store them in soakers; do not store with hard guards installed.