Mothers of new figure skaters are often faced with the question of how to dress their child for figure skating lessons so that he is not cold and not hot, so that he does not get wet when he falls, so that his hands and feet do not freeze. And the head should be more or less warm.
A coach can provide basic advice, but we also have some recommended list from our own experience.
First of all, thermal underwear. This is underwear that is worn on the naked body. Its main functions are to remove moisture and retain heat. Why is it so important to remove moisture? With intense movements, the child's body produces sweat (even when it seems to us that the child is not wet, it may be wet). During the class, active movements alternate with slower ones. Then the child begins to cool down. And if she is wearing a cotton t-shirt, she will end up in a wet, cold t-shirt/undershirt. Of course, this can lead to a cold or more serious health complications. Therefore, it is important that the fabric that touches the body has moisture-wicking properties. It can retain heat thanks to the air that accumulates between the villi. Therefore, it is desirable that the fabric is made of fleece.
Thermal underwear usually consists of leggings, which are practiced in skating, and a long-sleeved T-shirt or leotard (bodysuit).
On top of the thermal clothing, wear a dress with upper leggings that do not fit inside the skates, or a suit: pants with a jacket with a zipper. There is also a jumpsuit option. This layer should also be "breathable", because it should divert excess heat to the outside, that is, help to cool down quickly, but maintain the core body temperature. So a fleece fabric with special pile properties is ideal for this function.
Basically, that's enough. But there are rinks with different temperatures and all children are different. Some may need an extra layer of clothing. This is usually a vest.
We recommend wearing a headband. If the child is very cold, then a hat is better, but in most cases the bandage copes with the tasks. That is, it covers the ears, but allows excess heat to escape through the uncovered part of the head. Small children are often advised to exercise with a helmet. Do not neglect the safety recommendations of the trainers.
Gloves must be worn. They should not be too warm, because then you will want to take them off. And without gloves, it's still uncomfortable, cool. And falling with gloves is a little softer. Also, they can and, most likely, will get wet from a fall. So the fabric should heat up quickly and be warm even when wet.
It is desirable to have specialized socks. So that they are thermal, that is, they retain heat and remove moisture. And the sole can be with rubber, so that they do not slide on the shoe.
We recommend wearing covers on skates. After all, they will hold the laces if they come loose, so that they do not get under the blade, and therefore do not give the opportunity to fall and get injured. They protect the skate from scratches. New professional skates are not cheap. Therefore, it is better to change the covers several times during the season than the skates. Take care of your main tool!
And if the suit is beautiful and comfortable, the desire to practice only increases, and therefore the results will be much faster. So inspiration to your skaters! And add emotions to your life!
