How do I get started?
You can stop by any time to watch a practice. If you would like to give speedskating a try, please contact us to schedule a time. There are no club fees to try speedskating the first week. However, everyone who gets on the ice must sign a waiver to U.S. Speedskating. If you decide to continue skating, the beginning fee will be credited towards a regular U.S. Speedskating membership in which every skater must be registered and in good standing.
What do I need to bring?
Beginner skaters need a helmet – any kind will do. You should wear long sleeves, pants, speedskating neck guard with attached bib, shin guards, and a pair of gloves. We sometimes may have small to large loaner speedskates available, and the rink can furnish hockey and figure skates if speedskates are not available.
What other equipment is needed if I keep skating?
Skaters should wear a speedskating neck guard with attached bib in addition to a U.S. Speedskating approved helmet, and long sleeves and pants. For competitions, special speedskating helmets and shin guards are also required. Speedskates are also essential. These can be rented from Leading Edge or Don Giese (doninhome@comcast.net) or purchase from any of the vendors listed at www.usspeedskating.org.
From time to time, our club members order new ice blades and team skinsuits, as well as and warm up gear. Please contact the club president or coach Kim if you want more for additional information.
What competitions are available?
There are competitions for all levels of skaters, including beginners. There are several local competitions each year, as well as competitions hosted by clubs in other states. Our club skaters attend several out-of-state competitions each year, including the U.S. Nationals. There are U.S. Nationals host races for beginners, advanced, masters age, and special needs skaters. The schedule for this is posted on the U.S. Speedskating website at www.usspeedskating.org
What other costs are there?
All skaters must be members in good standing of U.S. Speedskating. To see yearly fees for U.S. Speedskating, visit www.usspeedskating.org
Skinsuits
Two types of Leading Edge Skinsuits are available for competition. Suits without Kevlar and suits with Kevlar.
Kevlar under suits are available by online vendors and prices range from $250 for section Kevlar and approximately $500 for full body suits.
Club skating fees vary depending upon how many times per week you want to skate. Drop-in rates are also available. Please contact the club president or vice president for more information.
What is Dryland?
Dryland training is off-ice training that includes warm-up and exercises to help skaters develop the muscles and, stamina, and technique for speedskating. Dryland training is just as important as on-ice training, and we encourage skaters to participate in both.
Rockville Ice Arena
50 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850
301-315-5650
