Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

1. When and where is practice?
2. How much does skating cost?
3. How do I join?
4. How good of a skater do I have to be?
5. How old does my child need to be to skate?
6. What equipment do I need to get started?
7. Where can I purchase speed skating equipment?
8. How can you accommodate skaters of different abilities at the same practice?

When and where is practice?

We skate Wednesday's from 6:00PM to 6:50PM at the Riverside Ice Rink, and on Sunday's from 1:00PM to 1:50PM at the Cazenovia Ice Rink. For additional practice information please go to our practice page.

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How much does skating cost?

Our fee structure is based on your membership level, and if you skate one or two days a week. For our club fees please click here.

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How do I join?

Please go to our Membership page for all of the necessary information and forms. Please note that in addition to joining Buffalo Speedskating you will also have to join US Speedskating for insurance purposes. You will find their membership form on our page as well.

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How good of a skater do I have to be?

We welcome skaters of all abilities. That said, while you certainly do not have to have any speedskating experience, you do need to be able to skate well enough on figure skates or hockey skates to get around the rink.

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How old does my child need to be to skate?

We encourage children to begin skating as soon as they show interest, and have the ability to safely skate around the rink. For the safety and enjoyment of all skaters, your child must also have the maturity, patience, and concentration necessary to follow instructions from our coaches and  skaters.  We would be happy to meet with you and your child if you have any questions about his or her readiness to speedskate.

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What equipment do I need to get started?

To skate safely all skaters are required to wear a helmet, (bicycle helmets works well), full fingered gloves, a neckguard (the type hockey players wear), and a long sleeve shirt and long pants, (these should both be warm and preferably close fitting). Many skaters also wear knee pads (volleyball or soccer knee pads are fine), shin guards, (soccer shin guards work well), and Eye protection. While there are Short Track specific versions of all of the above, to start they are not necessary.

You will of course also need skates. To start hockey or figure skates will work. However, to develop as a skater you will need to acquire short track speed skates. Depending on your size we may be able to provide you with skates in the short term, and when you are ready to buy, we will help you to determine which boots and blades would be most appropriate for you, depending on your skill level and budget.

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Where can I purchase speed skating equipment?

There are two main suppliers that most of our skaters use, Dimon Sports, and Special Equipment Co. You will also find further resources on our links page. Our coaches and more experienced skaters are always happy to help with your equipment questions.

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How can you accommodate skaters of different abilities at the same practice?

We split our skaters into 3 groups based on ability,  C, B and A  (fast, faster and fastest), and all three groups are on the ice at the same time. While one group is skating on the track, the others are working on technique in the center of the ice, or simply warming up or cooling down while waiting their turn.

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If you have a question that is not answered here please contact us, or stop by a practice, we are always delighted to meet and talk with those interested in this wonderful life long sport.