WHEN/HOW LONG IS THE SEASON?

• Our season begins each fall at the end of August. The speedskating season goes from September to mid-end of March, depending on scheduled events for that particular year.

WHEN AND WHERE IS PRACTICE?

• Ice practices during the season occur at the University of Illinois Ice Arena, 406 E Armory Ave, Champaign, Illinois every Wednesday evening, from 6:00 to 7:10. We ask for skaters to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early to get ready and warmup beforehand.

HOW GOOD OF A SKATER DO I HAVE TO BE?

• We welcome skaters of all abilities, but we do ask for safety purposes that skaters are able to stand and move freely on thier own without the use of any aids in order to participate in our full practice. If you or your child are new to skating, there are resources we can help you with both within and outside of the club to get you up to speed!

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

• To skate safely, all skaters are required to wear a helmet, (bicycle helmets work well), full fingered gloves, a neck guard (the type hockey players wear), long sleeve shirt and long pants, (these should both be warm and preferably close fitting), ankle guards (cutproof), and eye protection (Safety glasses). Many skaters also wear shin guards, (soccer shin guards work well), and knee pads (volleyball or soccer knee pads are fine). While there are Short Track specific versions of all of these, to start they are not necessary. In addition to the above, you will of course need short track speed skates. When you begin the club can provide you with skates (for a rental fee), a neck guard, ankle guards, and eye protection. If and when a skater develops beyond basic club rental skates and you are ready to buy, we will help you to determine what equipment is most appropriate for you, depending on your skill level and budget.

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO START SPEED SKATING?

• 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. CRS has members ranging from 5 to 60+, we welcome all!

HOW MUCH DOES IT ALL COST?

• Our fee structure is based on your skating membership level, and if you skate ice only or participate in our additional programs. For our Regular Season club fees, reach out to us and we can provide this for you if needed.

DO SPEEDSKATES REQUIRE SHARPENING? HOW OFTEN? IS THIS SOMETHING I CAN DO MYSELF?

• Speed skates are sharpened by hand using a sharpening stone and a jig, they cannot be sharpened on the equipment used for figure and hockey skates. When it comes time for you to learn how to sharpen your skates, you will be given instruction by one of our coaches or experienced skaters.