CARING FOR SKATES

     Boots and blades can be expensive.  Proper care of the skates can help your
investment last as long as possible.

       Skate guards must be worn whenever the skater is walking on any surface except
the ice.  The edges and sharpening of the blades are quickly damaged
          by walking on concrete floors or other gritty surfaces.  The blades and boot
          soles must be dried before putting on the guards and the insides of the guard
must be cleaned out regularly.

   Guards must be removed when the skates are put away.  Cold blades
     get wet from condensation and will rust if the guards are left on.  Soft terry
         towel covers are available to cover and protect blades in a skate bad or locker.
         Be sure your child takes his or her skates home and out of the bag to dry out the
         leather boots at normal house temperature.  If this is not done, you will find
that the soles get soft (rotting) and the screws loose.

NEXT