| Double runner ice skates for small beginners have two | | | | down by faster, more agile skaters. Youngsters in |
| blades instead of one, so that a child can stand | | | | these skates tend to be "roadblocks" on the ice, and |
| confidently on the ice right away. Because the skate | | | | for this reason many ice rinks ban the use of double |
| has two blades, which greatly increases stability, | | | | blade skates. |
| maintaining his or her balance will not be difficult for a | | | | Because a child wearing these skates cannot glide, |
| child wearing double-runner skates. When the fear of | | | | cannot complete the basic introductory maneuvers, |
| falling down is reduced or removed, a child will be | | | | and the boots lack toe picks, most skating teachers |
| much more confident and willing to try new things on | | | | and coaches will not permit their beginning skaters to |
| the ice. | | | | wear them. These professionals feel that even the |
| Double runner skates are especially helpful for very | | | | youngest beginner can learn to balance on traditional |
| young children whose balance may not yet be ideal. | | | | single blades with little problem. |
| Once a child has developed enough balance to | | | | Instead, they strongly recommend that as soon as a |
| stand on one foot without support for at least five | | | | child can comfortably wear the smallest boot, and as |
| seconds without losing balance, he or she is probably | | | | soon as the child has the necessary coordination to |
| ready for "real" ice skates. | | | | stand on one foot for the requisite five seconds, |
| "Real" skates have a single blade that bites into the ice. | | | | almost every youngster will be better served by |
| Because skates with two blades do not have the | | | | starting out in a traditional rental skate with a single |
| same ability to glide on the ice, children wearing these | | | | blade than they would be in a double runner ice skate. |
| skates tend to walk flat-footed around the ice. Without | | | | Renting traditional skates is a good investment for the |
| the ability to properly glide they cannot develop true | | | | very young beginner because at that age children's |
| skating skills. | | | | feet grow so quickly that purchasing is probably not a |
| Children wearing these "training skates" are also unable | | | | good initial investment. If your child shows an interest in |
| to maneuver safely on a crowded skating rink. When | | | | continuing with the sport after the first several lessons, |
| there is a crowd on the ice the slower, less | | | | you can then invest in a good pair of figure or hockey |
| maneuverable skaters are easily bumped or knocked | | | | skates. |