Skate guard

Lore & Background

Skate guards come in two main types: hard guards and soft guards. Hard guards are typically made of plastic or rubber and are used to protect blades when walking on surfaces such as cement, rocks, metal, or wood. The most common type is a plastic sheath held tight by metal springs, which can be trimmed to fit different blade sizes. Another type, the centipede guard, uses an elastic loop around the top of the blade. Soft guards, also called soakers, are plush covers placed over the blade after it has been wiped off to prevent rust during storage. In figure skating, guards historically were made of wood, but plastic has supplanted this in the last thirty years. Figure skating guards often have a simple spring or other mechanical device to hold them tight, and some feature internal lights that blink as the skater walks.

Reader's Guide

Skate guards are significant for preserving the sharpness and condition of skate blades, which are expensive to replace. Hard guards prevent nicks and dulling from walking on non-ice surfaces, extending the time between sharpenings and keeping strides smooth and fast. Soft guards absorb moisture to prevent rust after a skating session. A common safety issue is forgetting to remove hard guards before stepping onto the ice; the wide rubber or plastic can cause the skater to slip and fall, potentially resulting in a blow to the head. Proper use involves removing hard guards before skating and applying soft guards during storage. Hard guards also provide some extra stability when walking on land, though they should not be relied upon for balance.

Did You Know?

• Hard guards can be trimmed to fit different sizes of blades.
• Soft guards are also called soakers.
• Forgetting to remove hard guards before stepping onto ice can cause a dangerous fall.