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