Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to know how to skate before trying to speed skate?
A. The majority of our skaters have had some past experience with either hockey or figure skating. While the stride is quite different, there certainly are benefits to having prior experience before starting speed skating. Our practices are not intended to be "learn to be skate" sessions.
Q. I've never heard of speed skating in Newmarket. Where do you do skate?
A. The Jets are primarily focused on short track speed skating. While some of our skaters have gone on to also do long track, our practices and competitions are all in arenas. The Jets now skate on the Olympic pad (Bobby Forhan arena) at the Magna Centre in Newmarket. This is a state of the art facility that is the home of the Jets.
Q. What type of special equipment will I need to get started?
A. Newcomers to speed skating should have a hard shelled helment (hockey, skateboard, ski, not a bicycle helmet), eye protection, cut proof gloves, bib style neck guard, knee pads and shin guards (soccer pads are fine). The Club has skates for you to try or can rent them for the season if you join. Check the equipment section of our site.
Q. How old do you have to be to start speed skating?
A. Like any sport, the younger you get involved, the better! While we have had skaters as young as five years old skate with us, it can be quite demanding on the younger skaters. This is a high paced sport. Skaters must be mature enough to take direction from the coaches and be aware of what is happening all around them. There are sanctioned competitions for skaters as young as 6 years of age.
Q. I'm a hockey player/figure skater, will speed skating mess me up?
A. Lots of our skaters came from other sports and actually find that speed skating makes them better athletes. Hockey players will see a difference in their speed, even on hockey skates. Speed skating also focuses on endurance and overall fitness. A great recipe for any sport!
Q.Where do I find speed skating equipment?
A. There are not a lot of local retailers that sell speed skating equipment. The Club has arrangements with some vendors and can help you to get setup with the right equipment. You can also purchase speed skating gear from vendors at regional and provincial competitions. When you are just getting started, there is no real need to get much in the way of specialized equipment. The Club can rent you the skates. Most other starter equipment (helmet, gloves, guards etc.) are available from most sports stores.
Q.Where would I be able to see a skating competition?
A. There are different levels of sanctioned race meets around the province, including several within a one hour drive of Newmarket. The competition schedule is posted on our Meet Schedule page. There will be regional meets that are open to skaters registered with a club at various levels. New skaters will race against others of similar abilities. The competition calendar will be posted when the events are scheduled. Newmarket will be hosting a provincial series meet in January of 2023 at the Magna Centre! Check our home page and our social media feeds for specifics for these upcoming events.
Q.I'm a parent, how can I help if I am not on the ice?
A. The Jets are a volunteer organization. We have an appreciation of the sport and want to encourage others to participate. We need parent volunteers to help with off ice activities during practice, like moving pads on/off the ice, helping the skaters get on the ice or filling buckets of water. There are many other organizational roles where we welcome your participation. Please talk to Todd or Shane if you would like to get involved. We welcome your assistance!
Q. Where do I get one of those cool Jets race suits or other Jets apparel?
A. Skaters that regularly compete in race meets will often purchase a Jets racing (skin) suit. These suits, designed by one of our members, have a distinctive look that make our skaters proud to be Jets. They are not mandatory for new skaters. We typically purchase the suits once/year to get a price break. If you are new to the Club, consider purchasing a used suit from another member. New suits are approx $250. Price will vary depending on youth vs. adult sizes and if there is an integrated cut-resitant layer included.
Q. Can I get more ice team beyond what the Jets have to offer?
A. Some neighboring clubs allow guest skaters on their regular practice nights. You will commonly see some skaters from Markham, Toronto and Barrie at some of our Jet practices. Guest skater fees in the range of $25-30/session will apply. Check with the other clubs on their policies.
Q. I have more questions, who can I ask?
A. You can reach out to a member of our Club Executive at practice or via email. Check out the contact section of the site or email info@newmarketspeedskating.com
Last updated: Aug 2022
