Equipment

Rental Equipment

TKK rents skates to children and young people who are members of the club.
Viking Unlimited kr 600,-/season
Short track skates kr 1200,-/season

Purchase Equipment

The club’s equipment supplier is Vikingskipet Sport, the shop located in the Vikingskipet in Hamar. Our contact person is Stein Andersen, who has also been a judge in short track in several Olympics and is very knowledgeable about the sport and equipment.
Stein can supply other equipment from brands like Viking and Maple. Contact us at tkk@kortbane.no to place an order or contact Stein directly at stein.andersen1@gmail.com or call 93 63 41 14. When ordering skate + protective gear packages through the club, it is possible to get discounts.

Short Track Skates

Short track skates are specially designed to handle the sharp turns and high speeds characteristic of the sport. They have several specific features:
  1. Blade length and position: The blade on a short track skate is longer than the shoe itself, with a length ranging between 14 and 18 inches, depending on the skater's height and preferences. Additionally, the blade is offset to the left to make it easier to take sharp left turns without the shoe dragging on the ice.
  2. Blade curve and thickness: The skate blade has a slight curve, which makes it easier to lean into turns and maintain balance. The blade is also somewhat thicker than on long track skates (typically 1-1.2 mm), providing better stability in turns, where pressure and friction against the ice are higher.
  3. Stiff boot: The boots on short track skates are often stiffer and more enclosing than on other skates, providing maximum ankle support and better power transfer. They are typically made of carbon fiber or other composite materials to keep weight low but strength high.
  4. Sharp edge: The blade must be extremely sharp to provide a good grip on the ice, especially in the turns. Skaters often sharpen their blades between races to ensure maximum control.
These specialized features make short track skates ideal for fast, maneuverable movements on the small rink, and they help skaters achieve both speed and precision.

Safety Equipment/Clothing

Clothing and safety equipment for short track skaters are carefully selected to protect skaters from falls, collisions, and the sharp skate blades, while maintaining high mobility. Here is an overview of what they typically use:
  1. Helmet: All athletes must wear a helmet to protect their head in the event of a fall or collision. The helmet must be aerodynamic and often has a smooth surface to minimize air resistance.
  2. Gloves: Skate gloves are made with protective material on the palm, as skaters often touch the ice with their hands in the turns to maintain balance. The gloves are often made of Kevlar or similar strong materials to protect against cuts.
  3. Neck and cut protection: Cut-resistant materials, such as Kevlar, are used in many of the garments, especially around the neck and ankles, to protect against cuts from the skate blades during accidents.
  4. Protective suit: Short track athletes wear tight-fitting suits made from durable and aerodynamic materials. Many suits have built-in cut protection on critical areas like the legs, knees, and upper arms to reduce the risk of injury from collisions.
  5. Knee and shin protectors: For extra protection, especially around the knees and shins, padded or hard caps are used to protect against blows, falls, and possible cuts from other skaters' blades.
  6. Goggles: Although not mandatory, many skaters wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from ice particles and improve visibility at high speeds.
This equipment is designed to balance safety and functionality, so that skaters can perform optimally while being well protected from the most common risks in the sport.

Long Track Skates (Beginner)

Long track skates for beginners are designed to be stable and easy to handle, allowing newcomers to develop good technique and balance without being hindered by advanced equipment. Here are some of the key features of beginner long track skates:
  1. Blade length and shape: Long track skates have long, straight blades that provide stability and make it easier to glide over the ice with minimal friction. Beginner models often have slightly shorter and wider blades than professional skates, providing better control and stability for inexperienced skaters.
  2. Skating mechanism (clap skate): Some beginner long track skates are equipped with a clap mechanism, which causes the heel of the skate to lift while the tip of the blade remains in contact with the ice. This makes it easier to develop proper push technique, as it allows for longer and more effective strides. However, complete beginners may start with fixed blades for more stability before transitioning to clap skates.
  3. Boot design: The boots on beginner models are often softer and more flexible than the stiff, custom-made boots used by elite speed skaters. They provide good ankle support and are made for comfort, which is important for beginners who may take longer to adjust to the skates.
  4. Material and weight: Beginner skates are often made from slightly cheaper materials than professional models, such as synthetic leather or plastic, which keep the weight low while also providing some cushioning and comfort.
  5. Affordability: Long track skates for beginners are generally more budget-friendly, making them ideal for those who want to try the sport without investing in expensive equipment right away.
These skates make it easier and safer for beginners to learn basic techniques and find enjoyment in long track skating. As skills develop, skaters can consider upgrading to skates with more advanced features.