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Thank you for your interest in new skates!

I'm so happy you've decided to trust Rich@TheRink for your skating needs. This page briefly explains the process for new skates.


Were you aware that as well as retail of new skates, I can offer skate rental? This service is perfect for new skaters growing in size and ability (see why below).

Step 1: Decide if you'd like to buy or rent

Rich@TheRink offers both

 

Buying Skates

If you choose to buy the skates are yours to keep. This suits many people who are no longer growing in size, and are not progressing as quickly through levels (please see why this is important below). It also means that you can truly customize your boots, with heat moulding, new blades - whatever you need.


Buying skates is necessary once you get to advanced levels that require stiffer boots that may need a separate blade, or heat moulding.


If you buy new skates, you'll qualify for 10% discount on guards and a bag.

Renting Skates

Our Learn to Skate Hire model is the first in the UK to be offered to beginner to intermediate skaters. It's quite simple:


  • The skates are like your own - take them home with you in the supplied bag and guards
  • Use them for lessons and./or public skating - they're yours to use
  • Change the skates as often as you need - for the next size up, or a different make/model as you progress through your skating
  • Maintenance (including sharpening) is included in the monthly fee


What's more - if you love the skates you have the option to pay a reduced amount to buy them to keep forever!


There are additional terms and conditions for rented skates.

Step 2: Arrange an appointment, or simply buy online

 

Appointments

  • Rich@TheRink charges a fitting fee for making sure that the boots you buy are the best size and most appropriate type possible.

    • Sadly Rich@TheRink can't be at the ice arena all the time, so the first step is to set up an appointment. We find it best to hold this at the arena, as any boots we have at the arena can be immediately tried on the ice.


    You'll need to provide the following information:


    • UK shoe size
    • Age
    • Skating level
    • What skates the skater currently owns


    For the appointment: Rich@TheRink will endeavour to bring a selection of skates and sizes suitable, but due to limited storage at the ice arena we might not get it exactly right. We will at least be able to:


    • Measure your feet and look at the general foot shape - this will help us understand what type of skate would be best
    • Talk through the different skate options, for your age and level
    • Try on any skates that we have on hand on the day
    • Talk about next steps - if we need to bring in other skates, it could be next-day if we have them in stock at our storage and postal facility, or a few days if we need to get the skates from a supplier. In unusual circumstances there may be a longer wait - for example, if your foot shape requires custom fit.


    Rich@TheRink has 5-star reviews for our fitting and retail services.

    Buy Online

    Most of our stock can be found on our retail web site:


    Shop at TheRink: https://shop.therink.uk


    The shop is organised by level, so you can easily identify the rights sort of skates for your level.

    Buying

    When you buy skates from Rich@TheRink, the first sharpening is provided - however - we strongly recommend that you try the skates on (we will provide a fitting guide) first in order to identify whether the skate is right for you.


    • Different manufacturers have a different general fit for different foot shape
    • Sizing guides provided by the manufacturer are available, but these are guides. Two pairs of boots manufactured to the same size may actually feel and fit differently


    It's extremely important to get the right fit - skating will be much harder otherwise.


    You should also view our Returns Policy prior to buying online.

    Renting

    If you wish to rent skates, please choose online, then contact Rich@TheRink directly for prices.

    Step 3: Taking them home

     

    Once you've decided on a pair of skates, we hold on to them, and get them ready (sharpening, for example). We send you an invoice for payment. Once payment has been made, you can pick up the skates at any time from the ice arena, to take home.


    We will also provide important information for the new skates regarding keeping them in top condition.

    Important Information

    The relationship between skating level, stiffness, and cost

    This section applies to Figure Skates


    Not all skates are equal! When you buy figure skates, they come in a variety of styles and, importantly, stiffness. Recreational skates are always at the lower end of the stiffness skate, mainly for comfort. As you progress through your skating journey you will need to get stiffer skates. Stiffer skates help to support your ankles through spins and jumps. However, getting skates that are too stiff (so called, over-booting) will actually impede your development.


    It's therefore important to get the right stiffness of skate.


    Important: skates bought from high-street shops are often 'recreational' with little ankle support. Rich@TheRink sells skates suitable for Learn to Skate and "serious recreational" skaters only.


    With increased stiffness also comes increased cost. Typically recreational skates can be purchased for less than £100, but by the time you wish to take skating lessons you'll quickly be looking between £100-300 for a decent quality, appropriate stiffness skate.


    Once you progress to spins and jumps the price may increase further still, and often the stiffer skates will not come with a blade, requiring separate purchase.


    Approximate costs:

    Recreational: Under £100

    Beginner (levels 1-4): £100-150

    Advanced (levels 5-8): £150-225

    Starting spins and jumps (up to single rotation only): £200-£350

    Beyond: Boots and blades sold separately.


    Sometimes you can get away with softer skates for more advanced skating, but you will probably find the skates "break down" (loose their support) quickly. This is therefore often a false economy.


    Rich@TheRink always tries to match prices offered by other UK stores, and provides the first sharpening and 10% discount off accessories.

    Skate Features

    Basic skates come out of the box without special features. For figure skates, blades are often fitted already. While the blade can be moved to account for the skaters balance, they will often require repair to the sole of the skate. Various boots will have the following features:


    • Boot Only (figure skates): Some boots do not come with a blade, or you can select a specific blade for the boot.
    • Adjustment screws (figure skates): Skates come only on adjustment screws, designed to align the blade precisely to the skaters balance. Once the blade is aligned correctly, the remaining screws must be inserted (NB: This should be done by a trained skate technician, such as Rich@TheRink)
    • Thermoformable / Heat Mouldable / Custom Fit: Allows the boot to be moulded to the skaters foot shape more precisely, providing maximum comfort and support. Please note: Aura skates must be heat moulded during fitting.
    • Stiffness: Stiffness of the skate should be selected; for figure skates for the level of skating, and for ice hockey for protection.


    In addition to boot features, the blades also have specific features - at the lower levels, where blades are provided with the boot, you will not need to worry. When you reach higher levels please speak to Rich@TheRink about blade features.

    Other Purchase Options

    I'm so thankful you've chosen to visit me - but I'm well aware that you have a choice of skate retailers. If you find the appointment and fitting process too long, you could also try buying skates from many online stores or local retailers.