Speed Skate Nova Scotia

Speed Skate Nova Scotia is the governing body for the sport of speed skating in Nova Scotia. It is a branch of Speed Skating Canada, and a member of Sport Nova Scotia.

Speed Skaters

Speed Skating

In Nova Scotia, long track speed skating is done on the  Emera Oval in Halifax while short track speed skating takes place at arenas across the province. 

Short Track

Short track speed skating is done indoors on regular arena ice. The international competition track is 111.12 metres, with a number of smaller tracks used for younger skaters.

Short track events are all “mass start” with multiple skaters on a single track. In mass start events, there are usually heats and finals, and the skater who comes first in the final wins, even though they may not have the fastest recorded time in the heats.

Internationally, long track speed skating is referred to only as speed skating, while short track is referred to as short track speed skating.


Long Track

Long track speed skating is done primarily on 400 metre oval tracks, though there are other oval sizes, and some long track racing on natural ice surfaces such as rivers and lakes.

Long track events can be either “mass start” with multiple skaters on a single track, or “Olympic style” with two skaters in separate lanes. In Olympic style competition, the races are “time trials”, meaning that the skater with the fastest time wins. In mass start events, there are usually heats and finals, and the skater who comes first in the final wins, even though they may not have the fastest recorded time in the heats.



Speed Skating Overview

We’ve answered a few frequently asked speed skating questions below.

Speed Skating Canada also provides a comprehensive overview on the history of speed skating on their website.

FAQs

What is speed skating?
 

Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other in traveling a certain distance on skates. Types of speed skating are long track speed skating, short track speed skating, and marathon speed skating.

Speed skating is always done counter-clockwise, with only left hand turns. Speed skating blades are specifically adapted for turning left, and will not easily navigate a right hand turn.


What is the difference between short track and long track speed skating?

Short track speed skating is done indoors on regular arena ice. The international competition track is 111.12 metres. Long track speed skating is done indoors or outdoors on an oval track that is usually 400 metres. Some types of long track events may be done on longer or shorter tracks.

Long track events can be either “mass start” with multiple skaters on a single track, or “Olympic style” with two skaters in separate lanes. Short track events are all mass start. In Olympic style competition, the races are “time trials”, meaning that the skater with the fastest time wins. In mass start events, there are usually heats and finals, and the skater who comes first in the final wins, even though they may not have the fastest recorded time.

Internationally, long track speed skating is referred to only as speed skating, while short track is referred to as short track speed skating.

Who can speed skate?

Anyone can speed skate. Recreational speed skaters skate for fun and fitness, but competitive opportunities are available to skaters of all ages if they are interested.

Speed skating can be a lifelong pursuit. There is an active Masters skating community in Canada and around the world.


How can I learn to speed skate?

Speed skating clubs across Canada provide training in speed skating. Speed Skating Canada has a club finder on its web site.

Check out our Clubs page to find a club in Nova Scotia

What types of skates are used for speed skating?

Competitive speed skaters generally use either a short track boot with a detachable fixed short track blade, or a long track boot with either a detachable fixed long track blade or a detachable klap blade. The boots are often fully or partially moulded from materials such as Kevlar or fiberglass. Long track boots are lower than short track boots, and provide greater ankle flexibility, while short track boots provide greater ankle support for the tighter short track turns.

Both long track and short track blades are rockered. They are also usually adapted for left hand turns by bending the blade, and setting it on the boot with an offset. The blades vary in length depending on the size of the skater. The most common lengths would be between 15 and 17 inches. The long blade creates the typical long gliding stride of the speed skater, but also necessitates the use of crossover strides for turning.

Recreational speed skaters sometime use skates with permanently attached blades. Recreational and marathon skaters also sometimes use Nordic skates, which consist of a cross country ski boot with a clip on blade. These are generally designed for use on rougher natural ice surfaces.

See this link for a good technical article on speed skating blades.

Where can I buy equipment? Can I rent skates?

There are two suppliers of speed skates in the HRM. Both racing and recreational speed skates are available at The Trail Shop. Sportwheels in Sackville sells recreational speed skates.

Speed skating clubs generally have a small inventory of speed skates available for rental by new members.

Beginning in the 2013-2014 season, Speed Skate Nova Scotia is making a small inventory of speed skates available at the Emera Oval through the HRM skate rental program.

Our Mission

The mission of Speed Skate Nova Scotia is to promote, develop and govern the sport of speed skating in Nova Scotia.

Accessibility and Inclusiveness

We believe that skating is an iconic Canadian experience that should be accessible to all Nova Scotia residents regardless of their personal cir cumstances.

Excellence

We will strive for excellence of athletic activity, coaching, officiating and administration in order to provide our members with the opportunity to fulfill their personal potential in the sport.

Respect

We will act with respect in all of our dealings, and will seek to instill in our membership respect for themselves, for others, for rules and regulations, for equipment and facilities, and for the privileges and opportunities they are offered.

Fairness and Integrity

We will provide fair and equitable training and competitive experiences, and will act with integrity in all of our dealings.

Health and Safety

Training and competition practices must protect skaters from injury, and be designed to ensure their long term health and well-being.

Fun

Participants in speed skating should experience the joy of sport.

Giving Back

As we are supported by our communities, so will we also give back in ways that strengthen and support the well-being of those communities.

Our Vision

Speed skating will become an accessible winter sport for all Nova Scotians, and a full and rewarding option for Nova Scotians with aspirations to an athletic career.