Parent Questions — Learn to Skate & Beginner Skates
Are Balance Blades good for beginners?
Yes. Balance Blades are designed specifically for beginner skaters. They help prevent rear falls and help children stand, balance, and get moving while learning the basics of skating.
Do Balance Blades help prevent falls?
Balance Blades are designed to help prevent rear falls by providing additional support at the rear of the blade. This helps beginner skaters stay upright and, when they do fall, can help them go down to the ice more safely and under control.
What age can kids start skating with Balance Blades?
Children can start using Balance Blades as young as 2, depending on their foot size and comfort on the ice. Balance Blades are designed for young beginners taking their first steps on the ice.
Are Balance Blades real skate blades?
Yes. Balance Blades use a real single skate blade with built-in assist areas designed specifically for beginners. When the skater is balanced, the blade functions like a standard skate blade. The assist areas engage when additional support is needed.
Are Balance Blades double-blade skates?
No. Balance Blades use a single skate blade. They are not double-runner or BobSkate-style skates. The patented blade design incorporates front and rear assist areas while allowing children to learn using normal skating movements.
How do Balance Blades evolve as skating skills develop?
As your child improves, the front and rear assist areas can gradually be reduced through transitional sharpening. This allows the Balance Blades skate to evolve with the skater as balance, movement, and confidence develop.
Do children need to relearn skating after Balance Blades?
No. Children use normal skating movements from the beginning. As their skills develop, the assist areas can gradually be reduced through sharpening, so there is no new skating technique to learn.
Can Balance Blades be used in Learn to Skate programs?
Yes. Balance Blades can be used in Learn to Skate programs, including CanSkate, Snowplow Sam, Parent & Tot, and other beginner skating programs. There are no Skate Canada restrictions specific to Balance Blades, and they are used by beginner skaters in programs across Canada and the United States.
Can my child wear Balance Blades for hockey?
Yes. Balance Blades can be used for recreational skating and early hockey development. Hockey-style Balance Blades are also available in select youth sizes.
Product & Purchasing Questions
Do Balance Blades come pre-sharpened?
Yes. Balance Blades come pre-shared and ready to use. Transitional sharpening instructions are available on our website.
How do Balance Blades fit?
Balance Blades use an adjustable molded boot that fits differently from leather or stitched hockey and figure skate boots. Available sizes include Youth 6–9, Youth 8–11, and Junior 12–2. Please review our sizing information carefully before purchasing.
When should I start transitional sharpening?
Begin transitional sharpening when your child is confidently standing, moving, and skating without assistance. The assist areas can then be gradually reduced in stages as their skills and confidence develop.
How do I adjust the skate size?
Press the adjustment button on the side of the boot and extend or retract the toe to the appropriate size.
How do I adjust the top strap?
Use the adjustment mechanism on the top strap to create a secure and comfortable fit around your child’s ankle.
How are Balance Blades different from other beginner skates?
Balance Blades are designed specifically for beginner skaters and feature:
- Rear assist areas that help prevent rear falls
- Front assist areas that provide additional support during early movement
- A wider, flatter middle section for improved balance
- Transitional sharpening that gradually reduces assistance as skating skills develop
- A real single skate blade that allows children to learn normal skating movements from the beginning
Where can I buy Balance Blades?
Balance Blades are available online and through select retailers. Visit BalanceBlades.com for current products, sizes, and availability.
Do you provide replacement parts or accept returns?
Replacement parts are not currently available. Please refer to our Returns Policy for current return and warranty information. Policies for purchases made through other retailers may vary.
What are the shipping options and costs?
Orders ship from Canada to Canadian and U.S. destinations. Available shipping options, rates, and estimated delivery times are shown at checkout. Some locations may be excluded.
Questions?
Please contact us directly at customerservice@balanceblades.com.
