What’s In Your Bag?
The True Cost of Figure Skating Equipment: What Every Skater Really Needs in Their Bag
After understanding the overall cost of figure skating, many families ask the next natural question: What exactly do we need to buy?
The good news is that a well-packed skating bag doesn’t need to be excessive — it needs to be intentional. Knowing which equipment is essential, how often items need replacing, and where hidden costs can pop up helps families plan smarter and avoid unnecessary purchases.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what belongs in every skater’s bag — and what to expect in terms of upkeep and cost.
Skates: The Most Important Investment
Figure skates are the foundation of a skater’s development. Proper fit and support matter far more than brand or appearance.
What to Know:
Skates should match the skater’s level, size, and strength
Over-booting (buying skates that are too stiff) can slow progress
Growing skaters may need replacements more frequently
💡 Planning tip: A well-fitted skate supports technique, reduces injury risk, and often saves money long-term by preventing frequent adjustments or replacements.
Blades & Sharpening: Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Blades are separate from boots at many levels and require regular maintenance.
Sharpening Costs:
Most skaters need sharpening every 20–40 hours of ice time
Costs vary by technician, but sharpening is a recurring expense
Poor sharpening can affect balance, confidence, and safety
💡 Bag essential: Always store skates properly to protect blade edges between sessions.
Soakers & Hard Guards: Small Items, Big Protection
Soakers:
Fabric covers used off-ice to absorb moisture
Prevent rust and blade damage
Inexpensive but essential
Hard Guards:
Used when walking off-ice
Protect blades from chipping
Should never be worn for storage
Together, these items significantly extend blade life and reduce replacement costs.
Towels & Blade Care
A simple towel in the bag is often overlooked — but critical.
Used to dry blades immediately after skating
Helps prevent rust and corrosion
Microfiber or cotton towels work well
💡 Tip: One towel for blades, one for hands/face helps keep gear cleaner.
Gloves: Safety and Comfort
Gloves serve both practical and protective purposes.
Keep hands warm on cold ice surfaces
Provide protection during falls
Improve grip for younger skaters
Many skaters keep a backup pair in their bag.
Socks: Fit Matters More Than Thickness
Not all socks are created equal in skating.
Best options:
Thin, seamless socks
Knee-high or crew length depending on preference
Avoid thick athletic socks that affect skate fit
Poor sock choices can cause pressure points or blisters, leading to discomfort and unnecessary boot adjustments.
Padding & Protection: Preventing Small Issues from Becoming Big Ones
Bunga Pads (or similar):
Protect against blisters and pressure points
Especially helpful during growth spurts or new skates
Reusable and customizable
Padded Shorts:
Common for beginners and developing skaters
Reduce fear of falling
Provide hip and tailbone protection
These items support confidence and allow skaters to focus on learning — not discomfort.
“Just In Case" Items
Even with the best preparation, skating has a way of throwing surprises your way. A loose lace, an unexpected blister, or a small scrape can quickly derail a practice if you’re not prepared. Keeping a few simple “just in case” items in your skating bag can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a missed session.
Some essentials that many skaters like to always have on hand include:
Extra pair of laces
You want to have these before you need them — laces often fail without warning.Bandages / blister pads
Blisters happen, but so do small cuts and scrapes, especially with moves that involve grabbing the blade.Athletic or skate tape
Useful for securing loose padding, taping over hot spots, or stabilizing small issues without stopping practice.Pain reliever (as age-appropriate and parent-approved)
Helpful for managing minor aches or headaches — especially during long sessions or competition days.Instant cold pack
A lightweight, single-use ice pack can be invaluable for minor bumps or sore spots and helps reduce inflammation quickly.Notebook or small journal
Many skaters like to jot down corrections, reminders, goals, or competition notes while they’re fresh.Extra hair ties / clips (for long hair)
A simple thing that can prevent constant distractions during practice.Spare socks or tights
Wet feet or torn tights can end a session early if there’s no backup.Small zip pouch for first-aid items
Keeps everything easy to find and prevents loose items from disappearing into the bottom of the bag.
Planning Ahead Saves Money
Equipment costs are most manageable when families:
Anticipate growth spurts
Schedule blade sharpening regularly
Replace worn items before they cause issues
Ask questions before making major purchases
At Skate VIDA, we encourage families to view equipment as part of a long-term plan — not a series of reactive purchases.
Final Thoughts
Figure skating equipment doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of what truly matters, families can build a skating bag that supports progress, safety, and enjoyment — without unnecessary stress.
If you ever have questions about skate fit, blade care, or equipment needs, the Skate VIDA coaching team is always happy to help families make informed, thoughtful choices.
We want to hear from YOU!
Use the comments section below to tell us something essential that you keep in your own skate bag.
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The Financials of Figure Skating
This series explores the financial, logistical, and emotional commitments of figure skating, helping families make informed, sustainable decisions.Read the full series:
• The Financials of Figure Skating
• Private Lessons vs. Group Classes
• Figure Skating Equipment Essentials
• The Hidden Costs: Time, Energy, and Family Commitment