Ice skating is a kind of sport that involves moving on the ice with the help of a special type of skate shoes called the ice skates. Ice skating is a term that varies in meaning with the context for it can be done various reasons that include leisure, traveling and sport. Ice skating can either be done on an indoor setting or an outdoor track. Ice skating is sometimes performed on natural bodies of ice too. Ice skating can be performed in individual, in pairs or in groups with graceful spins, jumps and other types of foot works.

The prime equipment needed for ice skating is the skate shoe that can glide over the ice with a very little amount of friction. The normal skate shoes cannot help accomplish this task. That is why ice skates are being used for ice skating. The ice skates differ from the ordinary skate shoes in that they have a metal blade at the bottom of the shoes. The ice skates generally have a set of large, pointy teeth known as toe picks on the front side of the blade. These toe picks are also called as the toe rakes. They mainly help the skater in jumping and are not meant for spins and strokes.

Another ice skating equipment that often accompanies the ice skates is the skate guard. When the skater has to walk with his or her skates and when not walking on the ice, skate guards have to be used. Skate guards are usually made using a hard plastic material. The purpose of the skate guard is to shield the blade from being exposed to dirt or any other matter on the ground that can dull the blade.

A similar ice skating equipment would be soakers. These soakers are soft and act like covers for the blade when the skate shoes are not being worn by the skater. Their purpose is to absorb and suck up condensation.

Clothing is also considered equally significant ice skating equipment for inappropriate and uncomfortable clothing may end up in undesired consequences345. During the practice sessions the skaters prefer wearing leggings that are nothing but tight fitting, stretchy pants. However, for competition appearances, women and men wear different costumes. Women are found to wear skirts or pants. But skirts are far more popular then pants. Men tend to wear pants. Women also wear skin-colored leggings under their skirts for a more pleasing effect.