Buying a pair of ice skates opens up a world of fun possibilities. Gliding around a frozen pond or local ice skating rink with a pair of ice skates is one of the most popular winter activities around. Hockey skates have also become must-have winter sport items. In fact, ice skating has become a winter trademark in a number of different sports, including figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating. Whichever winter sport you choose, knowing how to Buy Winter Sports Equipment will help in choosing the right pair for you. Sizing: Figure skates should fit snuggly on your foot and must be the correct skate for your skill level. This is rather critical to your performance on the ice. Many manufacturers of figure skates now have figure ice skates in sizes that relate to shoe sizes. This makes finding the properly sized ice skate much easier. Measure both feet when figuring out your shoe size, in case one foot is larger than the other. Measure for foot width while in the sitting position.

Remember the socks you plan to wear. While skating, thin socks should be worn. Some brands will vary in their sizing and fit slightly differently. When you receive your figure skates, try them on before having the blades sharpened. Lace both boots firmly, with most of the lace pressure at the top four eyelets. This creates a more secure fit for ice skating. Hockey: Hockey is a fast-paced sport, and hockey skates shouldn't slow a player down. When looking for ice hockey skates, hockey players need to consider their ice skates as an extension of their feet. Like shoes, it should be natural to wear them because hockey skates are the most important piece of equipment you will buy. Boot: The majority of hockey skates are made with a combination of leather and synthetic materials to increase durability, performance and comfort. The exact mixture of the components, such as Kevlar and graphite, will determine the quality of the skate and the cost. For better protection against pucks and hockey sticks, as well as more support for your ankles, try hard plastic boots.

Goalie skates, the hockey skates worn by goalies, are similar in construction to regular hockey skates; however, they are designed with a wider blade and lower boot for more ankle and foot protection. Blade: Hockey skate blades are made out of steel and have a hollowed out, or concave, shape. The blade radius is the amount of blade that is in actual contact with the ice, and it is an important factor in a hockey skate's performance. The radius is measured by placing both blades together, bottom to bottom, and holding the blades up to the light. Foreclosed Homes For Sale 30126Where the blade edges touch is the blade radius.Boxer Puppies For Sale Washington For beginners, you will want a blade radius of about 5 inches, which increases your ability to propel yourself forward or backwards along the ice while giving stability. White Wicker Full Length Mirror

For help in cutting and turning, look for a blade radius of 3 to 4 inches, and if you are a forward, you'll want a shorter blade radius to aid with maneuverability. Defensemen will want to look for a longer blade radius for extra stability. Goalies use a larger blade radius and have a less hollow grind. Players can grind their hockey skate blades (sharpen the edges), which creates a double edge for added contact with the ice; the deeper the grind, the more maneuverable the skate. Sizing: Choosing the right size of ice hockey skates is a bit different than choosing sizes for figure skates. Hockey skates need to be tighter for more stability and less chafing. You'll also be wearing thicker hockey socks with your hockey skates. Parents: Don't purchase larger hockey skates for your kids to "grow into" because this will stand in the way of their ability to learn, and it could also hurt their feet and ankles. Bundle up: Especially if you ever plan to skate outdoors while ice skating, be sure to have plenty of winter clothing to keep you warm.

It's hard to have fun ice skating if you are freezing the entire time. Stay fit year around: If you want to get serious about figure skating, speed skatingor hockey, you'll want to be in prime physical condition. You can skate in indoor ice skating rinks all year, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to fit in some other activities as well. Try different kinds of sports and exercise to add some variety and keep you physically prepared. Frabill I4 Ice Fishing Bib Pant Frabill I2 Ice Fishing Bib Pant Arctic Ice Chillin Brew Series -2 Degree Reusable High Performance Ice Pack Softspikes Ultimate Cleat Kit - Cyclone Ice Arctic Ice Tundra Series -15 Degree Reusable High Performance Ice Pack Frabill I4 Ice Fishing Jacket Chinook Everest Ice II Melissa & Doug Scoop and Stack Ice Cream Play Set Elkton Portable Pop-up 3 Person Ice Shelter Fishing Tent Lowrance Hook-4 Mid/High Ice Machine FishfinderI live with three guys. I’m swimming in a sea of testosterone on a daily basis.

So, when Alpharetta asked me to come visit and check out the American Girl scene, I was game! It meant pink sheets, high tea and plenty of “girl talk.” I fell in love with the dolls! Samantha is my favorite; her motto speaks to me. “I’ve never met a tree I couldn’t climb, a rule I couldn’t ruffle, or a friend I couldn’t help.” Here are five ways that Atlanta families can experience the magic of American Girl. From the moment you enter the lobby of Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, you are swept away in the American Girl experience. Head to the special American Girl check-in, where a pink carpet awaits you. Your girl receives a special welcome letter and lollipop (and a gorgeous sparkling tiara for  birthday check-ins!) With the package, your room is transformed! Find pink sheets and duvet cover, a pink bean bag, pink trash can, pink alarm clock, pink towels…and a special bed for your American Girl, that you get to take home. After a long day of exploring, enjoy cookies and milk delivered to your room (for your doll, too!)

Mom and Dad will also appreciate that the package includes breakfast at the hotel, free WiFi and free parking. I know my boys would also have loved the pools- both indoor and outdoor! The American Girl Package is only available on weekends. Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta reports that they regularly host 50+ experiences each weekend, so be sure to make a reservation early. Georgia’s only American Girl Store is at North Point Mall in Alpharetta. It includes a large library area, with books and movies; a doll hair salon; the American Girl Bistro and shopping space galore! We sat to tea in the afternoon, tasting finger sandwiches, mini hotdogs, fruit kabobs, yougurt cups and so much more. While you wait, make a tiny American Girl craft to take home — and don’t forget your hair tie..it’s around your napkin! Food comes served so sweetly on a tiered tray and is followed by heavenly dessert like mini cupcakes and chocolate pudding. With so many weekend birthday parties, afternoon tea is only served on weekdays.

I recommend making a reservation. The cost is a very affordable $13.50 per person…well worth it! If your doll needs a special do (or if that ponytale is so “yesterday”) then bring them by the Doll Hair Salon. Prices range from $10-25. Example styles are displayed on the wall for you to choose from. “Extras” at the salon include doll ear piercing, a hearing aid and a special pamper package for your doll. Advanced reservations are not accepted, so come by early especially on a weekend. The American Girl Doll Atlanta location offers speciall events multiple times a week. In August kids can get a baker’s apron (plus one for their doll) and decorate cookies, or learn tips from the Salon stylists about doll hairdos, including how to use the hairclips (and you get to take some home!) I think the most exciting one is an upcoming Meal & Memories with a Grandparent. Eat at the Bistro, play dice games, make a picture fram craft and more. See the website for more details on all the events.