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EQUIPMENT

Tour skates consist of a circa 50cm long blade. They are attached, with bindings, to specialized boots (similar to walking boots) or cross country skiing boots - often with a free heel. Cross country skiing poles can also be used. In addition the following safety equipment is often recommended:

  • ''ice prods'' or ''ice claws'' - a pair of metal spikes with handles (like sharpened screwdrivers) for hauling yourself out of holes in the ice

  • ''ice pike'' or ''hansa pole'' - a pole with a metal spike (like a particularly sturdy ski pole) used to test the ice thickness

  • ''throwing line'' - a rope to be pulled out of the water by

  • ''rucksack'' with waistband and groin strap, containing change clothes in plastic bags. This also acts as a buoyancy aid.


Knee and elbow pads and a helmet are also commonly used.


SEASON

In late autumn/early winter the small lakes freeze first, sometimes as early as October. If snow falls these lakes can become unskateable. Next the somewhat larger lakes freeze and become skateable.

In January-February parts of the archipelago in the Baltic sea often freeze. This is the time when long skating tours can be undertaken. Tours of 60-80 km in one day are not uncommon - some skate over 150 km.


SAFETY

Tours should never be undertaken alone. An experienced skater with good knowledge of natural ice should always be present.

If skateable ice is found in April (which is common in Sweden and Finland), it is advisable to skate in the morning only. If the night has been clear and cold the ice can be quite safe in the morning but deadly in the afternoon.


ASSOCIATIONS

Sweden's largest tour skating association is The Stockholm Ice Skate Sailing Association . Finland's largest tour skating association is Finland's Tour Skaters


EXTERNAL LINKS IN ENGLISH



PHOTO ALBUMS OF TOUR SKATING

:(Captions are in Swedish)