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Like every sport, speed skating requires some sort of uniform. These range from the one piece "skin suit" to running or bicycling tights. The function of the uniform is to allow freedom of motion and to reduce wind resistance to a minimum. Obviously then, it must be tight fitting, lightweight and stretchy. Any clothing that meets these requirements is perfectly acceptable. Clothing such as blue jeans, bulky sweaters or wide leg pants reduce the freedom of limb motion, increase wind resistance and can cause the wearer to trip.

For beginners a track suit is adequate. Running and bicycle tights also serve well. The choice of a uniform is dictated only by three criteria: allow freedom of motion, reduce wind resistance, and conform to the body's shape. For competition a club skin suit will be provided, but must not be worn for practice sessions.

The following is a list of equipment that is mandatory. The equipment must be on BEFORE a skater goes on the ice.

Helmet: A hockey, snowboard, or skating board helmet will do. CSA approved speed skating helmets available are LAS helmets or Louis Garneau helmets. No Bicycle helmets are allowed.

Neck Guard: The bib type worn by hockey players.

Gloves: Leather, work gloves are fine. As are cross country skiing gloves, baseball batting gloves, and soccer goalie gloves. Woolen or knit gloves are not allowed.

Shin Guards: Hard plastic soccer shin guards or built-in puncture/cut resistant protection.

Knee Pads: Volleyball or lacrosse knee pads (soft) work fine.

Shatter Resistant Protective Sport Glasses: Shatter resistant glasses are mandatory for all skaters (clear or yellow are recommended) or a complete visor. Glasses must be held in place by an elastic strap.

The skate bag is an important part of the equipment. Your bag should be waterproof and large enough to carry everything. In addition to the list above it is a good idea to include; a rag to dry off the skates properly, wool guards or cloth to wrap the blades in, (do not leave your blades in the plastic guards), a change of clothes, spare socks, safety pins, Band-Aids, Kleenex, and most importantly a spare pair of laces.

The most important factor in fitting a skate is to have a sung heel in order to decrease ankle wobbling and promote stability. The skate should not pinch anywhere along the foot and there should be adequate room in the toes. If the toes are touching the end of the skate, it is too tight.

With the skate laced up, there should be some separation between the two rows of eyelets in order to allow for proper tightening.

Some things to check on your skates are; ensure each of the blades are the same length, they should line up straight on the boot, both blades should be set in the cups at the same angle and the blades should be free of rust.

There are two basic types of speed skates, one for short track skating and one for long track skating. The short track skate is usually of heavier construction as stability and durabilty are more important than lightness.The short track blade is thicker and shorter than the long track blade because of the shaper turns and consequent higher stresses imposed by the short track. Short track skates have higher cups and boots than long track skates to aid in cornering at high speeds and in stabilizing the foot and ankle. The blades on a pair of short track skates can be set over to the left of each boot so that the skater can lean into a turn without hitting the edge of the boot. Long track skate blades are not offset on the boots and are thinner and longer to reduce ice friction and allow more glide. Clap skates are only used for long track speed skating. They are hinged at the toe and the heel detaches from the boot allowing the blade to glide on the surface longer.