Madison Speed Skating Club - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Madison Speed Skating Club?

Just come to practice and we'll get you started. Look at the practice schedule for the time and location of our next practice. Fill out a waiver and bring it with you. We would also appreciate you sending us a note on the forum to let us know you'll be coming, especially if you will be borrowing skates. Please show up 30 minutes early, and seek out a coach for instructions on getting ready for the ice.

How do I stay in touch with the club?

We have two Google Group forums that you should join:

• Madison Speedskating Announcements is for important announcements. Only coaches will be able to post messages. Please enable receipt of E-mail from this group.
• Madison Speedskating is for general discussions. You may receive E-mail, or choose to view messages on the web only.

How competitive is the club?

We serve all levels of skaters, from novices to Olympians. No skater is too young or old. Some of our skaters choose not to compete, and a few have won gold at the Olympics.

What equipment do I need?

• Check with us to see if we have loaner speed skates in your size. If you need to bring your own skates, you may use any kind of skates, but obviously true speed skates are the most fun! For the very young, it is probably most cost effective to use hockey skates. Hockey skates are preferable to figure skates because the toe pick can get in the way.
• Helmets, long sleeves, long pants and gloves are required.
• Sweat pants are fine, running tights are preferable. Dedicated club members and competiting athletes will wear the Madision Speed Skating Club skinsuit.
• At the skater's discretion, knee pads, shin guards, elbow pads, neck protection, ankle protection and eye protection can be a good idea.
• For competition, shin guards and neck protection are usually required.

Does the club have equipment to rent or borrow?

Yes, we do. We have skates, helmets and pads available to borrow for a session, free of charge. We may not have skates available in every size, however, so you should contact the club so we can check our inventory for you. If you wish to take home our equipment for the whole season, you may rent our skates for $50, and skinsuits for $25. New skinsuits are also available for purchase.

How much does it cost to skate with the club?

If you have never speed skated before, your first 3 sessions are free! After that, the "drop-in" rate for a single session is $20. Regular club members will pay a bulk rate for the whole season, which costs less per session. The club runs a concession stand at the UW Madison Badgers home football games, and working at the stand will reduce the cost of membership.

Whom do I contact about club dues?

You may talk to any of our coaches or board members, but our Treasurer Missy Riley (608-221-9551) is the best point of contact.

Does the club do short track or long track speed skating?

Both. All of our practices and competitions in Madison are short track, which uses an 111.12m track marked on a hockey rink. However, many of our club members travel together to the the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee to practice and compete at long track, which requires a 400m skating oval.

Where are club practices?

Short track ice practices are held either at Hartmeyer Ice Arena, Madison Ice Arena, McFarland Community Ice Arena or the Mandt Park Ice Arena. See the schedule for details. Weather permitting, outdoor practices are sometimes held at Vilas Park.

Do I need to join US Speedskating or the Wisconsin Speedskating Association?

Yes, because our insurance coverage comes from these umbrella organizations, you must join both US Speedskating and the Wisconsin Speedskating Association. Also, to enter most competitions, you must be a US Speedskating member for the same reason. New skaters paying the drop-in rate have 1-day memberships included in the drop-in fee.

Does the club do inline speedskating?

We do inline speed skating for training during the spring, summer and fall. Some of our members do inline competitions. However, traditionally the main focus of the club is ice.