To cancel your subscription, visit one of our branches and return your skates and skate bag. Your subscription will then be cancelled immediately and your deposit will be refunded. Make sure you know the surname under which the subscription was taken out. You can also return the skate bag with skates, with sufficient postage, to: Smart Skate, Treubweg 15-17, 1112 BA Diemen.

There is no fixed end date. The subscription ends when you return the skates and the skate bag. In principle, you can keep the skates at the end of the skating season; the direct debit will stop when your skating rink closes. When the new season opens, you can start skating again and the direct debit will automatically resume.

Yes, when you terminate your subscription, you must return all materials supplied, including the bag and protectors.

Please note that the fit of different skates can vary considerably. The stiffness of the boot, the specifications of the blades and the height of the boot also vary. We recommend visiting one of our branches, where our specialists can help you find skates that suit your needs and abilities.

Yes, that is possible. What you need to do: return your skates, and your subscription will be cancelled. Create a new subscription and reserve a different model. Please note that when changing models, the size may also differ. If you are unsure about the size, please visit one of our branches to try them on.

Yes, of course. Never continue skating with the wrong size, as this is bad for your feet and also spoils your skating pleasure. Send an email to Smart Skate customer service with your request for a size change, and we will provide the desired size, or visit one of our branches. [email protected]
Maintenance and Problems.

Your subscription includes a sharpening service. Visit one of our branches and we will make sure they are sharp again.

Visit one of our branches or contact Smart Skate customer service for repair or replacement.

You cannot purchase the skates you have rented, but depending on the duration of your subscription, we can offer you an attractive discount on a comparable new pair of skates.

The contract ends when you return the skates and bag and indicate that you wish to cancel.

Yes, but we recommend having this done at a certified sharpening service and not at a bicycle shop, shoemaker or hardware store. We are happy to sharpen them for you at our branches, and it doesn't cost a thing!

Please consult the Smart Skate website, where you will also find the range of inline skates.

This depends on how often you use them and your preferences. Leasing can be advantageous for children who grow out of their skates quickly, but also for adults who want to try out equipment or are not yet sure whether they will enjoy skating. Buying skates is expensive, so leasing can greatly lower the threshold for enjoying skating without high start-up costs. With leasing, there are no surprises with the costs; you know exactly what you will be paying because there are no sharpening or service costs.
Leasing is also ideal for switching to a different model. Some people want to try switching from combination skates to leather skates, while others are curious about the possibilities of clap skates, or whether they are ready for them. In short, leasing is more flexible, and with purchased skates, you really have your own skates for now and in the future.

Clean and dry them thoroughly after each use. The bag supplied contains a drying cloth. Dry the skates thoroughly immediately after skating and repeat this at home. Store them in a dry environment and have them sharpened regularly.

Rust is caused by moisture. Make sure you dry the skates thoroughly after use and do not store them in a damp environment.

Come to one of our branches as soon as possible. Rust corrodes the steel, so there is damage. We will clean the blades and then sharpen the skates.

You can buy new protectors at our branches. Do not walk next to the ice without protectors, as this will damage the blades.

Yes, thermoplastic skates can be heated to fit your feet. This can be done at one of our shops. It is advisable to make an appointment. After heating, you cannot skate on them the same day, as the thermoplastic needs time to harden.

Shorttrack skates usually have a smaller curvature (radius) for better manoeuvrability on the tight turns of a shorttrack. Smart Skate shorttrack skates have a curvature that is perfect for both beginners and experienced short track skaters.

Yes, you can. It is possible to rent skates for yourself and, for example, your children on one account. Or you can rent Norwegian skates and short track skates for yourself.

Pay attention to the support of the ankles, the fit, the stiffness of the boot and the quality of the blades. The more difficult the jumps you make, the stiffer the boot should be. There is also a difference in the points of the blades and the curve. We can tell you all about this at our branches.

This depends on the use. Leather skates offer less support and require a little more balance from the children. They are ideal for children who are already a little more experienced. In addition, leather skates generally allow you to sit a little “deeper”, i.e. get into the skating position a little more. Combination skates are often more comfortable for beginners. They provide maximum support and are ideal for discovering the fun of skating.

For athletic users, skates with a thermoplastic boot and high-quality blades are recommended, usually clap skates. Much depends on whether you are able to quickly find your balance on the rather narrow blades.

For beginners, comfortable and stable skates such as combi skates are recommended. These provide a lot of support and you are not so high on the ice, which puts much less strain on your ankles.

Skates should fit snugly but not uncomfortably. The size you need varies depending on the type and brand of skate. Often, a size smaller than your normal shoe size is fine for Viking, for example, while other brands have a different fit. Combi skates often fit true to size, but always try them on for the best fit.

High boots offer more ankle support, while low boots offer more freedom of movement and are often used for speed and manoeuvrability.

This depends on use, but on average after every 10 to 15 hours of skating on artificial ice. On natural ice, you need to sharpen much more often because the ice is often (unnoticed) much dirtier. If you are unsure whether your skates are blunt, drop by one of our branches and we can quickly assess whether they need sharpening.

On the long track, a curvature of 21 is common. This means that if you were to extend the line of the blade into a circle, the radius would be 21 metres. A curve is important so that you can steer with the skate. Without the (correct) curve, you cannot perform your skating technique properly. If you always skate on harder ice, such as at Thialf, you could also opt for a slightly flatter curve (22 or 23 metres).

Clap skates hinge under the ball of your foot, allowing the skater to maintain contact with the ice for longer, which is more efficient. When walking, we are used to rolling our feet, which is what happens when skating on clap skates, resulting in a more natural movement pattern. With fixed skates, your ankle is and remains fixed at an angle, which is actually a very unnatural way of moving for most people.

Yes, clap skates can be faster because they transfer energy more efficiently with each stroke. There is longer contact with the ice.

From around the age of 10, clap skates are also suitable for children, depending on their skating experience. For younger children, combination skates are preferable.

Clap skates may require slightly more maintenance due to the moving parts such as the axles and springs. 

Which skates are best for natural ice?
For natural ice, sturdy skates such as Norwegian skates or combination Norwegian skates with good ankle support and wide blades for stability are recommended for most people. In addition, there are various touring skates (Salomon, Zandstra, etc.) with removable blades that are very comfortable and warm.

Choose skates with good ankle support, such as combi Norwegian skates.

Combi speedeskates offer a good balance between support, comfort and ease of use, and are suitable for both beginners and slightly more advanced skaters.

This depends on the use and type of skates, but in general, all skates should be sharpened regularly for optimal performance. On artificial ice, you should have your skates sharpened after about 10 hours of skating. If you skate once a week, we recommend having your skates sharpened before the skating season and halfway through winter. If you are unsure whether they are blunt, feel free to drop by and we will give you good advice.

No, the stiffness of skate blades varies depending on the type and quality of the steel.

No, the hardness of the steel varies. Harder blades generally stay sharp longer. The choice of steel hardness depends on your personal preference on the one hand and what you use them for on the other. Sprinters need a different hardness than marathon skaters.

Not necessarily. Harder steel can stay sharp longer, but it can also be too stiff. It depends on your skating style and preference.

Pay attention to the fit, ankle support, stiffness of the boot and quality of the materials.

To stay fit, it is best to skate at least two to three times a week.

It depends on how fit you are, of course. Muscle pain can occur when you start skating or after an intensive session. The chance of muscle pain decreases as your fitness improves and your specific skating muscles become more exercised.

Yes, you can cross your legs in the bend with combination skates. However, there are limits to how fast you can go, i.e. how steeply you can take the bend. The faster you skate, the more you lean. If you really want to go faster, you will have to consider other skates, because there is a chance that your boot will touch the ice, as you generally stand lower on the ice with combination skates.

In the past, there were low and high Norwegian skates. High Norwegian skates were intended for skaters with more speed so that they could lean really well into the corners. Today, the better skaters all use clap skates because of the enormous advantages and better performance they offer.

Fixed skates offer more stability and control, which is essential for the short, sharp turns in shorttrack.

Short track skates are generally the same height to provide consistency in performance.

Some skating boots are compatible with rollerblade frames, but check with the manufacturer.

Thermoplastic skating boots can be heated and moulded to the skater's foot for a better fit and comfort.

They offer a precise fit and can be customised to the unique shape of your feet, improving comfort and performance.

They often offer a better fit and comfort, but this depends on personal preference and budget.

Yes, but it is recommended to have this done by a professional to prevent damage.

Yes, a good warm-up helps prevent injuries and prepares your muscles for the exertion.

Do dynamic stretches such as leg swings, lunges, and light cardio such as jogging or cycling.
Skating Technique and Maintenance

A burr is a small, sharp edge on the blade that can be caused by wear and tear or collisions.

A burr is a small, sharp edge on the blade that can be caused by wear and tear or collisions.

Burrs are caused by contact with hard surfaces or other skates, or by unevenness in the ice.

Use a burr stone to carefully remove the burr. Hold your skate steady in front of your body and place the stone on the side of your blade. Carefully move the burr stone back and forth, taking care not to tilt it so that you do not damage the sharpness of your blade. You should always carry a burr stone with you in your skate bag. Waterman Sport always has burr stones in stock and we can advise you on how to use them.

If you notice that you have less grip on the ice or if the skate does not glide smoothly, it is time to sharpen them. You can also carefully scrape the cutting edge of the blade with your fingernail. If you scrape off some of your fingernail, the blade still seems sharp. If you are unsure, always visit Waterman Sport for a professional assessment of your blades.

Carefully run your fingernail along the blade; a sharp blade will catch slightly. Or try skating and pay attention to the grip and control.

A sharp blade provides better grip and control on the ice, which is essential for performance (push-off) and safety.

Sitting low helps maintain balance, puts more pressure on the blade and gives you a wind advantage.

The points of your skates should be nicely rounded. This is for your own safety, but also for that of your fellow skaters. In general, we assume that skates should be as rounded as an old ten-pence coin or a similar coin. If this is not the case, visit one of the Waterman Sport branches and we will grind the correct roundness for you.

This is for your own safety and that of your fellow skaters. For example, a sharp point on the back of your skate could easily pierce the legs of the person behind you. Place a 10-cent coin on the back of your skate and you will see if your skate is round enough. If this is not the case, visit one of the Waterman Sport branches and we will grind the correct roundness for you.

The lifespan depends on use and maintenance, but well-maintained skates can last for several years.

Pay attention to the correct curvature, sharpness, and any burrs. The blade must also be securely attached to the boot.

Yes, stiffness provides the necessary support for the ankles and feet during jumps and spins.