Every figure skater needs to be prepared before heading for the rink, so they need a bag or another piece of luggage packed and ready to go. Here's what should be in that bag—in addition to the skates, of course:
Skate Bag
First, you need the bag itself. It might just be an over-the-shoulder sports bag, but it needs to be big enough to carry your gear safely and comfortably.
Soakers
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Your skates should be packed in your skate bag and covered in soakers, the terrycloth blade covers that protect the blades and keep them dry while protecting your other gear from the blades. Moist soakers might damage blades by causing them to rust, so make sure that both are thoroughly clean and dry before you put the soakers on the blades.
Skate Guards
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Every figure skater should have a pair of ice skate guards inside his or her skate bag. The blades will be ruined if they touch concrete, wood, grass, or any surface other than ice, rubber, or carpet, so skate guards are a must. Some skaters put skate guards over their blades as soon as they step off the ice.
Never leave or store blades inside plastic or rubber skate guards, since that will cause blades to rust. That's what the soakers are for.
Gloves
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Every figure skater needs a pair or two of gloves during practice. In addition to keeping their hands warm, gloves protect a skater's hands if he or she falls on the ice. Thin, inexpensive gloves, can be purchased at stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.
Towel or Rag
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A clean towel or rag should be packed inside a figure skater's skate bag so that the skater can thoroughly wipe the blades and boots to keep them clean and dry.
Music
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Most figure skaters practice a program set to music at every practice session. Keeping your music inside your skate bag will help you to be prepared. Make sure your music is on a CD, your iPod, or another electronic device. If you leave a practice CD in your bag, make sure that you have a backup copy of your music safely at home.
Rulebook and Practice Notebook
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Some figure skaters carry a copy of their figure skating federation's rule book with them in their bags. Also important is a notebook and pen to keep track of the practice plan.
Tissues
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Ice rinks are cold, which tends to cause runny noses. Be prepared by packing facial tissues in your skate bag.
Warmup Jacket
It might not be cold outside, but it will be inside by the rink. You could need a jacket as you're getting started or finishing, or both.
Water Bottle
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Figure skaters need to stay hydrated during practice, so it's a good idea to pack a water bottle for the rink.
Spare Tights
A spare pair of tights could rescue you from an awful fix, like finding a hole in just the wrong spot as you're about to leave the bathroom or locker room.
Grooming Gear
It might make you feel better after a tough workout if you could clean up just a little. A comb or brush, and maybe hair ties if you use them, could be enough.
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