This page contains a range of important information from purchasing skates to competitions and club membership. We hope it contains what you're looking for!
CARSC introduction guide
If you were not sent the CARSC introduction guide kindly written by Coach-in-Training Gavin when you started, please follow the below link! Alternatively take a look if you are interested in what we do. The link will download as a PDF.
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To visit the CARSC introduction guide, follow this link!
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Which skates to look for
When you first start skating you can use your own skates or you can rent skates from us. However if you would like to purchase your own skates, we strongly recommend you contact us rather than purchasing from sports shops. This is because the skates we use cannot be purchased in this country and come from suppliers in Italy. These skates are not what you would find in sports shops. If you purchase skates brand new, the cost can be high. We have a small stock of reasonably priced second hand artistic skates which are available to buy. Some skaters do like to purchase a brand new pair of skates and we can provide advice on which skates are best and advise the best place to look for them. Websites to look at are: www.skatermate.co.uk and Skate Solutions.
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We recommend looking at our guide to buying skates and parts. The link is below, and will download as a PDF.
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To visit Zoe's guide to buying skates and parts, follow this link!
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Skate Maintenance
Regular skate maintenance is essential for every artistic roller skater — from beginners learning the basics to advanced skaters preparing for competitions. Well maintained skates don’t just perform better; they’re safer, last longer, and help skaters build confidence in every session.
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Roll-Line Bearings: Small Parts, Big Impact
Bearings are one of the most important components of your skates. Roll Line bearings are designed for precision, speed and smooth rotation, but they only work at their best when they’re clean and properly cared for.
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Dirt and dust can slow bearings down and cause uneven wear
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Regular cleaning helps maintain speed and responsiveness
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Lubrication keeps bearings running smoothly and prevents rust
A well maintained set of bearings can dramatically improve performance and reduce the risk of wheels locking or sticking.
Roll-Line Wheels: Performance You Can Feel
Roll Line wheels are engineered for artistic skating, offering excellent grip, control and stability. To keep them performing at their best:
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Check wheels regularly for flat spots or uneven wear
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Rotate wheels to ensure even usage
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Clean off dust, hair and debris that can build up during training
Clean wheels provide better floor contact, smoother spins and more consistent edges, all essential for developing strong technique.
Skate Plates: The Foundation of Every Move
Your skate plates are the core structure of your skates. If they’re dirty, loose or poorly maintained, it affects everything from balance to jump take offs.
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Wipe plates regularly to remove dust and grime
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Check that trucks, cushions and kingpins are secure
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Make sure nothing is cracked, bent or overly worn
A clean, well adjusted plate helps skaters feel stable and supported, especially during turns, edges and footwork.
Why Clean Skates Matter
Keeping plates, wheels and bearings clean isn’t just about performance, it’s about safety. Dirt and debris can cause wheels to jam, bearings to grind and plates to loosen, increasing the risk of falls or injuries. Regular maintenance ensures:
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Smoother skating
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Better control
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Longer-lasting equipment
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A safer training experience
For young skaters especially, well maintained skates make learning easier and more enjoyable
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Competitions
Once skaters reach a certain level, they will have the opportunity to compete at competitions. This will either be dance or freestyle. Our coaches are very experienced in the area of competitions having competed in many themselves. They will be on hand to answer any questions you have about anything competition related. Coaches will work with skaters to teach them the routines for competitions and choreograph routines for the dance discipline. Skaters will be invited to improver's sessions when they are ready, looking ahead to competitions.
When competing in competitions, skaters will represent our club by wearing a club dress or club top. To accompany this skaters will also wear boot covers on their skates to create the professional look required for the competition environment. (Picture to the left) This image is of our Head Coach Zoe Farrier competing at Maidstone competition in 2015.
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Once skaters have gained experience and continue to practice and work hard, they may have the opportunity and be selected at some point to represent their club or Great Britain at International level. Coach Zoe has represented GB and it is the ultimate honour for each skater to be able to represent their country in this sport.
Should you require information from GBSA (Great Britain Skate Artistic) or need to contact them. Their website link is below:
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Club Membership
CARSC offer membership for improver skaters only. These are skaters who reach a certain and who are invited to any of the clubs improver sessions. Details of club membership are below but please speak to one of our coaches who can provide you with a membership form to fill in. All club memberships will renew on 01/02/2025
Club Membership details
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Membership fee: £8 per year
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