WHAT IS CONTOURING?

 

Contouring is the process of controlling the “APEX” of the blade radius through a machining process. This enables the skate technician to control the amount of knee bend as well as position the body in the proper location over the skate blades, thus, affecting the body’s balance.

 

Contouring is a patented process of transferring the mechanical points of the foot directly to the skate blade.

Our analysis system enables the technician to establish the required “Radius” and “Lie” prior to performing any machine work.

 

ELEMENTS ADDRESSED

ü      Age, height and weight

ü      Arm length in relation to the shoulder to the floor distance

ü      Leg shape, either knock kneed, straight or bowed out

ü      Foot position while walking. Either toed in, out or straight

ü      The position played.

ü      The brand of skate used

 

BENFITS of CONTOURED SKATES

 

·        Injury Reduction

·        Reduced Fatigue

·        Improved Vision

·        Improved Balance

·        Increased Stability

·        Increased Agility

·        Increased Lateral Movement

·        Increased Speed

·        Increased Power

·        Controlled Leg Extension

·        Improved Stick Handling

 

 

WHY CONSIDER CONTOURING SKATES AT ALL?

 

Skates are very generic in design and have many inherent variables, which can affect the efficiency and performance. It is not feasible to expect that a manufacturer could be able to build a skate that is exactly right for every individual requirement.

 

The patented system of transferring the mechanical points of the foot directly to the skate blade eliminates the most common variable present on skates today. This area is the inconsistent installation location of the holder and blade assemblies on the sole plate of the skate.

 

WHAT EFFECT DOES THIS HAVE ON THE BODY?

 

Firstly, we have to remember that the blade has a radius, which runs from the front to the back. (This is the same as standing on a large ball) If one blade assembly is mounted further ahead on one sole plate (or Boot) than the other, numerous things happen. Firstly, the apex or high points of the blades are in different locations under each foot. This causes balance problems and also forces the skater to be back on their heels. This means that the skater must overpower the skate in order to have knee bend and to drive off the big toe. (Power) This also induces fatigue at a higher pace.

Another area that is affected is Pelvic Misalignment. In this case, the balance point of the body (which runs through the center of the Tibia and ankle) is positioned further back on the rear radius on the skate whose blade assembly in mounted further forward on the boot. This means that the distance from the foot bed (or sole plate) is less on this boot, than on the other, inducing miss-alignment as one side of the body is forced to ride lower than the other resulting in minor lower back discomfort on this side and possible light groin stress on the opposite leg.

 

INJURY REDUCTION

 

Upper body trauma, i.e.: shoulder/neck injury as well as concussions can be greatly reduced by having the skates properly contoured.

Ever notice a player that’s hit while traveling along the boards whose feet come up in front of them and when they fall, landing on their backs? How many times would their helmets make contact with the ice in this instance?

 

This is mainly caused due to the body’s mass being positioned behind the fall line. Because our bodies are riding on rigid foot beds (no flex) and placed over radiused steel, normal body mechanics and balance requirements are greatly affected. This phenomenon can be controlled by positioning the body properly over the skates, which results in the body’s mass becoming an asset (ahead of the fall line) instead of a liability. Now our body’s inertia will help to maintain our balance and remain upright on our skates.

 

SKATING MECHANICS

 

The body as it was designed was only meant to propel itself in a forward direction with any degree of efficiency.

Skating has completely different mechanics involved, since the body is not designed to be placed on rigid foot-beds with radius steel beneath.

To propel the body in skating the foot must be abducted which is produced through external rotation of the hips. (This also explains why women have better lateral movement than men) While skating the skate and the body actually move in opposite directions. Power, control and efficiency are determined by the stance that the body has over the skate blades, and is completely controlled by the layout and configuration of the blades.

 

HOW IS BALANCE ACHIEVED?

 

The work radius must be located within the parameters of the mechanical points of the foot, and the apex of the blade must also be properly positioned within the work radius in order for the weight to be distributed properly.

The body’s weight enters the boot through the tibia, if machined properly; the arch of the foot will transfer and distribute the weight evenly between the ball of the foot and the heel. This allows the foot to contact the ice on the center of the blade and to drive off the big toe (power). If the rear radius passes the balance point of the body and creeps up into the work radius, gravity will take over forcing all the body’s weight onto the heels.

 

HOW IS POWER PRODUCED?

 

Power is produced through controlled knee bend which produces positive draw on the Achilles tendon. This is achieved by changing the pitch or “lie” of the skate. More “lie” equals more knee bend, which produces more power. Prior analysis determines the correct “lie” for each individual before any machining is performed.

 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS THAT CONTOURING IS REQUIRED?

 

Ø                 Short, choppy strides. (Ever notice a player whose feet are going a mile a minute, yet doesn’t have much speed).

Ø                 Poor balance. (Excessive falling during pivots, cornering or without any outside assistance)

Ø                 When hit, usually falls backwards.

Ø                 Loses battles along the boards and in the corners.

Ø                 Uncontrolled excessive height on snap and slap shots.

Ø                 Weak backhand shots.

Ø                 Can not find a stick with the proper feeling “lie”,

Ø                 Lower back pain (usually one side only), aching knees and or sore groin.

Ø                 Fatigues excessively quick.

Ø                 The tendon guards on the skates are broken down. (They should remain stiff for the life of the skate)

Ø                 Excessive wear in the heel area of the boot. (Blisters and sore heels)

 

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 

Ø                 Improved edge control.

Ø                 Improved acceleration.

Ø                 Improved speed and agility.

Ø                 Improved confidence allows players to attack smaller spaces.

Ø                 Regain and recover balance quicker.