07/10/2021
People have learned to use skates for a long time. According to the latest assumptions by archaeologists, this happened three thousand years ago.
Initially, skates were made from animal bones and laced with ropes. In ancient times, people moved on such skates along frozen bodies of water and rivers.
In Russia, skates were also decorated with horse heads. Due to the inconvenience of moving on such skates, in Russia this species was considered as child's play. Only after a new type of skate was invented (wooden base, metal runners), it became much easier to skate.
It is believed that the inventors of the new species are the Dutch. They were the first to use metal runners and a wooden base. Later, they developed a double-edged blade that allowed them to glide on ice with greater speed and ease.
In the 1800s, new styles of skating emerged, which allowed the sport to rise to a new level of popularity among residents. In the 1900s, skates were developed and improved. Skates began to be made with a closed nose, and the blade was already solid, which in turn made it possible to strengthen the structure itself and reduce weight.
In 1877, the first speed skating club was formed in Russia. This club was destined to play a very important role in the development of figure skating in Russia, since the first world figure skating championship was held on its basis in 1896.
