1) One of the first things you need to do is get your blades sharpened. New blades come with a factory sharpening that is usually not good enough to keep skating on. If you buy used, you will want to start with a fresh sharpening to make sure they are the way you like them

2) Have a shoulder bag or rolling bag that you will bring your skate in. It is great to have all of your skating things (skates, gloves, soakers, hardguards, bandaids, screwdriver...) in once place.

3) Buy a pair of soakers for your blades. After you skate, your blades will need to be dried with a towel. Store your blades with soakers on them. They will not only "soak" up the rest of the moisture, they will also protect your blades from getting nicked up in your bag.

4) You will also want a pair of hardguards. These are made of hard rubber and protect your blades when you walk around in your skates (not on the ice). DO NOT store your blades with guards on!!! They will cause your blades to rust because they don't allow the moisture to dry.

5) When you get home after skating, open your bag so your skate can fully dry. Leather boots can mold if they are kept zipped in your bag and can cause fungus to grow in your skates as well as have an awful odor.

6) Regularly check the screws that hold your blades on. They can get loose over time. Make sure they are tight before you skate.