History of the Picskate®
The Picskate® was invented by sporting goods designer John Petell, of West Springfield, Massachusetts in collaboration with master rated ice figure skating coach, Nick Perna of Fairfax, Virginia.
The patent for the Picskate® was issued September 27, 1997. In all, 23 claims were granted by the patent examiner, but the key element to the Pic® and all such skates is the toe pic angle (pic to front wheel to floor).
Inventions to replicate ice skating on dry land date back to the late 19th century. The contemporary development of inline skates, commonly referred to as rollerblades, led to the development of the Picskate®.
The Picskate® invention has led to the new sport of Inline Figure Skating with open competitions in Paris, Geneva, Milan, Bucharest, Panticosa, Cork, Montpellier, Chicago…
The Picskate® invention has broad application. Not only can it be utilized by high level skaters to perform advanced jumps and spins, but can also be used by dancers performing intricate footwork; all while still being enjoyed by beginners and recreational skaters as well.
Questions & Answers
Answer: Yes. All edge and toe jumps can be performed on Picskate® Skates up through double axel as well as back flips and triple jumps.
Question: Will I be able to do footwork maneuvers on Picskate® Skates?
Answer: Yes. Virtually every maneuver such as Ina Bauers, three turns, brackets, rockers, eagles, choctaws, etc., can be performed on Picskate® Skates.
Question: Will I be able to do one footed spins on Picskate® Skates?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Will I get edges like an ice skate?
Answer: Yes, you will experience inside, center and outside edges.
Question: How does it work?
Answer: Works like an ice skate. You can spin, perform all jumps and do footwork. (no hockey stops or forward “Ts”).
Question: Can I buy the frame set and mount it to my skating boots?
Answer: Yes, there are 3 frame models to choose from:
4 Wheel Frame
(recommended for frame sizes 9.75 and larger)
1. Jazz – J-99
2. Professional – 994
3. Performer – 894
3 Wheel Frame
(recommended for frame sizes 9.25 and smaller)
1. Jazz – J-93
2. Professional – P-73
3. Performer – P-53
Question: How do I know what size skate outfit to buy?
Answer: Check out the How to Order page.
Question: Can I attach Picskate® to my plastic inline boots?
Answer: Yes, however you will need a spacer for the heel. We recommend you have your local skate shop make the installation.
Before Skating With the Official Patented Picskate®
- Check your equipment for wear, replace pic or other parts as needed.
- Be certain set screws are in place after rotating or replacing pic.
- Perform stretching exercises before putting on your skates.
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Practice slowing and stopping in a safe area.
- Look for an open space to skate and clear skating area of debris before practicing.
- Be courteous of others.
- Announce passing intentions.
- Exercise control.
- Enjoy skating!
Fernand Fedronic – Wifsa World Open 2011
“We feel so fortunate to have had so many opportunities to skate other places than our home rink and enjoy the great friends and experiences that come with the roller side of things. We have tried other brands of inlines but none are as light or promote good freestyle skating form the way pic frame skates do. Having our picskates during the pandemic has been such a blessing, not missing practice times when ice rinks were closed, and they have become an integral part of our training. We love skating at all the outdoor ice rinks in the winter and our pic skates allow us to have equally amazing outdoor skating experiences in the summer.”
Everly and Alydia Livingston
Wifsa World Open 2011 Competitors
2010 Paris Open
2010 Team USA with Jean-Pierre Faugere
Gold Medalists 2009 Paris Open
