Club Overview

The Kamloops Long Blades (KLB) is a non-profit, community sports club dedicated to speed skating. Run by a volunteer Board of Directors, KLB is a proud member of Speed Skating BC and Speed Skating Canada. Our club is composed of athletes, parents, coaches, officials, and board members, all united by a commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in both our members and our programs.

Started in 1992 by Sandi Vyse, her mother Phyllis Vyse, and Bill Zirnhelt and Sharon Wall, KLB has over the years developed a team of experienced, certified volunteer coaches. All coaches are accredited through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), ensuring quality instruction at every level.

We offer programs in Short Track, Long Track, and Inline Skating for athletes of all ages and abilities, including Special Olympic skaters. Each year, we host public events and lessons to introduce speed skating to the Kamloops community.

Our club welcomes over 50 skaters annually, representing diverse ages, backgrounds, and skill levels—from beginners as young as 3 to adults over 65.

Through ongoing fundraising efforts, we provide essential resources for our athletes, including club skates, sharpening equipment, safety mats, ice fees, travel support, and training supplies.

Giving Back to the Community

KLB is a proud participant in the True Sport Movement and upholds its value of “Giving Back.” Since 2022, we have partnered with Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Services to provide free lessons for newcomer youth, offering skating instruction to about 30 young people each year.

Our Mission

Our programs support lifelong athlete development and offer speed skating instruction for all ages. Our "Lesson" sessions introduce children and adults to skating, and our memberships support beginner, recreational, and competitive athletes. KLB is dedicated to building confident, capable skaters through skilled coaching, teamwork, and consistent training opportunities.

Competition is an integral part of our mission, as it encourages athletes to set personal goals and achieve new milestones. Our skaters, from age 3 to 65+, compete in local, regional, and interprovincial events to celebrate their progress and build lasting friendships within the sport.