Penguin Specialty Products was founded in 1997 upon the creation and development of its first product, Sk8tape®. The company’s founders and owners, figure skaters Charles Sinek (sih-neck) and Beata (“bay-ah-tah) Handra (“hahn-dra”), created Sk8tape® out of necessity. The effects of rigorous competitive training began to appear on Sinek’s skating boots. Continuous repetition of a left-foot lunge caused the leather on the side of his right boot to erode away. There was a big hole in his boot the size of a quarter, and behind that hole was a cold foot in a wet sock caked with slush. A solution was in order.

What began as a personal endeavor to save a skating boot soon evolved into the innovation of a multi-functional product that safely protects boots, replaces polish, secures laces, and waterproofs soles. Within the company’s first year, black and white Sk8tape® rolls were sold to fellow skaters around the world. Beige Sk8tape® soon followed, and it continues to be a favorite among synchronized skating teams.

Critter Covers® fur blade covers soon joined Sk8tape® on the Penguin product line. With thick foam padding and durable fabric, these animal-style plush soakers were designed to ensure complete, long-lasting protection of skate blades. On its tenth anniversary, Penguin Specialty Products introduced Zookerz® blade covers to the skating world. The name is a fusion of the words “zoo” and “soakers”. Like Critter Covers®, Zookerz® plush animal soakers provide excellent protection for blades, yet Zookerz® come complete with heads, feet, tails, and a voicebox. Yes, these furry soakers talk! Penguin also provides matching key chain charms that coordinate with every Zookerz® animal.

In 2009, Penguin unveils its latest innovation, Rockerz® ergonomic skate guards. Featured with a curved, rocker-shaped bottom, Rockerz® skate guards are ergonomically designed to reduce impact and facilitate walking in skates. Made in the USA with recycled materials, Rockerz® ergonomic guards are designed with the environment in mind. The product and its packaging are 100% recyclable.

The company’s success enabled its owners to simultaneously pursue their competitive ice dancing career. In 2002, Handra & Sinek earned a spot on the United States Olympic Figure Skating Team for the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Without the continuous support and loyalty of Penguin’s customers, this Olympic dream would not have been possible.