Learning to skate can be a fun and easy activity. Whether you are looking into ice skating as a new hobby for yourself or your kids and want to give it a try, there are a few things you will need to know before you get started.
Where to Go
First of all, find out where to go. You may know where the nearest ice rink is, but if you are looking for somewhere that also provides training, it might be a good idea to ask whether they are part of the US Figure Skating Basic Skills Program. There are over 990 programs across the US, so you can learn to skate whilst earning badges along the way.
Equipment You Will Need
Obviously, you will need to invest in a good pair of skating boots if this is to be a regular hobby. Although you can hire skates at the rink, you can’t trust that they will always be the perfect fit. It is important to have a well-fitted pair of skates so that your legs and feet are properly supported and provide you with complete control. Go with a brand such as Riedell skates for a high-quality pair that will last. You will also need warm clothes, avoiding those that are loose fitting, a safety helmet, and some gloves.
Learn to Lace
Learning how to lace properly will ensure that your skates are a proper fit. First, make sure your heel is pushed right back into the boot and the tongue is pulled right up. Tuck the tongue in behind the laces and pull the laces tight. Make sure you pull from the bottom few laces so there is no slack at the bottom. The top two sets of hooks can be a little loose to allow for flexibility. It is important that the bow is not too long, as this can cause a hazard when skating.
Know How to Fall and Get Back Up
Falling is going to be inevitable when learning how to skate. However, if you go into the rink knowing this and with a little knowledge on how to do it safely, you can avoid serious injury. The most important point is to try and land on your side rather than your front or back. It might be a good idea to practice a few times before stepping on the ice. You will need to learn to lower your center of gravity whilst using your hips rather than your hands to land. To stand back up, begin on your hands and knees. Then, place one foot between your hands, the other behind you, and slowly push upwards with your knees bent.
Know the Safety Rules
It is important to abide by the safety rules to avoid injury to yourself and others on the rink. Only ever enter the rink at specified points and close the door behind you as soon as you enter/leave. You should only ever skate at a speed you feel comfortable with and make sure that you get up as fast as possible after a fall to avoid a collision. If you need to make any adjustments to your skates, always leave the rink before doing so.
Are you ready to get into skating? Grab some skates and let us know how you get on, and if you get really good at it maybe you can even get into hockey!