Ice skating Draft

What you need

• Ice skates that fit snugly (rent at first)
• Warm, flexible layers and thin socks
• Gloves
• Helmet (strongly recommended for beginners and required for kids at many rinks)

Typical cost

Public session entry is about $6 to $15 and skate rental $4 to $8. Group lessons run roughly $80 to $200 for a 4 to 8 week block. Your own skates cost $50 to $200 (approximate, varies by city).

Where to play

Indoor and outdoor ice rinks, seasonal rinks in plazas, and recreation centers. Look for 'public skate' or 'learn to skate' sessions. Only skate on natural ice if local authorities have marked it safe.

1. Skate in the same direction as the crowd, usually counter-clockwise, and stay out of areas set aside for lessons or figure skating.
2. Use a basic forward stride: push out and back with one skate, glide on the other, then switch.
3. To stop, use a snowplow stop (push heels out and turn toes in) or a T-stop.
4. Skate with knees slightly bent, weight over the middle of the blade and head up.
5. If you fall, tuck your arms and try to fall sideways, then get up by rolling onto hands and knees and standing one foot at a time.
6. Learn to skate backward and do crossovers after you are comfortable with forward glides and stopping.
7. Rink staff may call a break for ice maintenance; follow their signals.

• Skate with the crowd, not against it.
• Do not stop suddenly in the middle of the flow of traffic.
• Keep away from the entrance and give beginners space.

• Wear a helmet, especially for children and beginners.
• Check that skates fit snugly and laces are tight to support ankles.
• Never skate on a frozen pond or lake unless local authorities have posted it as safe.

1. 1First time on the ice; holds the wall and shuffles forward.
2. 2Glides a few meters forward and can stop with a snowplow.
3. 3Skates forward confidently, glides on one foot and starts to skate backward.
4. 4Skates backward, does crossovers and basic turns; ready for hockey or figure skating basics.
5. 5Advanced edges, jumps or spins, or competitive-level skating.

Do I need to take lessons?

You can learn on public sessions, but a short group lesson speeds things up and teaches safe falling.

What if my ankles wobble?

Make sure the skates are properly laced and sized. Rental skates are often loose; tighten the laces firmly.

Are hockey skates different from figure skates?

Hockey skates have shorter, flatter blades for speed and turns. Figure skates have a toe pick for jumps and spins. Either is fine for beginners.