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Ice Skating Basics

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November 19, 2007

About This Editor: Karen has enjoyed her many varied experiences in corporate business management, dance education, and preschool assistance. She hopes to write about these past lives-and more-from her home in Pittsburgh, PA, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and 3 cats.

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Many people think that ice skating feels like flying; to them it is an exhilarating and thrilling experience!

Those who try ice skating often find that it provides both entertainment and exercise during a dreary season. So, what should be done to help beginning ice skaters?

If someone has decided to attempt ice skating, or wants to help another do so, it’s important to find a professional ice skating rink. The safety factor is higher than on frozen ponds or lakes; the surface is kept smooth for easy learning, and resources are available in case help is required.

However, before visiting the rink, it’s a good idea to borrow a well-fitting pair of ice skates. An ice rink’s rental skates may not be in the best condition and therefore can cause discomfort. If rental skates must be used, thin cloths can pad the skater’s ankles, heels, or toes from rough skate linings, or provide a better fit. (An extra pair of socks will also work, and will keep feet warm as well.) If the ice skates are missing lacing hooks, they should be exchanged; even one gap in lacing jeopardizes a snug fit and causes a lack of support. If the beginner wishes to skate often, it’s a good idea to purchase new, comfortable skates. This investment may even save money over the cost of renting, especially if the skates will be used for more than one season.

Ice skaters need to wear layered, waterproof clothing, and this is important for beginners who have frequent falls! Gloves may be preferred over mittens if a beginner will be holding hands with an experienced skater. Since hoods unsafely reduce peripheral vision, hats which keep the skater’s ears warm and hair secured are a better choice. Long scarves present distractions to the beginner and should not be worn.

Beginners should also avoid busy weekend skating sessions. At those times, it’s difficult to get around other beginners at the railing, and dangerous to be in the path of faster skaters. The best time for a beginner to visit an ice rink is on a weekday, and the best place to practice is in a clear area near a railing. (It’s wise to avoid the uneven ice surface found under the railing.)

Novice ice skaters should start by either taking little steps on the ice, or by taking longer slides without lifting their feet. Occasionally, a beginner may want to hold onto the railing and pull themselves along until they get used to the feeling. No matter how they choose to become comfortable, a skater should proceed at his or her own pace. Pushing or pulling them is not recommended, unless they request help to get started. After awhile, the beginner will realize that it’s easier to take longer glides on one foot while lifting the other foot. It’s important to keep knees bent and weight forward while doing this. Skating in time to the music may also help, as changing feet every 2 or 3 counts smoothes out the rhythm, which aids balance.

Finally, if the beginning skater has advanced to looping around the rink alone and wants a challenge, they can learn “onions.” In this exercise, feet go out to each side and then back together, etching an onion shape in the ice. (Some teachers use this method to teach backward skating.) Other challenges are to lift one knee while gliding on the opposite leg, or to extend one leg back like a dancer while moving forward. To turn, the skater simply needs to put weight on one foot, lean towards it, and release weight from the other foot. For example, if weight is put on the left foot, and the skater leans left, he or she will turn to the left; if pressure is maintained, the skater will complete a full circle. After several attempts of weight changes, the skater will have learned how to turn to both sides.

Most beginning skaters won’t want to stay for the whole session; 60 to 90 minutes may be enough. But once a beginner’s skates are removed, he or she is probably done skating for the day. Pushing a beginner past his limits will result in unsafe ankle fatigue and weakness.

As with any physical activity, some people have instinctive ability and others must acquire skills through diligence and effort. As long as a skater is dressed warmly, wears well-fitting skates, and has learned proper techniques, flying across ice is a fun way to enjoy the winter!