Dozens of reasons exist to learn to ice skate this winter season. It’s a great way to get exercise and enjoy the fresh air during the coldest months of the year. Once you discover the best ice skating near me locations, you can make new friends or bond with family. Whether you’re focused on sports like hockey and racing or want to learn to dance on ice like figure skaters, you have to start at the beginning.
Learn to Ice Skate – Beginner’s Ice Skating Tips for Fun and Safety
Prepare for ice skating by dressing in layers, putting on all your safety gear, and lacing your skates up tightly. Only go to rinks and bodies of water that have been checked for safety by reputable authorities.
Once you’re kitted out, stand upright on the ice with your knees slightly bent. Get a feel for balance on the thin blades strapped to your feet. Keep holding on to the side wall of the rink, a balance frame, or someone’s hand to start, but then put them out to the sides and in front of you. Position your feet so that your heels are closer together than your toes. Keep your head up and eyes forward. Always look in the direction you want to go.
When you first learn to ice skate, take it slow and steady. In fact, you should try walking in skates on the ice before you begin to glide forward. Do not pick your feet up far. Instead, step gently with small movements. Keep your toes angled outward and you will soon start to slide.
Once you feel steady and ready for some more speed, turn the walking steps into gliding by pushing outward very gently with the foot on the ice. Keep a steady rhythm, and you’ll soon be ice skating for real. To increase the length of each glide, leave the alternating feet in the air behind you for a bit longer. Practice on each foot and you’ll get stronger, faster, and steadier as you go.
What Are the Best Ice Skates for Beginners?
You can’t go wrong with a quality pair of Nattork ice skates. They have all the qualities beginners and experienced skaters alike look for in a pair. More than picking a trustworthy brand, however, you need to get skates that fit your feet perfectly. Opt for a slightly larger size than your shoes so you can fit warm socks inside. This is especially useful for kids who will still grow over the season.
The other qualities to consider are support and protection. The best ice skates for beginners will help hold your ankles steady to prevent injuries and offer adjustable laces and straps so you get the proper fit. Of course, never go ice skating without proper safety gear: knee and elbow pads, gloves, and a helmet.
Where can I go ice skating near me? This is the question you’ll soon ask in every free moment. Learning to ice skate is a great way to discover true fun and fitness during the cold winter season.