Buying a pair of ice skates is simple, and probably a lot more fun that the eight million falls the average novice skater will go through on their first spin out on the ice!
Equipment
Ice skates can be easily rented at most of the UK’s artificial ice rinks at a reasonable cost. Aside from skates there’s very little required in the way of equipment. Some folks like to wear gloves and a hat and really truss-up like a Christmas card, but in reality ice skating (particularly at an indoor rink) can be a pretty sweaty affair. Dress in layers. Calf-length thick socks are a must.
The dark rubber matting surrounding most ice rinks is designed to protect the blades. Unlike inline skates, ice skates are NOT compatible with the urban sprawl. Concrete in particular can be very damaging.
Skill
Good balance is the bread and butter of ice skating. Walk around on the rubber matting a little to get a feel for the skates before launching onto the ice and tripping head over heels on the toepicks (serrated toe of the blade)
The ideal starting stance is similar when on inline skates. Stand up straight, feet hip width apart, look straight ahead, and bend the knees slightly until balanced. The ideal amount of bend should put toes, knees and face in line with each other. Don’t let ankles bend and bulge outwards!
Top Tip – Between each gliding, graceful stride try to bring the knees back together as closely as possible. Not only does it help develop balance and technique, but it looks incredibly professional (“Oh of course, I love to skate! Been doing it since I was a child!”)
Looking at the ice dead below is temping – even instinctive – but it’s also dangerous and not beneficial to nurturing the body’s reflexes. Look straight ahead and use arms to balance.
Everybody falls down. Accept a couple of bumps and don’t be put off!