AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK!
0 Cart
Added to Cart
    You have items in your cart
    You have 1 item in your cart
    Total
    Check Out Continue Shopping

    Info & Tips

    How to Set-up Your Own Home Curling Rink

    How to Set-up Your Own Home Curling Rink
    Have you seen curling on TV and you're not sure what it is? It's an amazing sport that requires skill and critical thinking. Best of all, you can now enjoy it with your own home curling rink. Here's why you should take on the sport today.

    Read more

    7 Ways to Create a Home Ice Skating Rink with Synthetic Ice

    7 Ways to Create a Home Ice Skating Rink with Synthetic Ice

    Wouldn't it be great to be able to learn to become a great skater on your own home ice skating rink?

    The Challenge of Excelling at Ice Skating 

    We love ice skating in all its forms and creating a home skating enviornment with synthetic ice would certainly be ideal.

    Skating these last few years, like everything else, has been a challenge.

    You need to get your skates and gear and find a local ice skating rink to practice or play with your friends unless of course you have your own.

    You could create the ultimate home environment into your own skating sanctuary with synthetic ice tiles. 

    We’ll give you some fun tips on how you can "Bring the Rink Home". 

     

    Synthetic-Ice

     

    It’s Time to Improvise with Synthetic Ice Panels

    What are synthetic ice panels?

    These are specially made panels that imitate the feeling of ice.

    Don’t be fooled.

    Skating on synthetic ice is not akin to using your rollerblades.

    You use your actual metal blades on a high-quality, ultra-dense, polyethylene material.

    Synthetic ice panels have been around for several years.

    In fact, it’s the same material that spaces like malls and hotels use to set up skating rinks for the holidays.

    These panels are smaller and interlock so that you can skate on any flat surface.

    That means you can take them home and get a little creative. 

    Using Synthetic Ice Tiles at Home vs. Natural ice

    A common question that arises is, “Why not create a DIY ice skating rink at home?”

    Without a doubt, this is a great option.

    In fact, with some elbow grease and a little creativity, you can create a large, natural ice rink that can last for years but it does have some drawbacks. 

    If you decide to go with synthetic ice tiles instead, you get all the benefits with none of the hiccups.

    For example:

    Weather is Not a Problem

    While natural rinks feel amazing, to create one, you need ideal conditions.

    For instance, you must have a few consecutive days at a steady temperature for your rink to freeze.

    That means time is of the essence.

    Furthermore, you’ll need to shovel off snow, slush, and freezing rain.

    Synthetic ice tiles aren’t dependent on the weather and can clean with a simple wipe or soft broom. 

    You Save on Water and Other Materials

    To create a natural ice rink, you need water. And lots of it.

    You can spend a day filling your rink and several hundred gallons of water, with the hope that it freezes well.

    You need to have a tarp for the weather, plywood boards, and poles to keep everything in place.

    With synthetic ice, all you need is to purchase the number of tiles for your space and Rebounding Dasher Curbs to cordon it off with synthetic ice tiles.

    These can be used for years to come without having to waste precious time and resources.

    Easy to Set-up and Uninstall

    Setting up a natural rink makes excellent use of your environment.

    But it can be a task to set up and take it down.

    You’ll need a little help with measuring, setting up the walls, and filling up the rink.

    With synthetic ice tiles, you can set up by yourself with just a soft mallet to interlock the panels.

    When you’re done, you can break it down and store it away (but who will want to do that when you can skate all year!).

    It’s Safer for Your Kids

    Most parents love that their kids are crazy for hockey. But playing at a local rink can bring some safety concerns.

    Older kids could be a bit rough, and parents tend to worry about stray pucks flying everywhere.

    By using your home environment, you have a more controlled space where they can have fun.

    Furthermore, if you’re still a bit concerned about heading out due to the ongoing pandemic, you can safely skate at home in your own bubble. 

    A Great Way to Release Some Energy

    If the kids have a little energy to burn, they can put on their skates and have some fun!

    Ice skating, figure skating, and hockey are great ways to burn off some energy.

    And if you want a way to stay in shape, you can get a great workout on your synthetic ice skating rink.  

     

    Happy Skater

     

    You’ll Get Better at Skating

    The more hours you put in something, the better you get at it.

    Ice skating is no exception.

    If you or your kids want to get an edge on the competition, having space to practice will quickly improve your speed, strength, and stickhandling skills.

    While everyone is resting, you’ll be working.

    How to Take Advantage of Your Environment

    Now it’s time to put on your thinking cap and see how you can make the most of your surroundings.

    Opting for your own synthetic ice skating rink gives you the advantage of setting up almost anywhere.

    Make sure to measure your space so you have the necessary tiles for your area.

    For uneven surfaces, you’ll need additional plywood to have a smoother skate.

    Here are some ways to make the most of your space.

     

    backyard rink

     

    1. Set-up a Backyard Ice Skating Rink

    This is one of our favorite locations to set up a rink.

    People often use their backyards for natural, DIY ice skating rinks because they’re spacious.

    We love space when it comes to skating though you really don't need a lot!

    With as little as 200 square feet, you can set up a space for hockey training or a manageable enough rink to practice figure skating.

    You can go larger if you have older kids or have practice matches.

    Having a level surface is critical, so check grassy areas and use plywood if needed to keep things even.  

     2. Use Your Driveway

    Sometimes, all you have is your driveway!

    Park the cars in the street or the garage and get your tiles down to start skating.

    You’ll have significantly less space compared to the back yard.

    However, you can still get a nice sized rink if you have a large area.

    You can even get creative and use your front lawn!

    3. Skate on Your Deck

    Decks are flat surfaces created outdoors and connected to your house.

    They are usually made of high-quality wood and elevated from the floor on concrete or wooden pillars.

    Decks are great for lounging in the summer but can double as your skating rink all year round!

    Decks are some of the best places for an ice skating rink since they are usually large spaces with level floors.

    All you’ll need to do is set up your rink based on the dimensions of your deck.

    4. Garage Ice Arena

    Probably one of the most popular spaces for a home ice skating rink is right where you park your car (or store all your possesions....the Garage! 

    It's the ideal location that provides the nesessary space just enough to practice your edge work while away from the riink AND stay warm! 

    The great thing about synthteic ice is that the polymer plastic is strong enough to park your car on it with no damage to the surface.

    Just remember to cover your rink first to prevent dirt, oils and debris from mucking-up your rink.

     

    ice court

    5. Sport Court Conversion

    If you have a backyard basketball court or tennis court, you can quickly convert it into your rink for the holidays and beyond.

    Since these have flat surfaces, you can easily place multiple tiles in any shape you like so you or your family can start skating.

    To have the best of both worlds, you can invest in a pad or covering where you can still play basketball or tennis while having your rink in place. 

    6. Turn Swimming into Skating

    Earlier this year, our friends at the Faze Clan mansion took our tiles and created a skating runway around their pool.

    That gave us an idea.

    Why not cover your pool in ice! During the cold months, swimming will be at a minimum.

    It’s a great way to use the space by installing a synthetic ice rink.

    If the pool is shallow, you can drain it and install the rink on the pool floor.

    This can save you money on energy and water!

    Place a sub-layer of foam or board to protect the floor of the pool.

    You can go over the pool, but this may be a bit more difficult.

    You’ll need to create a sturdy structure to hold everyone safely before placing the skating panels.

    Speak with a contractor or structural engineer for this option. 

     

    rooftop rink

     

     7. Take it to the Roof

    Sometimes we don’t have space in our environment to create large rinks.

    Some people live in apartment complexes or other living arrangements where space is a premium.

    Why not take advantage of the space on the top floor?

    Set up a synthetic ice rink on the rooftop area away from the ledge.

    It will feel fantastic skating closer to the clouds, or even under the stars!

    Conclusion

    If skating is as important to you as it is to us, it makes sense to make the most of your environment.

    Using synthetic ice tiles, you have the versatility to set up almost everywhere while still having a skating experience comparable to real ice.

    From your deck, pool, and even the street, you and your family can have fun skating again!

    If you need advice on measurements and set up or need special pricing, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

     

    Synthetic Ice Tiles : Portable Rink in a Box for 2024

    Synthetic Ice Tiles : Portable Rink in a Box for 2024

    Throughout the winter season, millions of Americans think about dusting off their skates to have some ice skating fun.

    Yes, it's freezing cold at times, but it's an opportunity to figure skate, ice skate, play hockey, or your favorite ice games.

    Over the years, a new skater emerged from the hoards of ice skating enthusiasts and professionals.

    This new skater wants convenience and affordability while having a positive impact on the planet.

    The result has been the development of portable synthetic ice skating tiles.

    You can now get your very own synthetic ice rink in a box.

    A synthetic ice rink in a box is a set of tiles or panels set together to form a large or small rink.

    You'll use your actual metal blades for hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating.

    Synthetic ice is excellent for people who don't have access to natural ice or wish to have a personal or commercial rink at a significantly cheaper cost.

    We've developed our tiles using the latest in synthetic ice technology that offers optimal glide and performance.

    You'll be set up and ready to skate on these lightweight, reversible tiles in a just a few minutes.

     

    ice rink in a box

     

    Here's What Your Ice Rink In A Box Will Look Like

    When you order your synthetic ice, you'll be excited to get started.

    Your delivered package is literally a rink in a box.

    Each Starter Kit Box comes with four panels covering 32 square feet, and each panel weighs about 10 lbs.

    You'll be surprised at how accessible and easy it is to set up your ice rink-in-a-box will be.

    However, before you 'add to cart,' you should know a few things so you can get the most out of your experience.

    1. It's Close To The Real Thing.

    Why should I want to skate on synthetic ice?

    Many potential customers have this thought when thinking about an at-home or commercial rink.

    In the past, if you wanted an ice rink, you would need lots of water, materials for the rink walls, and cold weather (aka the First Freeze).

    If that were not an option, you would opt for the very expensive refrigerated ice rink.

    Today, it's more accessible thanks to synthetic ice products.

    Synthetic products did not just stand still since their inception.

    The technology and materials used to make these tiles as close to the real thing as possible.

    A difference would be the degree of friction you'll get that's almost non-existed with natural ice.

    However, technology has evolved to make it as close to the real thing as possible.

    With the best products on the market, the friction is just about 10%.

    Forgoing 10% friction for a convenient, durable skating option sounds like a no-brainer.

     

    Rink Usage

    2. You Should Know What You're Using It For

    With a synthetic ice rink, the skating possibilities are almost endless.

    If you have a clear idea of the purpose of your rink, you'll be able to work out other factors we'll mention soon.

    Here are some common reasons you'd want your synthetic ice rink in a box:

    • You want to start or restart a recreational skating hobby.
    • In a house of skating kids, you need practice space.
    • You're an ice hockey athlete who needs to work on specific skills.
    • You're a figure skater that needs a space to practice or train others.
    • You want a large rink for your business or community without the hassle and expense of refrigerated ice.

    Whatever the reason, getting clear on why you need it means you'll get maximum enjoyment from your rink.

     

    Grage Rink

     

    3. You Should Know Where To Set It Up.

    Where do you plan to install your synthetic ice rink?

    Before getting your ice rink in a box, you should have an idea of where you'll set it up.

    What would be disappointing is if the area is not available, has multiple uses, or is not structurally sound for your rink.

    You'd want your rink on a flat, hard surface like a spare room, den, garage, or playroom.

    An uneven ground leads to a poor skating experience.

    Make sure to check that the sub-flooring is flat with no large dips or offests in elevation.

    If it isn't, you'd need to invest in some Birch or OSB (Advantech) plywood to act as the base for your synthetic ice.

    If your looking for a permanent, outdoor rink, our larger Pro-Glide panels are an ideal option and durable enough to face any weather.

    Wherever the set-up, make sure to protect it from heavy foot traffic as it will only make your surface harder to keep clean

    Knowing where you want to set up will also determine if you're going to purchase tiles or panels, which we will cover later.

     

    Measurements

     

    4. You Should Know Your Measurements.

    Just as important as the location is a measure of the area.

    A simple tape measure is enough for you to determine if your ice rink in the box can fit in the designated space.

    If you're taking up the corner of a room, garage, or just a part of your living room space

    simply multiply your length X width and divide by 32 to determine how many boxes you may need

    (Example: 12ft long by 8ft wide = 96 SF / 96 divided by 32 = 3 Boxes).

    However, if you want a larger rink, you'll realize that you need more than one ice rink-in-a-box.

    For instance if you have a large backyard or commercial space in which you want to place a more prominent rink you may want to opt for our larger Premium grade Pro-Glide panels.

    5. You're Not Limited To An Ice Rink-In-A-Box

    This article is about getting your first ice rink-in-a-box, but that might not be enough in some cases.

    For rinks that will experience heavy use or for commercial use, you'll need a heavy-duty product. You can choose from our panels that are heavier, thicker, and more durable.

    Each weighs about 80 pounds for the full size and covers about 30 square feet. Some panels are half the weight and square footage.

    With just a few full-sized panels, you can create your dream rink, perform indoor skating classes at a studio, or add to your business to increase foot traffic.

    Please note that the budget is significantly higher than a rink-in-a-box and will require freight shipping to your location.

     

    Slip Surface Conditioner

     

    6. You May Consider A Surface Conditioner.

    Buying synthetic ice tiles does not mean you can set them and forget them.

    These tiles will need maintenance to continue performing at a high level.

    Over time, especially with heavy use, the tiles can accumulate dust and dirt from foot traffic.

    To keep this from happening, you'll need to clean and recondition your tiles or panels.

    Think of it as resurfacing your ice rink with hot water.

    Get some Slip Surface Conditioner to apply on a clean surface occasionally along with a PH neutral soap.

    How often you'll need to apply the conditioner depends on how often you use the rink.

    If the skating experience starts to decline, then you'll know it's time to reconditione the surface.

    The conditioner is easily accessible and made with bio-degradable, non-toxic ingredients.

    7. There Are Other Helpful Accessories To Consider.

    To get a finished rink appearance, consider including some practical accessories.

    For instance, you can add our new perimeter BounceBar (Rebounding Dasher Curb) for hockey players to help keep the puck from straying off the surface.

    Other accessories to keep in mind include our "Slip Peel & Stick Tape" to keep your surface from sliding along with other training aids.

     

    Budget and Plan

     

    8. Budget For Shipping And Taxes.

    A common mistake is failing to account for shipping costs, shipping timeframe, and taxes.

    The sales taxes vary by state, so you should keep that in mind when getting your ice rink in a box.

    Also, if you're opting for our Larger Pro-Glide panels, understand these panels are shipped on a pallet and would require freight shipping.

    9. It's Built To Last.

    Are you worried if you'll need to replace the tiles soon?

    That's a common concern when purchasing your first tiles or panels.

    However, the technology behind rinks has evolved to improve the durability of these tiles.

    On average, tiles can last ten years, even with heavy use. In addition, most come with a 5-year warranty, which speaks to the quality of the tiles.

    That being said, you can expect your synthetic ice to serve you well for many years.

    10. You'll Have Lots Of Fun.

    It won't hurt to take some time to think about how much fun you'll have on your rink.

    To this day, we still have lots of fun setting up and skating on our rinks, and we know you will too. So invite neighbors, family members, and teammates to your space.

    And if you're looking at this from a commercial perspective, your customers will appreciate that you took the time to add this fantastic winter pastime.

     

    Simple SKate

     

    Conclusion

    Are you ready to bring the rink home?

    Is it time to build your own commercial rink?

    You can start with four panels and take it from there.

    Getting an ice rink in the box is a simple yet effective way to ice skate.

    Before your first purchase, remember the basics - location, space, use, and hidden costs.

    If you're still struggling to decide or need more information, our team is eager to help.

    We know once you get it right, you'll love skating on our synthetic ice as much as we do!

    Simply fill-out our quote request form and we'll get started on drafting your free quote with the latest discount offers we have available!

    For additional information or request a quote simply Click Here

    Take a look here at some of our most popular rink packages!

    PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

    PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

     

    Synthetic Ice: Fun for the Whole Family All Year Long

    Synthetic Ice: Fun for the Whole Family All Year Long

     There's no need to go out and spend a fortune on vacations or activities to create fun memories for your family.

    This affordable solution can provide hours of enjoyment for everyone, from parents and children to figure skaters and hockey players.

    Plus, with synthetic ice, you can enjoy the thrill of skating no matter what the weather is like outside!
    You may be surprised at just how much fun you can have right in your own backyard!

     give it a try

    Give it a try

    If you want to create lasting memories for your home, consider investing in synthetic ice.

    This type of skating surface can be used by anyone, from beginner to expert skaters, plus it's a great way to keep active during the winter months.

    Synthetic ice is also perfect for parties and family gatherings.

    With just a little bit of practice, you'll be able to show off your skills on the ice!

    Achieving the perfect backyard skating experience for your children need not be difficult, or expensive.

    Inexpensive and easy-to-install synthetic ice can provide hours of enjoyment for your little ones - and even the whole family!

    Installing synthetic ice in your backyard is a great way to build lasting memories together while keeping everyone active and entertained.

    Read on for more information on how to get started.

    create fun ideas

    Create Fun Ideas

    A synthetic ice rink can provide family fun for hours on end.

    Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:

    • Have a skating party. Invite family and friends over for some skating fun.
    • Challenge each other to games. See who can do the most tricks, or race each other around the rink.
    • Listen to music while you skate. Skating to your favorite tunes is a great way to get in the mood for some fun.
    • Create a winter wonderland for the Holidays or "Christmas in July" during the summer! Dress up the rink with Christmas decorations and lights for a festive atmosphere.

    Building family memories is one of the best things about having a synthetic ice rink in your backyard.

    Here are some examples of how families have enjoyed their rink:

    • Birthday Parties - One family had a skating party for their daughter's birthday and invited all her friends. They had a blast playing games and taking turns skating around the rink.
    • Open House - Another family held a holiday open house and invited all their friends and family to come skate on their synthetic ice.
    • Winterfest - It was a great way to get everyone together and enjoy some festive winter fun.
    • Lessons - A family with young children use the synthetic ice rink as an opportunity to teach them how to skate. The parents can help them learn while also spending quality time together.


    helpful tips

    Tips on how to make the most out of your synthetic ice rink

    If you're looking for a fun way to spend time with your family, consider building a synthetic ice rink in your backyard.

    Synthetic ice is a great alternative to traditional ice skating rinks, since it can be used indoors or outdoors and doesn't require any special equipment or training.

    Here are a few tips for making the most out of your synthetic ice rink:

    • Choose the right location. The best place to put your synthetic ice rink is on a level surface that gets plenty of sunlight. Make sure the area is free of obstructions, such as trees or fences, and has enough room for everyone to skate around.
    • Use the right materials. In order to build a synthetic ice rink, you'll need to review the different assembly options that pertain to your rink layout.
    Ideas for winter activities that can be enjoyed on a synthetic ice rink

    What could be more fun than spending a winter day skating with family and friends on a synthetic ice rink?

    It’s the perfect way to get some exercise, have some fun, and create lasting memories.

    There are a variety of different types of synthetic ice rinks available, so you can find one that fits your needs.

    Whether you want a small rink for your backyard or something larger that can accommodate a group, there’s sure to be a rink that’s perfect for you.

    One of the best things about synthetic ice rinks is that they can be used year-round.

    Get creative with your synthetic ice rink 

    There's no need to spend big bucks on family vacations when you can create fun memories at home with your very own synthetic ice rink!

    Whether you're a seasoned ice skater or this is your first time trying, here are some ideas to get creative with your rink and make the most of your family time.

    Of course, one of the main attractions of a synthetic ice rink is being able to ice skate whenever you want to and in any climate.

    You can either lace up and take a spin around the rink yourself, or get family and friends together for a game of hockey or figure skating.

    Be careful though, as even on synthetic ice falls can still hurt!

    skate all year long

    Endless Winter

    Every Spring when the winter thaw begins and it's time to begin your annual spring cleaning.

    Once we get done with the interior and the outside temperature begins to warm up the garden becomes the main priority.

    While surveying the landscape you notice your pool cover is filled with water that you know you'll eventually have to get to.

    That will have to wait for a much warmer day as the thought of a 54 degrees spring dip seems more like a polar bear plunge.

    The actual amount of time you use the pool will be about three months if you're lucky ....beginning towards the end of June and ending when the kids return to school after Labor day.

     economic sense

    Economic Sense

    The backyard ice rink you made for the kids has thawed and you're left with a giant fish bowl that soon will be hatching mosquitoes.

    The thought of installing a year-round synthetic ice rink has crossed your mind but the overall cost does not quite appeal to you.

    Then you think of the reason why you built the rink in the first place to give the kids something to enjoy at home during the cold winter months.

    When you think about it the reason why you had the pool installed was to enjoy the yard and stay cool during the hot summer.

    When you look at your receipt for the 12' x 24' x 4ft Oval pool you noticed you paid $3,200 for the installation.

    Then just add water......hours cleaning, filtering, backwashing, adding chemicals, and winterizing.

    Then you take a look at the synthetic ice estimate you received for roughly only 65% of the cost, zero maintenance with the exception of cleaning.. ..and can be used year-round you realize that's not so bad!

    Conclusion

    As you can see, synthetic ice rinks offer many different installation options and applications, unlike traditional refrigerated ice.

    The cost of owning and operating a synthetic ice rink is a huge saving in itself and provides unlimited ice all year long.

    The Pro-Glide panel by PolyGlide Ice provides an ice-like feel and was built to endure the cold winter months and hot summer days.

    Please take a minute and scan through our website to see all of the different rink package options that are now available to anyone who loves the idea of skating in their own home environment.

     

     

    The True Value of Synthetic Ice Home Training

    The True Value of Synthetic Ice Home Training

    Creating an environment to make synthetic ice training a reality takes some thinking, planning and research but the rewards are invaluable.

    As with all modern-day sports physical fitness is the foundation for the potential of success one can achieve outside of genetics.

    Being a "gym rat" or in this case a "rink rat" can take a player with an average skill to the next level if the effort and desire is there.

    The challenge with ice hockey and figure skating is you need to spend an extensive amount of the ice time at the rink to excel at skating.

    There’s No Place Like Home

    Synthetic Ice Training

    With all of today’s modern day distractions (facebookinstagramTik Tok, twitter) that unfortunately consume the bulk of any young athletes day, introducing home synthetic ice training is more acceptable today than ever before.

    Trying to find time between homework assignments and practices is difficult for any young athlete to continue self-training.

    Having a dedicated space in a home environment becomes even more valuable than ever especially for those athletes that need to master the art of ice skating.

    How to Start

    If you see you have a dedicated player or skater it's time to find a dedicated space to fit their needs.

    It's always best to optimize a minimal amount of space to maximize your overall training

    A bigger synthetic ice rink is not always better as a smaller space allows you to repeat the drill and correct the mistakes and limit the amount of wasted time.

    You'll only need enough space to work on your edges and skill sets.

    I know this is not what you’re used to hearing but can you see how this makes sense?

    The need when it comes to home ice training is to become a better skater or player.

    Get More for Less

    The goal is to utilize your synthetic ice surface to limit the amount of travel and maximize the amount of training.   

    The advantages you'll save on travel time and getting more workouts over the long term will only help you to maximize your abilities and become a better skater or player.

    This will put you on the fast track to accomplishing your goals and enable you to do it all in the comfort of your home by utilizing synthetic ice training.

    What is the ideal location for Your Rink?

     

    This question doesn’t have just one answer

    Synthetic Ice can be installed virtually anywhere, anyplace at anytime.

    Examples of Common Rink Project Locations for the Home:

    Garage: Hands down, the family garage “takes the cake” as the most common indoor rink location in the home.

    A single car garage measures approximately 12ft. x 20ft whereas a 2-car a garage ice rink would measure closer to 20ft x 20ft.

    Both are ideal sizes and locations for your home training rink.

    Basement: The basement has always been an ideal place for creating a playroom space for your kids to play.

    What better way to train AND have fun by converting this area into a home ice rink?

    (Something tells me the kids will not object.)

    Deck: Home outdoor decks have grown tremendously over the last few decades and are now a commonplace in most homes.

    Decks provide the perfect flat, hard subsurface for any home synthetic ice rink project.

    Driveway: When the weather starts to warm-up you can always move your garage rink out to the driveway for some fresh air (or just open the door).

    Advantages

    Utilizing home ice training is ideal because it can help you become an impact player or skater. 

    The additional resistance makes synthetic ice training ideal for any skater or player looking to strengthen their skating, improve on basic stickhandling drills and advance their skills and performance.

    Why not take advantage of a tool that can offer you maximum results?

    Find Your Ideal Rink

    synthetic ice rink

    Now that you’ve learned a little bit about synthetic ice, it’s time to find a rink that works within your budget.

    This can seem overwhelming—especially if you feel you don’t know enough about the product to make a decision.

    That’s okay. We can help.

    Worksheets

    First, there are a lot of products on the market that make claims to having the best synthetic ice.

    When you're researching about the different options and types of surfaces, you may want to have some paper handy. 

    Browse through the different products and take notes as to what you may or may not like about each of them.

    Continue this process for each product you come across until you’re confident you’ve exhausted your search.

    Take your time to review this information and narrow your selection down to your top three (3) choices.

    Don’t be afraid to call the companies to discuss their product and allow yourself to get a feel of who you’re dealing with.

    Return on Investments (ROI)

    Owning your own home synthetic ice rink will certainly pay off in the long term when you consider less time spent traveling back-and-forth to the rink.

    Artificial ice is not meant to replace natural ice but only to enable athletes to advance their skills without relying on ice time at the local arena.

    Less time traveling in the car means more time training at home.

    The Road to Success

    Success

    I came up with a few quick questions you may also want to ask yourself about the player or skater you’re purchasing the rink for.

    You can add these few to your list:

    How would you best describe the Skater?

    When looking to purchase a synthetic ice rink try to evaluate where your child is on the development scale (beginner or advanced?).

    If you’re a parent this is often a subjective question as we are all a little biased when it comes to evaluating our own child…..but try to be honest.

    Think about how dedicated or committed your child is to their sport.

    If the rink is for you then fine but it’s probably not something you want to purchase to make your child enjoy it.

    That would not be a good start.

    Here’s some of the other things you may want to consider:

    Interests

    Favorites: Does your child actively follow their favorite team, player or skater?

    Games: Do they like to compete and play in other sports and games?

    Hobbies: Have they shown an interest in other hobbies that they like….not influenced by anyone else?

    These are just a few examples of some different interests.

    What other ones may apply to their life?

    The Three “S’s”

    Schooling: Will having a home ice rink allow your child to have some additional time to get their homework done?

    Schedule: Are they being shuffled back-and-forth to the rink frequently with little “down time”?

    Stress: How does your child handle stress? Children can easily be overwhelmed if they take on too much.

    Activities and Health

    Exercise: Is your child involved in daily physical activities?

    Do you feel they get enough exercise throughout the week and in between meals?

    Diet: Are you happy with your child eating habits and diet?

    Are they making good choices when eating on their own?

    Passion: Is your child excited or passionate about Hockey or figure skating and ready to devote their time to the sport they love?

    These are just a few examples of some of the things you may want to take into consideration prior to purchasing your synthetic ice rink.

    Notice how this list contains a blend of specific talents that encompass both hobbies, schedules and specific skills.

    Not all of these apply to everyone—and they’re not meant to.

    Most players and skaters these days have busy schedules with limited time.

    There’s no better way to make use of that time than by synthetic ice training at home.

    By creating your own home training rink you can make the most of your valuable time and achieve maximum results.

    It’s a “win-win” for both the athlete AND the parent.

    Once you’ve decided which synthetic ice product to purchase and completed your installation the real fun begins.

    If you want to get the most out of your training you will need to create a workout program that will help you achieve your goals.

    Now it’s time to get real honest with yourself:

    What Are Your Weaknesses?

    Weaknesses

    While it is important to know your talents and focus on them, it is also a good idea to understand and admit your weaknesses.

    Knowing what they are and how to improve them will only put you on the fast track to achieving your goals.

    If you're great at making tight left turns, spend your time turning right. 

    If you’re a skater that needs work on your spins, don’t waste time working on your crossovers.

    Once you can isolate and work on your weaknesses you can begin to improve your skills.

    Nicole Court Training

    (Nicole Court, @nicolecourttraining www.nicolecourttraining.com)

    Ice Hockey

    Powerskating: Powerskating is designed to improve overall skating technique, speed and edgework.

    Starting, stopping, Pivoting, turning and acceleration drills are repeated at a high rate of speed until each skill is achieved.

    Small-Area Games: Small-area games are game-like competitive drills that utilize a playing surface that has been reduced in size.

    Your home synthetic ice rink is the ideal space for your own small-area game drills.

    Be creative and have fun challenging yourself.

    Basic Stickhandling Drills:  Practicing stickhandling at home with a simple shooting pad is one thing but doing it in your skates on synthetic ice brings it to another level.

    It's important to get your feet (skates) involved when practicing basic stickhandling drills.

    Figure Skating

    Jumps: There are six kinds of jumps currently counted as jump elements in ISU Three are edge jumps—the Salchow, loop, and Axel—and three are toe jumps which use the toe picks on the front of the blade—the toe loop, flip, and Lutz.

    The Axel is the most difficult due to an extra half rotation.

    Spins: There are many types of spins, identified by the position of the arms, legs, and torso, the foot on which the spin is performed, and the entrance to the spin.

    combination spinis a spin where the skater would connect a spin with another separate spin.

    Spins are a required element in most figure skating competitions.

    Target your weaknesses and work hard on improving them.

    As you continue to train and address your weaknesses your overall skills will continue to improve until you reach your goals.

    Hard work, determination and dedication are the tools you’ll need to get you there.

    What Are You Passionate About?

    Passionate Skater

    These are the things that you are interested in that fuel your passion, and help build good character….it’s what makes you tick.

    The traits of many athletes are the core foundation for their success.

    Here are a few examples of Good Leadership and Character traits:

    Good Leadership Traits

    • Integrity & Honesty
    • Confidence
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment and Passion
    • Good Communicator
    • Decision-Making Capabilities
    • Accountability
    • Delegation and Empowerment

    Good Character Traits

    • Respectfulness
    • Responsibility
    • Humility
    • Compassion
    • Fairness

    Other Examples

    Here’s some basic examples of Good Character and Leadership:

    • Helping others: Do you find it rewarding when you help someone other then yourself?
    • Showing Responsibility: Do you own-up to your mistakes or failures without blaming others?
    • Being Unafraid: Do you shy away from trying something new at the thought of failure or fear of being unaccepted by others?

    The Total Athlete – Mind & Body

    In today’s modern day of training it’s not all physical.

    If an athlete is not mentally tough they will fold at the first sign of failure. Building strong character traits will help build any athletes confidence and teach them how to pick themselves up after being knock-down.

      Next Step

      The next step is to look at your skills as the building blocks for you to achieve maximum performance.

      Find out how they fit into your passions.

      Feed off your character and use it to your own advantage because we’re all good at something.

      Progress Diary

      Now that you know what skills you need to work on be sure to chart your progress using your own notes.

      This way you can go back and see how you achieved success and continue to build confidence along the way.

      Measure each skill using your own scale (1-5) with 5 being the best.

      Video Tape

      The bottom line is if you can’t have fun doing the thing you love then you may need to reassess the situation or take a break.

      Getting rest and knowing when to take a break will only make the player or skater a stronger athlete in the end.

      Video-tape your progress, it’s the perfect way for you to allow yourself to look back and see the gains you have made.

      Reward

      There will be nothing more rewarding in the end than reaping the rewards of your hard work by winning that medal, trophy or team championship.

      Hard work and discipline will take any person or athlete a long way throughout their life in helping them achieve the goals they set out for themselves.

      The lessons you learned along the way are just as important as the accomplishments you achieved.

      They make us stronger and wiser.

      Life lessons, whether good or bad, make us who we are today.

      Learn how to work on your weaknesses and excel at your talents.

      Ready to get started?

      Get Started

      Follow each step we outlined and soon you’ll be on your way to owning your own synthetic ice rink.

      Understanding the benefits and "The True Value of Synthetic Ice Training" will help lead your Hockey Player or Figure Skater on their way to maximizing their full potential.

      Conclusion

      Now that you know more about the benefits of synthetic ice training you can map out a plan to get your rink project started.

      Remember, every person has different needs (and budgets), so you need to find out what’s best for you. Each new self-taught skill will provide you with the building blocks to achieving your goals!

      With synthetic ice, you’re provided with a new tool that can help you get an “edge” over the competition so why not take advantage of it?

      It’s time to “Bring the Rink Home”!

      Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages!

      PolyGlide Ice - Home Ice Tiles

      PolyGlide Ice - Pro-Glide Panels

       

      Keep on Skating! 

      Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
      www.polyglideice.com