Info & Tips

The WEAR Score provides basic information on all of the elements that affect the edge sharpness of an ice skater's blade.

It provides useful information when shopping for ice skates or trying to understand what may dull your blade so you can properly maintain your skates.

So what's your W.E.A.R. Score?

If I were to assume no one has ever asked you that question I would probably be right, correct?

Yet, in every skater's world, there is one consistent everlasting concern that always needs to be addressed and will never go away...

"Skate Blade A-Wear-Ness".

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Enjoy Check Your Score Now With The W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool

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In the figure skating world, the most important piece of equipment that is cherished by every skater is undoubtedly... their skates.

And who can blame them?

Unlike hockey players who are "sticklers" (pun intended) about their sticks, gloves, helmets, shin guards, shoulder pads, and, oh yes.....their skates, figure skaters have only their one holy grail.... their ice skate blades.

At PolyGlide Ice we felt the time was overdue to address all the factors that contribute to ice skate blade wear (as we get asked this question quite often)..... so here we go!

Example Chart:

What is The W.E.A.R. Score?

To draft an overall WEAR Score we needed to include the main factors that contribute to ice skate blade wear and assign a score to help paint a clearer picture.

There are multiple variants of each of these factors but we wanted to keep it simple for the average skater and parent to understand.

So, here's a quick simple summary:

• W: WEIGHT - The Weight of the skater
• E: EDGE - Edge blade metal (type).
• A: ABRASION - Abrasion Surface (skating surface)
• R: RINK HRS. - Rink Hrs (per week)

We feel these four elements have the most direct impact on the wearing down or dulling of ice skate blades.

There's really only one of the four elements that are controllable outside of the skater's weight which is the composition of the skate blade.

By configuring the skater's WEAR Score any person can decide on the proper skate blade options that may work best for the skater.

How do I figure out my W.E.A.R. Score??

As mentioned above, there are five key elements that directly affect how long your ice skate blade may stay sharp while in use; weight, edge, abrasion, and rink hrs.

Each of the five key elements is given a score of 1 through 5 that directly affects the final W.E.A.R. Score with 5 being the best (blade health) as follows:

Weight:

• 0-50 lbs = 5
• 50-100 lbs = 4
• 100-150 lbs =3
• 150-200 lbs = 2
• 200 + lbs = 1

Edge:

• TITANIUM = 5
• STAINLESS STEEL = 4
• ALUMINUM = 3
• TEMPERED = 2
• CARBON = 1

(Note: Add .5 for chrome-plated blades)

Abrasion:

• FRESH CUT ICE = 5
• UNCUT OR POND ICE = 4
• INFUSED SYNTHETIC ICE = 3
• NON-INFUSED SYNTHETIC ICE = 2
• INJECTION-MODED SKATING TILES = 1

Rink Hrs. (weekly):

• 1-2 HRS., LEARN TO SKATE = 5
• 2-4 HRS., INTERMEDIATE = 4
• 5-7 HRS., JUNIOR = 3
• 7-10 HRS., COMPETITIVE = 2
• 10+ HRS., ELITE / SENIOR = 1

Take a minute to tabulate your overall W.E.A.R. Score using the 4 elements above to analyze blade exposure, sharpening frequency and what the proper blade requirements may be for any skater from beginner to advanced.

How is the W.E.A.R Score Useful?

We feel anyone looking to purchase ice skates or considering what type of blade makes sense for them may benefit from knowing their blade WEAR Score.

Especially now, given the high cost of skates, it's important for buyers to know what they can expect from their investment when it comes time to shop.

Here are a few simple examples of how the skate blade WEAR Score can be tabulated for active skaters and their families.

We highlighted 3 examples, all using a carbon blade for different skaters at different levels and sports:

Example 1 - Beginner (Recreational Skates):

If a parent of a young toddler (under 50lbs.) that's interested in learning how to ice skate at the local rink, wants to purchase them their first pair of ice skates they wouldn't have to run out and buy skates with a titanium blade.

A common carbon blade skate would serve that skater just fine and would still keep their W.E.A.R. Score above 3:

• WEIGHT (42 lbs) = 5
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION (cut/uncut) = 4.5
• RINK HRS (2) = 5
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 3.9

Note: Typical practice ice or "public session" ice can get cut up pretty quickly in which case you would use 4.5 as a more honest Abrasion Score. The same can be applied to any of the elements to attain a final score.

Example 2 - Travel Hockey Player (Hockey Skates):

An 89-pound male, Pee-wee travel hockey player asked Santa for a new pair of skates for Christmas and has his parents scrambling for the right ones.

At this age and skill level, the player already pretty much knows what they want, but a parent can get a good idea of how often they'll be heading to the Pro-Shop to get them sharpened if they go with the same carbon-type blade in Example 1.

Let's take a look:

• WEIGHT (89 lbs)= 4
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION = 4.5
• RINK HRS (6 )= 3
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 3.1

A skater at this level may want to consider going with a stainless steel runner (blade) which would bring their WEAR Score up to a 3.9 and would match that of the skater in Example 1.

Example 3 - Basic Novice Figure Skater (Figure Skates):

There's a good reason why figure skaters are very concerned about their skate blades, and if you look at how many hours they spend on the ice you'd know why.

While doing our research for this article we were amazed by how many hours figure skaters train at the higher levels and we totally understand the importance of skate blade wear.

For this example, we highlight a 14-year-old female, 105 lb, Basic Novice figure skater during the training season:

• WEIGHT (105 lbs) = 3
• EDGE (carbon) = 1
• ABRASION = 4.5
• RINK HRS (6 ) = 1
• OVERALL WEAR SCORE = 2.4

As you can, there's a reason why figure skaters have blade concerns given how many hours they practice and train each week on the ice.

A typical carbon blade is perfectly fine for a beginner, but will not hold up well with a more advanced skater throughout the training season and life of the ice skate.

You'll quickly find out that there are many options to consider when you start to search for figure skate blades.

What do I need to consider when buying ice skates?

With the overall high cost of today's hockey and figure skates, it would be helpful to know how many hours they will hold their edge between skate sharpenings.

We can guarantee you won't find that anywhere on the box.

While the original upfront expense may be less for a lower-cost skate with a carbon blade, you may also want to consider how often you will be paying for sharpenings.

If you prefer to spread out the cost throughout the season and have easy access to a skate pro or sharpener then that may be the ideal scenario for you.

Also, keep in mind if the skater has yet to hit their growth spurt, this may make the most sense as you will be shopping more frequently for ice skates, ice skate blades, and runners.

On the other hand, if you prefer to "bite the bullet" and invest in a higher quality skate due to limited access to the rink or a sharpener that may be the best bet for you.

What about the skate boot?

The design and composition of the skate boot weigh heavily on the overall price and strength of the skate.

Many figure skaters shop separately for their boots as there are so many different variations depending on the type of skater it applies to.

Hockey skate boots have also developed over the years, offering more lightweight, heat-molded materials and composites that can provide the lightest skate imaginable.

The truth is that there are ice skates available for any skater at any level but the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true for hockey and figure skates as well.

Conclusion

Skaters need to be aware of all the elements that contribute to the dulling of their skate blades and what to expect from the gear they own.

We have this conversation frequently with skaters when they voice their concerns about skating on synthetic ice and how it affects their blades.

At this time we felt the moment was right for implementing a blade WEAR Score so our customers understand more about the health of their skate blade and what they can expect throughout the season.

I hope you found this article enlightening and please feel free to reach out to us directly at: info@polyglideice.com with any feedback you may have about your own "blade wear" experience!

 

 

Falls are a part of any sport that requires significant movement, and ice skating is no exception. 

This is especially true for those just starting to learn to skate, who are much like newborns attempting to walk for the first time.  

While some falls are harmless, there are others that can be more severe, leading to injury.  

Therefore, new ice skaters must make safety a priority.

Being safe allows beginners to have fun while minimizing the chance of a moderate to severe injury.  

Injuries also play a psychological role, discouraging newbies from getting back on the ice, missing out on the potential to learn a fantastic skill. 

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LEARN TO SKATE IN THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH POLYGLIDE SYNTHETIC ICE

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Ice Skating Safety Comes First

The best way to stay safe is to invest in ice skating safety gear so you can skate comfortably. 

Tens of thousands of skaters get injured yearly, especially in the 5-14 age range.

These injuries can range from cuts, scrapes, and bruises to more serious concussions and broken bones.  

Many of these mishaps could be prevented with the right practices and gear.  

That's why we're happy to share some of our best tips and equipment so you can be safe your first – or next - time on the ice.  

10 Ice Skating Safety Tips 

1. Get a coach to teach you the basics 

Are you excited about ice skating? Unfortunately, it's much easier to get injured if you don't know what you're doing.

It helps to get an experienced coach who can teach you the basics, including lacing up your skates, moving forward, turning, and stopping.

You'll feel much more confident on the ice and minimize your mistakes. 

2. Obey the rules of the rink 

If you're visiting a neighborhood ice rink or one at a carnival, you're likely to see some rules plastered near the rink entrance.

These rules aren't for show.

They help skaters get the most out of the rink while staying safe.

For instance, some rinks request that the skaters go in one direction to avoid collisions.

Get familiar with the rules and share them with younger skaters so everyone has a clear understanding of the rules.  

3. Don't text and skate 

New ice skaters are eager to take pictures and share their experiences on social media.

Yet, that one selfie can lead you to a head-on collision with another skater.

Avoid using your phone while on the ice, as there are different skaters with different skill levels going at different speeds.

Reducing distractions as a beginner can increase your safety.  

4. Stay close to the edge 

As you get better on skates, it will help to stay on the outer edge of the rink.

For starters, most beginners will be here going at a steady pace, which will reduce your odds of colliding with a more advanced skater.

Furthermore, rinks have walls and handrails you can use to help steady yourself, meaning you're less likely to wipe out and get laughed at.  

5. Learn how to fall to minimize injuries 

Do you know there's a right and wrong way to fall on the ice? It's natural to fall with an outstretched arm in an attempt to brace yourself.

However, that's a recipe for a broken wrist and a trip to the ER.

Instead, learn how to fall on the ice.

It might not feel like a natural movement, but if you're intentional, being mindful allows you to be as safe as possible.  

6. Make sure kids are supervised 

Most new ice skaters are kids starting as early as five years old.

These newbies are eager to skate quickly but are likely to fall or get hurt.

An adult or qualified coach must stay near kids to help them skate or assist them should they fall and be unable to get up on their own.  

7. Heed any warnings for outdoor skating spaces 

Ice skating is not limited to indoor rinks.

There are ponds, lakes, and other areas that freeze in the winter, making them perfect for skating.

However, as the temperature fluctuates, so does the ice's integrity.

It's important to look for warnings about skating in these areas to avoid severe injury.

A common practice is to skate on at least 6 inches of ice.  

8. Beware of ice skating blades 

Ice skates do contain sharp pieces of metal at the end, which can be dangerous.

While extremely rare, these blades can lead to injuries like cuts.

Avoid any activities that may lead to accidents with blades.

Keep the blades covered when off the ice with a blade guard or soakers.  

9. Dress for the weather, especially if it's cold out 

With ice skating comes cold, sometimes freezing, temperatures.

Your clothing then becomes an essential piece of ice skating safety gear.

Wear warm pants or leggings, which also double as extra protection for your legs if you fall.

A light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt with long sleeves protects your arms while keeping you warm.

Add or remove layers according to the weather to stay safe and warm.  

10. Consider starting off on synthetic ice 

What if there was a way to skate without the risks that come with skating on natural ice?

You can with synthetic ice.

These are polyethylene tiles or panels that connect to form a surface for ice skating.

This surface is durable enough to skate with metal blades but provides a reduced impact with falls.

You can look for synthetic ice rinks, which pop up around the holidays in malls or museums or get ice rink kits for your backyard or spare room.  

Try These Pieces of Ice Skating Safety Gear for Beginners 

Want to take these tips we mentioned to the next level?

Then, add some ice skating safety gear to your trip to the rink.

Ice skating gear is not limited to hockey players.

Recreational skaters can also benefit from some simple pieces of ice skating safety gear.

These are the essential pieces any new skater should have for a safe session.  

1. Get a Helmet 

It goes without saying that a helmet is a given for any new skater.

Falling on the ice can lead to head injuries like concussions.

There's also a risk of falling backward and hitting the back of the head.

Helmets protect the head and neck, reducing the risk of head injuries.

A multi-sport helmet like this one from Outdoor Master is made of light yet durable shock-absorbing materials. 

2. Knee pads and elbow pads 

You're likely to fall forward on your knees or elbows, which can be painful.

On the cold but unforgiving ice, you are likely to get bumps, bruises, and cuts, even with long pants or sleeves.

Additionally, there is a risk of fractures.

Investing in some knee and elbow pads can help any beginner skater protect these joints:  

Get knee pads here

Get elbow pads here

3. Padded pants or leggings 

Protecting your elbows and knees won't stop the painful feeling of falling on your side or your butt.

While not a requirement, you can get padded pants or leggings, which can protect your delicate parts.

The Bodyprox pants are commonly used in snowboarding but can help with protection while ice skating.  

4. An Ice skating training aid 

Most beginners struggle to maintain their balance, falling several times before they get the hang of it. Falling without protection can lead to injury.  

Both kids and adults can benefit from training aids like an ice skating walker.  

This gives you the support you need to glide around the ice, holding onto a sturdy, adjustable walker while also reducing falls and injuries.  

Try the Franklin Sports Training Aid here:

5. The Right Ice Skates 

Can skates double as ice skating safety gear?  

Absolutely!

A skate that's too big or not secure can lead to falls and ankle injuries.  

Dull blades can also impact your skating experience, leading to more falls.  

Your goal is to find an ice skate at your level that performs well and secures your foot.

Ice skates are also sized differently to regular shoes.  

You can visit a skate shop to find the size and type that's right for you.  

You can also read some of our recommendations for the best ice skates under $200.  

Conclusion: Create A Safety-Conscious Mindset 

The right ice skating safety gear and tips can help you have an enjoyable time on the ice. 

As you get better, you'll probably relax some of the gear and rules around safe skating.

You'll get faster, more control, and improve your balance.

However, you should still keep the principles in mind.

Investing in ice skating safety gear also speeds up your learning curve, as you'll be more willing to follow instructions, skate longer, and feel less intimidated by falls. 

Ice skating safety is the key to an enjoyable sport and possibly progressing to become highly skilled in the sport. 

 

 

 

For decades, synthetic ice has proven to be an excellent alternative to outdoor ice or refrigerated ice rinks.

The benefits are clear. Skating is convenient and feels seamless.

It is a cheaper long-term alternative to ice while still allowing you to use your metal skates.

It can last for years, is scalable, and skatable year-round.

But, even with its durability, can you install it outside? 

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Skaters want to make sure they get the best experience.

But, more importantly, they want to make sure it lasts.

Rest assured, synthetic ice can withstand both inside and outside use. 

Can synthetic ice go outside?

Synthetic ice is made of a dense polymer called polyethylene.

Polyethylene is present in almost everything we use: Our electronics, housewares, toys, insulation, and more.

The polyethylene compounds we use in synthetic ice has been around for over 50 years. 

The Polyethylene used by PolyGlide is meant to be light but durable.

Even our thicker panels can withstand hours of impact from hockey players, figure skaters, or recreational skaters.

 Synthetic ice rinks are popular indoors.

Commercial rinks are often in malls, recreational centers, and businesses that focus on family entertainment.

However, since we started creating tiles and panels for residential use, customers have preferred to build rinks in garages, barns, and spare rooms. 

That does not mean they can’t go outside and stay there.

The polyethylene surface material lasts in any weather for years.

Let’s look at how synthetic ice holds up in different kinds of weather.

How do synthetic ice rinks fare in the winter (mainly snow)?

Backyard ice rinks depend on the first freeze for the water to set and become a rink.

This is not necessary with synthetic ice.

However, like backyard rinks, synthetic ice rinks still have to deal with frosty temperatures and snow.

Freezing temperatures, snow, and even hail will not damage your synthetic ice rink.

The colder temperatures improve your synthetic ice’s performance, making it smoother and closer to the real thing. 

When it snows on a natural backyard rink, the snow freezes on contact.

The result is a sometimes unusable surface.

The rink needs to be cleaned and resurfaced with hot water. Ice sheets and clumps can form on your synthetic rink but not as much as on a natural rink.

Therefore, it will not create any damage.

Simply melt and remove excess ice with hot water and a brush.

Afterward, you may need to resurface your rink with a Slip Surface Conditioner for the best performance. 

What about the heat?

Synthetic ice can stand up to heat like no other type of rink.

Natural rinks need cold temperatures to maintain their integrity.

Once temperatures rise, it is time to take down your rink.

Shorter winters due to changes in climate mean less time on the ice.

Refrigerated rinks fare a bit longer since they use machines and refrigeration to stay frozen.

But as it gets hotter, the refrigeration costs for an outdoor rink rise.

In short, you will have an additional month or two at best. 

Polyethylene withstands up to 250 °F (120 °C) in the production process, which translates to the final product.

That means your rink can withstand the scorching heat in Florida or Arizona as much as it can Utah or Montana’s cold. 

Synthetic ice rinks tend to expand when constantly exposed to heat.

This should not affect your skating, but it must be considered when building a rink with walls.

There should be at least 1” of space between the rink and walls to compensate for expanding tiles or panels. 

Synthetic ice in the rain

Your ice can stay outdoors and handle a sudden downpour.

In colder months, rain freezes on rinks.

For your natural or refrigerated rinks, it poses a similar threat as snow.

Your synthetic rink may form some ice, but you can easily clean it off as you would clumps of snow. 

Rain is not a problem in hotter months, but dirt can accumulate on your rink.

Rain dries on synthetic ice like any surface, causing streaks when mixed with dust.

The dirt can impact your skating experience over time, so clean your rink before you skate.

If you’re concerned about rain, snow, or other weather changes, you can build your synthetic ice rink in a covered area.

But this is not necessary.

Your synthetic ice rink is essentially weather-proof. 

Does synthetic ice wear out? How long does synthetic ice last?

Weather-proof synthetic does not mean it will last forever.

Skating will produce wear and tear as the blades slice through the synthetic material.

These minor cuts improve skating over time, but the panels will wear out.

On average, your synthetic ice panels should last at least five years.

With proper care, it can go up to 10 years or more.

Sometimes, we recommend flipping the rink over for some extra use.

Your rink’s durability depends on factors like the use and type of synthetic ice.

For instance, tiles are smaller and thinner than panels.

Therefore, several skaters on a rink made of tiles will wear them down compared to panels. 

It’s all about maintenance.

If you notice a trend, your rink can go outdoors and last for years, in any weather, but only with regular maintenance.

Indoor and outdoor synthetic ice rinks need essential maintenance.

For rinks with heavy traffic, we recommend cleaning them weekly to remove dirt and shavings.

Use a soft brush with warm, soapy water to remove dirt, then resurface as needed.

Make sure your rink is interlocked securely to prevent damage to the rink and injury. 

Outdoor rinks need the same level of care with some added touches.

For instance, you can invest in a cover to protect your rink from excess dirt, debris, and even rain and snow. 

Yes, your rink will survive without it, but the fewer times you need to clean it, the better. 

Who wants to spend time cleaning when you can be skating!

We have covers for indoor rinks, but you can use a tarp or other durable cover outdoors.

Cover your rink after use or if the weather is about to change.

You can remove the covering and start skating.

Is your rink still frozen?

You will need hot water to melt and remove the ice before cleaning it with a soft mop. 

Outdoor rinks can develop more grime and dirt than indoor rinks.

In that case, you can use a pressure washer for a deeper clean.

Pressure washers have different heads that can provide a powerful clean without removing the infused layers.

Clean on the lowest possible setting first and gradually increase the pressure for really stubborn areas. 

Conclusion

Synthetic ice is a great way to build your home or commercial rink indoors or outdoors.

The durable material allows you to have hours of fun skating outdoors without any damage due to weather.

What’s important is that you follow the proper maintenance, so sun, snow, or rain won’t stand a chance. 

To avoid potential damage and extra cleaning, you can store away your rink. Just disconnect the panels and place them in a cool, dry place.

Some rink owners don’t have that extra space, but that should not deter them from keeping the rink in the same place. 

The hockey players and figure skaters in your life can skate for hours, making it an incredible return on investment.

If you have ample outdoor space, don’t let it deter you from installing your rink.

Contact us today so we can help you with planning and ordering synthetic ice tiles or panels for your outdoor project. 

 

 

It was once thought that you needed ice skates, fancy clothes, and access to a rink to enjoy ice skating. 

According to Statista, about 9.5 million Americans participate in ice sports like figure skating or ice hockey. 

It seems like the demand for skating was in decline, but not anymore.

A growing trend that involves no ice and no skates have been sweeping the nation, especially kids.

It’s called sock skating, a safe, fun way to ‘skate.’

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Get Your Socks On And Start Skating Right At Home With Our PolyGlide Ice Home Ice Tiles 

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If you’ve had a chance to do some sock skating and you want to recreate that experience at home for your family, you’ve come to the right place.

What is sock skating?

As the name implies, sock skating uses socks to glide across a flat, smooth surface. 

It emulates the grace of ice skating without the need for expensive ice skates and traveling to rinks.

If you’ve slid across your living room floor before – a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business - then you understand sock skating.

The smooth surface mixed with soft socks creates an environment that takes the pressure out of balancing on skates or crazy wipe outs.

Besides being fun, sock skating can happen any time of the year since ice is unnecessary.

It’s also great for almost any age. Your toddlers and tots will enjoy it as much as teens and adults.  

What do you need to sock skate?

All you need are socks and a smooth, enclosed surface, and you can sock skate.

The type of socks will determine how much you can slide across the floor. 

Wool and cotton socks work best.

Avoid socks with non-slip features, as you’ll get stuck and constantly fall over.

Smooth surfaces like hardwood or laminate floors work the best.

Some are pre-treated with a special liquid conditioner to make the floor slippery. 

However, to get the real ice-skating feel, sock skating rinks are made with synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is special white tiles or panels that can emulate the look of an ice rink.

The best synthetic ice material is made of high-density polyethylene that lasts for years. 

Many commercial rinks in malls, hotels, and entertainment centers use large synthetic ice panels to construct ice rinks during the Holidays.

Now, you can get synthetic ice tiles in sizes large and small to fit almost any space.

The tiles have dove-tail joint edges, allowing them to connect smoothly and form a large enough surface area for skating. 

These rinks allow ice skates with metal blades.

Some of the best on the market have minimal friction, allowing ice skaters to still enjoy skating without natural ice.

In fact, the more you skate on synthetic ice, the better it performs.

Recently, these same synthetic ice tiles have doubled as sock skating rinks.

Even as the seasons change, these rinks can stick around a little longer for sock skating.  

 

Where can I sock skate?

There are several locations that have added sock skating as part of their offerings for guests/customers.

• Children’s Museums and Science Centers:

Museums and science centers host thousands of kids every month looking to learn and have fun. To encourage more people, museums often set up synthetic ice rinks on a part of the main floor or the rooftop. Sometimes, these rinks stick around for sock skating, usually by popular demand.  Smaller rinks are often  available for toddlers and tweens. 

• Fall and Winter Events:

When the temperature drops, we see more events centered around fall and winter. From carnivals to state fairs and everything in between, it’s a great time to enjoy all the great things that come with the new seasons. Some of these events set up refrigerated ice rinks, but there’s now a rise in sock skating rinks made of synthetic ice.

• Indoor play parks:

Do your kids love indoor play parks? These parks have trampolines, climbing walls, slides, jungle gyms, and other cool activities. With the demand for skating, you will soon find sock skating rinks in your local playpark. 

Head online and search for ‘sock skating near me.’ You’ll find at least one of these locations with skating rinks, especially during the fall and winter. Make sure to bring a pair of socks to avoid overpaying at the venue.

Sock skating at home

What if you wanted to create a sock skating rink at home?

It’s as simple as setting up a synthetic ice rink and sliding to your heart’s content. 

Indoor ice rinks with synthetic ice can happen on almost any surface, and use your ice skates for practice or family fun. 

Here's how April and Davey were able to use our synthetic ice to surprise their kids:

INDOOR ICE SKATING RINK!!!!

You can do the same thing and swap out your skates for socks!

Here’s how to install your sock rink:

1. Choose and measure your space. Most families choose a spare room, living room space, backyard, or deck. Almost any flat, smooth surface will work. Use a measuring tape to map out the square surface. Measuring helps you to choose the size and number of synthetic ice tiles. If you’re choosing an outdoor location, make sure to consider factors like weather and lighting.
2. Is your surface level? A level surface minimizes falls and helps create a better skating experience. If you choose to use ice skates later, you’ll have a level surface already prepared. Use a laser level to double-check your surface, especially if you’re using the backyard. Place flat sheets of plywood before installing synthetic ice.
3. When you get your synthetic ice, place each tile next to the other in the formation of your choice. Use a soft mallet to connect the edges and form your rink. Recruit some help from the family to speed up the installation.
4. Sometimes, the rink needs a slip surface conditioner to make it slippery. The rink owner sprays a mist of the conditioner on the rink before skating. This is primarily for metal skates but can help with sock skating. Make sure to be careful as slippery rinks cause wipeouts!

And that’s it!

Slip on your socks and slip and slide around on your new skating rink.

7 Reasons to try sock skating at home

1. You don’t need to know how to skate: Anyone at any age could start sock skating. You don’t need to balance on skates or learn the fundamentals of ice skating, so even toddlers can start sock skating with confidence. The only focus is to skate and fall safely.

2. It’s a cost-effective hobby: With ice skating, you’ll need to spend time getting to local rinks. You’ll also need to spend hundreds on skates and other equipment. Sock skating only requires the upfront cost of the synthetic ice rink, the slip conditioner, and lots of socks! Since you won’t be using metal blades on your synthetic ice, the rink will last longer than the 5-10 year shelf life of synthetic ice.
3. You can skate any time of year: Don’t wait for the seasons to change to set up your rink. Since sock skating does not depend on ice, you and your family can have fun all year.  
4. It’s a great workout: Are you trying to stay active and burn some calories? Sock skating is a great way to get your blood pumping. Tone those legs while burning a few extra calories having fun with your kids.
5. Cut down screen time: On average, kids 8-12 spend between 4-6 hours on screens. Teenagers spend up to 9 hours watching TV and interacting on social media. That’s a lot of screen time! Parents are constantly looking for ways to get kids to play outside or turn off the TV. With sock skating, kids can take their eyes off screens for a while and have fun on the ice.
6. Get creative: Just sliding around for 30 minutes can get boring. However, there are some ways you can make sock skating more fun. For instance, you can play musical chairs on the ice! How about a sock skating talent show? Start your own TikTok sock skating channel! The possibilities are endless.
7. Enjoy more family time: Sock skating can bring the family together to do something safe and fun. That’s the invaluable benefit of your own rink. Enjoy more bonding time with your kids and discover a new hobby or passion together. Sock skating is often the start and kids move on to figure skating or ice hockey. These are wonderful memories your kids won’t forget.

Conclusion

Sock skating is a hit with kids and we’ll continue to see them in museums and other facilities across the county.

However, you don’t need to wait to have some fun of your own.

Set up your skating rink at home and enjoy hours of sock skating fun with your kids.

With our Home Starter Kits, for instance, all you’ll need is 32 square feet of space to get started.

You can then scale up by simply adding more kits as you see fit.

If you need help figuring out which option is right for you, our team can help you out.

Slip on those socks and start skating!