Info & Tips

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. 

---

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

---

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? 

---

Make Sure Your Outdoor Event Is A Huge Hit WIth The PolyGlide Pro-Glide Panel 

---

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.’

---

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

---

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!

 

 

It’s finally hit your state, and your kids are begging you to go.

You’ve taken them to Disneyland, Disney World, all the movies, and everything else Disney. 

Now it’s time for Disney On Ice.

Disney On Ice is a traveling ice skating show that combines quality high-speed skating, acrobatics, and stunts with fantastic Disney costumes and props.

Characters from different movies team up to create a new, engaging story.

---

Get Creative Right At Home With Our PolyGlide Ice Home Ice Tiles 

---

Most are held on NHL rinks or smaller arenas, drawing thousands of Disney and ice skating fans. 

Disney On Ice has been on tour since 1981.

There has been a hiatus since Covid-19, but it’s back with a 2019 reboot of Road Trip Adventures.

You will see characters from Frozen, Encanto, Aladdin, Cinderella, and others. 

Why you should go to Disney On Ice [at least once]

As a team that’s partial to everything ice, we’re going to side with the kids. 

If your children skate or are interested in learning, Disney On Ice exposes them to different possibilities on the ice. Ice skating is more than hockey and figure skating.

It can be choreographed dance, acting, acrobatics, and much more. 

Everyone can dress up as their favorite characters and spend 2 hours absorbing a new spin on some of Disney’s icons. 

Seeing the characters dance and glide around the ice is a magical moment your kids will never forget. 

At the same time, there are some limitations to Disney On Ice.

Since it’s a touring show, it may not play in your state or at a date and time that’s suitable for your family. 

There’s also a chance your child’s favorite character is not in the show, so check before you go.

Finally, Disney On Ice can be expensive.

Prices on Ticketmaster average at $125, with some as much as $4000 for premium seats.

Pros and cons considered, Disney On Ice is a show you should take your family – at least once.

Can you create your own show at home?

Here’s a fun fact. 

Everywhere Disney On Ice goes does not have an ice rink, so they make one! 

Over 1.5 days, they created a 140’ x 60 ‘rink in the designated arena. 

Here’s a video with the ice technicians in action:

Building an Ice Rink - How We Do It | Disney On Ice

The process is like the refrigerated rinks used at local ice rinks, NHL games, and other professional spaces. 

This begs the question, “Can you create your rink to do your own show at home?”

Yes, indeed.

Home ice rinks are growing in popularity, especially around fall and winter. 

Portable refrigerated ice rinks are available; however, these are expensive to set up and maintain. 

We recommend using synthetic ice instead. 

Synthetic ice is a polyethylene tile that you can use for your metal blades. Tiles can come infused with a special conditioner to help their performance or non-infused, needing the slip surface conditioner applied before every use. 

Connecting multiple synthetic ice tiles creates a large rink for family and friends to play hockey, practice figure skating, or skate for fun.

In addition, synthetic ice does not depend on water or temperature, meaning you can use the rink throughout the year.

Our rinks also have a 10-year minimum lifespan, making synthetic ice an excellent investment. 

Five reasons to create your own Disney On Ice show:

After your first Disney On Ice show, your kids may be eager to perform themselves. Here are some reasons why you should do it:

1. The family can practice skating in a creative way: If you need to spice up your training or you want to introduce your kids to other styles of skating, your own ‘Disney On Ice show can help.
2. Bring out other forms of your creativity: It’s not just ice skating. You’ll need to plan, bust out your acting chops, and much more. It pushes you and the kids out of your comfort zones.
3. It makes excellent content: Why not post it for your friends and family to watch? If you already have a profile or create social media content, a homemade show is excellent for the algorithm.
4. Get everyone involved: What if you can’t skate? Synthetic ice allows you to use your socks to slide and glide across the tiles. So even if an aunt, neighbor, or friend can’t skate, they can still participate.
5. Relive the magic: You can recreate some of those magic moments you had when you took the family to the show.

Ok, it’s now time to deliver your show. Follow these steps and let your creativity flow! 

Set up your synthetic ice stage

Synthetic ice is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to put on an ice show at home.

If you’ve already set up your rink, your next step will be to think about decorating the surrounding space. 

If you need to set up your rink:

• Measure your space, which will likely be your backyard or a spare room. The square footage will help you determine how many tiles you need and the average price.

• Make sure the area is smooth and level. Sometimes, you need plywood or other flat boards to help with uneven parts of the ground.

• Some rink owners like to invest in boards (aka the rink walls). These can be wood or plastic. Rink walls aren’t necessary. However, they do add a layer of safety and create a finished product. You can buy rink walls online or create your own from wood.

• Place the tiles flat in the space and connect them using the dovetail sides and edges. A soft mallet ensures there are no bumps on the rink. An adult can do this part alone, but enlisting some help will make things go smoother.

Synthetic ice rinks are easy to set up and can be expanded or removed t any time.

Get a slip surface conditioner to resurface the rink as needed.

Plan your show

Gather the family and start brainstorming about your Disney On Ice event.

You can recreate the lines and scenes from the show, create your own concept, or do a little of both.

Everyone must decide on the cast, costume changes (if any), and music.

Make sure everyone who can skate has comfortable ice skates 

Write your lines (or don’t)

Whose line is it anyway? You can go straight improv, which can be cute and fun, or you can write out some lines.

It’s not a Broadway show, but you can still get the basics down in a way your young kids could read, remember, and recite.

If there are some simple lines to go by, if someone decides to improvise, it will be a lot more fun.

The goal is not to take it seriously, focusing on expression and creativity. 

Grab your costumes

Costumes are the fun part! Everyone gets to dress up as their assigned character, so it’s time to source the wardrobe.

You can visit a local Party City or Halloween costume store. If a particular costume is unavailable, you can try Amazon or eBay. 

Set the mood

Disney On Ice happens in an intimate space.

All the lights go off with spotlights shining on the characters and movements at any time.

Of course, you will not have a light technician, but something as simple as dimming the lights or hanging

Christmas tree lights or rope lights can make the moment feel special. 

Rehearse

Run through your production a few times before you do the real thing. It’s a home production, yes, but you still want it to be a fantastic production.

A dry run helps everyone to know where they will stand, what they will say, and how they will skate in and out of the rink. 

Grab an audience and record

What’s a show without an audience? Invite your close family and friends to the rink to see the show.

You’ve put all this work into it, and it feels great when others get to see your efforts.

The kids will also work extra hard to impress their grandparents, cousins, or friends. Of course, someone should be recording the show on their phone or camera.

You can then share it with friends and family who could not make it or post clips on social media. 

Could you do it again?

It’s not unusual for you or your kids to catch the showbiz bug!

When you do one show, you’ll probably want to do another one.

Take inspiration from some of the older Disney On Ice shows, like Find Your Hero (2012), Mickey and Friends (2009), or Dream Big (2006).

Holding events like these at home can inspire your kids into acting, dancing, or professional skating. 

Conclusion

Disney On Ice is a fantastic show filled with dancing, well-executed figure skating moves, fabulous costumes, and much more.

Everyone should experience it with their kids at least once.

It’s mainly targeted at young kids (under 10), but tweens and teens love it too. 

When you’re done, get started with your show on synthetic ice.

You and your kids can have fun expressing themselves without the hassle of a refrigerated rink.

Measure your space, then get started here to figure out your at-home ice rink needs.

 

 

You’ve finally decided to take the leap.

It’s time for ice skating. 

Maybe it’s a New Year’s Resolution or a goal when you turn a certain age. 

Or perhaps your kids have been begging you to get into skating since they saw Disney on Ice last fall.

Whatever the reason, ice skating is a fantastic skill to learn. 

Once you can skate, you can branch into hockey, figure skating, dance, and many other avenues that don’t get the attention they deserve. 

---

Get Started Right At Home With Our PolyGlide Ice Home Ice Tiles 

---

Your next step is to find a coach or teacher so you or your kids can learn the basics. 

If you’ve been Googling ‘skating classes near me,’ we’re here to help you with some tips on ice skating.

You can even start right now at home with a few simple tools. 

Ice skating can be challenging at first, but once you get the right help and focus on the best activities, you’ll be a competent skater in no time. 

How do I find suitable skating classes near me?

So it’s time to get a coach, which can be a significant investment. Before you pull the trigger, it’s vital to find out your skating goals.

Is it just for recreational purposes?

Is it for more competitive skating?

Do your kids want to join other sports like hockey or speed skating? 

Investing in the right coach and equipment becomes easier when you have a clear goal.

Narrow your search down to 2-3 choices and visit their classes if possible. Get a feel for their teaching styles and student progress.

Go with your gut, as you don’t want to invest in skating classes only to drop out or cancel later. 

Here are 3 possible options for skating classes:

Search for group skating classes near me

Start by looking for a coach that has group beginner classes at a local rink. Check for a social media page or website with student feedback.

You’d want a teacher that’s patient and understanding with the skills to get students skating as quickly as possible. 

These coaches often lead a small group of students through a beginner class at different ages. 

Group skating classes are cheaper, so if you have kids, it’s easier to enroll everyone. 

You also connect with a community of new skaters; everyone can learn together. 

On the other hand, if you need personalized coaching or are interested in a particular type of skating, group classes can only work for a short time. 

A personal skating coach

Another option is a coach that specializes in 1 on 1 skating classes. This coach can fast-track you or your kids as they have personalized care.

The training is more intense, but you have a coach willing to work with you until you get it right. 

Personal coaches can be more expensive than group classes, and there can be logistic concerns and rescheduling.

However, personal coaches are one of the best ways to learn skating.

Individual/Group online coaching

Want to merge the best of both worlds? 

Online coaching can provide individual or group coaching in your own space and sometimes on your own time. 

You’ll simply log on to a Zoom or web service and take instructions from your online coach.

You won’t have to search for ‘online skating classes near me’ as you can connect with teachers worldwide. 

Online coaching is also cheaper than in-person coaching. 

 A disadvantage is finding a space where you can skate and take your online class simultaneously.

You may only focus on off-ice training first, but over time, you’ll need to invest in a space where you can use your metal skates and communicate virtually. 

Can you learn how to skate by yourself?

Is it possible to skip the classes and becomes a self-taught skater? 

Absolutely.

You can start training right now at home with minimal equipment. 

It’s possible to do off-ice and on-ice training in your backyard, deck, or spare room. 

Let’s break down both training methods that can quickly make you a competent skater.

Ice skating requires several ‘hard’ skills:

• Balance – Moving confidently on metal blades requires excellent balance. You’ll need to center yourself while engaging your core and lower body.
• Endurance – Skating is tiring! You’ll need to build up your stamina and cardiovascular strength for almost any skating discipline.
• Strength – Strong legs mean you can perform powerful moves, skate faster, and land safely should you move on to jumps.
• Flexibility – The twists, turns, and bends you see in figure skating aren’t by accident. Skaters spend time building their flexibility, and you should too.

Consider off-ice training tools

For off-ice training, you can learn to skate with some helpful tools. 

• Ice skates with rubber blade cover: Yes. Visit a skate shop and get fitted for your ice skates. Once you get your skates, pick up rubber covers for the blades.
• Slide board and socks – These long, rectangular boards are great for skate-specific training. You’ll simply use a pair of socks to emulate the ‘sliding’ feeling of ice skating.
• Ice skating spinner/turning board – A small, slightly curved plastic part that you can use for spin training. You simply step on it and use your momentum to practice twists and spins.
• Bosu ball – A half-ball used by gymgoers to help with strength and balance in the lower legs.
• Inline skates – Inline skating may not be the same as ice skating, but many concepts are the same (balance, flexibility, endurance, etc.). If you have a skate park, roller rink, or open space nearby, practice inline skating to help you with your ice skating.

Try these off-ice exercises

Here are some off-ice exercises that can help you become a skater quickly. 

Get comfy in your skates:

Start wearing your skates with the rubber guard to practice balance and get accustomed to moving in ice skates.

A few minutes of standing and walking every day can go a long way. 

Balance on your Bosu ball

Balance on one leg using your ball to strengthen your lower legs.

Start with 10 seconds on each leg, then increase the timeframe as you get stronger. 

Practice moves on your slide board

Try different moves on your slide board.

Side-to-side skating and forward strokes are great examples of exercises to build skating moves and endurance. 

DIY Slide Board at Home! The Best Off Ice Training Exercise!

Learn turns on your spinner

If figure skating or dance is in your future, you’d want to practice spins.

It’s time to pull out your skate spinner.

Along with balance training, you can start learning basic turns and twists.

Here’s a great video that shows some beginner drills. 

Skate Spinner Off-Ice Training for Beginners

Stretches and exercises

Strength and flexibility are essential parts of your off-ice training.

Simple stretches before practice (warm-up) and after practice (cool down) make sure your muscles are ready to go.

 Stretching also helps with performing complex moves while reducing injury. To build more strength, try exercises like:

• Single Leg Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Squats
• Pistol Squats
• Planks

Based on age and fitness levels, do modified versions of these exercises. 

Skating classes at home with synthetic ice

Can you do on-ice skating at home? 

Yes, you can, with synthetic ice. 

Synthetic ice is tiles or panels that bring skating to your backyard, deck, or spare room.

These panels are made of unique material and infused with a slipping agent to help provide an experience like your local ice rink. 

Some synthetic ice comes non-infused, requiring a slip conditioner to be added before use. 

Once you connect the panels on a flat, level surface, you can begin skating almost immediately. 

It’s one of the best long-term investments in ice skating and can be scaled up or down to your liking.

In less than an hour, you can have your skating rink ready. 

Off-ice training will give you the strength and balance to transition easily to on-ice training. 

YouTube is an excellent resource for learning the basics of skating. 

For instance, Coach Michelle Hong has an excellent video to get you started. Spend at least one month on these exercises, and you’ll become a competent skater quickly. 

BEST VIDEO FOR ICE SKATING BEGINNERS! || HOW TO ICE SKATE | Coach Michelle Hong

Remember, being self-taught can only take you so far.

A synthetic ice setup is perfect for skating classes at home. 

You can have a laptop nearby for virtual classes or have a personal trainer come to your home for extra attention. 

Conclusion

Ice skating is a fantastic pastime for adults or a way for kids to get into a challenging, competitive sport. 

In both cases, learning the basics is key to enjoying yourself or taking things to the next level.

Finding a teacher, either in a group setting or privately, is the best way to get started.

But what if there aren’t any skating classes near me when you search online?

Then you can get started at home with some simple training aids.

From there, invest in synthetic ice, which takes the hassle out of finding someone nearby, locating ice rinks, or spending money on travel and coaching.