Info & Tips

Are you thinking about a backyard ice rink?

Nothing beats time on the ice if you are an avid ice skater, hockey player, or figure skater.

The more reps you put in, the stronger, faster, and more confident you become.

But ice skating has a major limitation; access to ice.

So you need to book time, travel to rinks, or work within the confines of coaching.

So now, you might be thinking about your own ice rink, specifically, ice rink kits.  

Some people have experience building ice rinks from scratch.

They know the exact materials and measurements and can work with their hands.

Others need help, a plug-and-play system so they can spend less time building and more time skating.

There are two options to consider: natural and synthetic ice rinks.

We’ll break down both and help you make the best choice possible.  

 

What is a rink kit? 

To build a model train with train tracks, you can painstakingly source each piece until you have your set.

Or you can get a model kit with all the tools and parts you need to create your model train.

Ice rink kits have all the components you need to build a fully functional skating rink.

These kits come in different sizes and have materials like wood or plastic.

Once you have the parts and a flat backyard surface, you can install your kit.  

 

Rink kits for natural rinks 

Most backyard ice rinks depend on lots of water and cold weather.

To build one, you’ll need to measure your yard, then buy enough lumber to make up the rink walls.

Brackets help keep the walls in place.

From there, you’ll need a tarp or another large, strong piece of plastic to go inside the rink (and partially over the rink walls).

Water – and lots of it – fills the rink a couple of inches high, and once it’s cold enough, you have a rink that is ready to go.  

The rink kit has all the components you will need to fill with water and create a natural rink.

Some kits come with enough material to cover 20’ x 40’ or more.

You might even be able to get an NHL-sized rink kit!

The best kits should have rink walls (PVC, wood, or polypropylene) and a tough liner to cover the rink and walls.  

 

Pros and cons 

Here are some reasons why you should choose a rink kit: 

• Kits save you time. No more searching for lumber, plastic boards, and liners at your local Home Depot. 
• Kits save you money. Rising real estate costs mean rising material costs. The price of lumber can be much more than what you’re willing to pay.  
• You get the exact dimensions you need for your rink. No more guesswork or errors that can cost you more time and money.  
• Rink kits are durable, and you can reuse them over several winters.  
• Some allow for easy storage. When the temperature warms, you simply let the water run off, then pack up the components for the next winter. 

Despite these benefits, natural rink kits do have some limitations: 

• You still need manpower to install the brackets for each rink wall. In fact, the entire setup can be time-consuming. It is recommended you stage the rink in advance to avoid any issues. 
• Rinks need lots of water, often multiple layers of freezing, to get the best results. So if you’d like a green approach or to save money on water, you’ll be slightly disappointed.  
• Rinks are governed by temperature, so you’ll only have the cold winter months for skating. The earlier you start the better. Rink maintenance is also necessary due to rain, snow, and dirt. This can be a daily occurrence if the rink gets heavy use.  
• Beware of rink kit quality. Cheaper rinks can have liners that aren’t durable or walls that are difficult to install.  
• If you want to scale your rink, you may need to repurchase a new kit as some manufacturers would not sell the additional pieces separately.  

Overall, kits are a great option for beginner rink builders.

Choose your size, install, fill with water, and get skating! 

 

Rink kits with synthetic ice 

Ice rinks filled with water aren’t your only option.

Synthetic ice rink kits are growing in popularity, especially since the recent pandemic.

Synthetic ice rinks were once for commercial rinks, hotels, and rentals.

Now, you can get a synthetic ice rink kit that’s perfect for your backyard. 

Synthetic ice is a special polyethylene material that allows skaters to use their metal skates.

It’s been around for decades, but advancements in research and technology allow them to be cut for home use.

They also come infused with a slip agent to improve the overall skating experience.  

Ice rink kits come with a set number of tiles that cover a specific square footage.

For instance, our Home Ice Tile Kit is 4 individual panels covering 32 square feet.

For commercial use or heavy use at home, there are also panels that are bigger, thicker, and more durable. 

Once you measure your space, you can get the correct number of kits needed to fill your rink. 

 

Pros and cons 

Why should you go synthetic?

Here are some advantages to a synthetic ice rink kit: 

• Synthetic ice is easy to install. All you need is a flat, level surface in your backyard. The tiles lay down and have interlocking grooves that allow you to connect them like a puzzle. Use a soft mallet to ensure they are snug. 
• You can only install natural rinks containing water outdoors. Synthetic kits can go indoors, too, like garages, basements, spare rooms, driveways, and even your living room. Wherever there is a flat surface, you can skate. 
• These panels are durable, allowing them to last for years. You can even flip them over for extra mileage.  
• Synthetic ice rinks don’t depend on the weather, so you can install them at your convenience and use them well past the cold winter months.  
• These kits are easy to maintain in any weather.  
• Kits are scalable. If you need a larger rink, you can purchase and add extra tiles or panels to your existing rink. 

And what about the disadvantages? 

• Synthetic ice rinks have added friction that natural ice rinks do not. The best synthetic ice has a 10% coefficient of friction, making skating more challenging, and the seasoned skater can tell the difference. However, more friction equals more power and control. 
• Synthetic ice rink kits require a more considerable upfront investment than natural rinks.  
• Most synthetic ice kits do not come with rink walls because they aren’t needed. However, for a more aesthetic look and safety reasons, you will need to purchase rink walls or dasher boards separately.  

Synthetic ice rink kits are easy to source, install, and scale.

More importantly, they will last for years.

 

Which should you choose? 

Choosing the best ice rink kit comes down to a few factors: 

• First, what space is available? 
•  Is it just a backyard hockey rink?  
• Do you want an indoor rink too?  
• What's your budget? 
• Who will use the rink, and for how long? 

You can choose the best rink when you answer all these questions.

Natural ice rinks are great family projects, as you can skate on large ice rinks during the wintertime.

However, a synthetic ice rink kit is a long-term option that’s great for multiple areas and with the proper care, your rink lasts for years.

If you want guidance on choosing a synthetic ice kit, feel free to contact us.

We’ve helped hundreds of customers with rinks of all sizes, so we can help you choose the right kit. 

 

 

It is the number one tool, and often the only tool a skater needs.

Their ice skates.

Today’s ice skates come in different fits, performance levels, and of course, different price points.

As you move up in level, you will need better skates and better blades.

You will also find yourself skating on different surfaces, like synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is a product of engineering advancements that became an excellent alternative to conventional ice skating.

Thus, the big question is, "Can synthetic ice ruin your blades?"

There is no need for special blades or specialized ice skates.

You can glide flawlessly with your regular hockey or figure skates.

Synthetic ice cannot and should not ruin your skates.

However, the synthetic surface may dull the blade more than the natural ice.

Don't worry, you just have to sharpen your blades based on how often you skate.

Why do Your Skates Dull Faster on Synthetic Ice?

Regardless of the surface, blades and edges of ice skates tend to dull over time.

Friction happens when your skate hits the ice, every time you push off. That friction helps melt the ice ever so slightly, which allows you to skate.

For synthetic ice, that liquid needs to be added.

Some synthetic ice products come infused with a slip agent.

Others are non-infused, so skaters need to apply a slip surface conditioner first.

The liquid is not constantly renewing itself like conventional ice, so eventually, there will be more friction from the polyethylene.

Home synthetic ice rinks are usually small, so skaters, especially kids, use the edges of their skates more frequently than they do on a large surface with natural ice.

This causes the edges to dull faster.

The quality of the synthetic ice also differs from one ice rink to another.

There are different types you can buy online but they aren’t made of High-Density Polyethylene or they aren’t infused.

The right ice provides the right mix of hardness and slickness for your skating maneuvers.

If your blades get dull too quickly or are damaged too often, then you might be skating on low-quality synthetic ice.

Its surface may be too hard for your blades, or it may be textured and so creates more shavings that damage your blades.

Do You Need High Quality Skates on Synthetic Ice?

Regular ice skates can be used on synthetic ice rinks.

We’ve done a list of the best skates under $200 and each works well on synthetic ice.

As a rule of thumb, higher-quality (more expensive) skates mean better blades.

The blades should last longer than budget blades, and you would sharpen the blades less often.

Stainless steel blades are considered beginner skates, and those are pretty good for synthetic ice too.

Nickel-plated blades are growing in popularity.

They are less subject to rust and damage, and their edges would last longer.

You’ll know when you need to sharpen your blades.

Skating won’t feel as smooth. Dull blades can restrict your turns and begin to lose their grip, meaning you’ll fall more.

You can also do ‘the thumbnail test.’ Turn our thumbnail to the blad and gently pass it along the edge.

If bits of the nail get shaved off, you still have a skatable edge.

Once you find yourself sharpening your skate blades too often - after 15 hours or less on the ice - you may have to buy another skate with better quality than your previous one.

Or you can always opt to have separate skates for your synthetic ice.

How to Take Care of Your Skate Blades

Ice skating is not a cheap hobby.

As such, regular maintenance of your ice skates is vital to maximizing their use (regardless if you're skating on natural ice or synthetic ice).

Here are some tips on taking care of your skates.

1. Avoid Using Your Skates in Places Not Made of Ice.

One habit that skaters do that causes significant damage to their skates? Walking them on surfaces other than ice.

When you walk on hard surfaces, like cement for instance, with your skates on, the blades can easily chip or dent, significantly reducing their lifespan.

Make sure to invest in blade guards.

Blade guards are made of rubber or plastic that you can put on your blades as you walk to and from the ice.

However, as you put your skates in your bag, closet, or locker, remember to take off the blade guards as they can trap moisture and may cause rust on your blade.

In other words, these are just to protect the blade but not for storage purposes.

It’s an additional expense, but they sure are worth the investment in the long run.

2. Sharpen Your Blades Regularly.

Sharp blades provide a smoother and faster feel on ice because they have a better grip. You can glide and train better even with minimum effort.

On the other hand, dull blades will just make your skating experience awful.

You also increase the chances of injury.

How often should you sharpen your blades?

It really depends on you.

You would surely feel the difference between a sharp and dull blade.

Different factors may affect how quickly your blade will become dull such as your weight, intensity, skill level, and of course, how often you use your skates.

The best synthetic ice should hold your skates for at least 10 hours.

You should trust how you feel when you're skating.

3. Make Sure that Your Blades are Sharpened Properly.

If you're a beginner and the only skater in the house, it is best to carry your skates to a skate shop or a professional since sharpening skates blades requires skill and precision.

As you improve your skating skills, you’ll probably have an interest in the craft of skate sharpening.

It’s best to learn from a professional first, then try on an older pair of blades first. When you’ve got the hang of it, you can invest in an at home skate sharpener.

When sharpening your blades, remember the hollow, that curved groove that goes down the center of the blade.

The depth of the hollow affects speed and performance. It can also influence how long it will last on your synthetic ice.

A deeper hollow depends on the pressure of the ice to improve performance, which may or may not help on synthetic ice.

You will have to experiment a bit to find the best hollow for you.

 

4. Remember to Keep Your Skates Dry.

Skating on synthetic ice does not mean it will no longer develop rust.

When you are on an ice rink, your skates are still prone to dirt, dust, and shavings.

So, no matter how exhausted you are from all the skating you did, don't forget to thoroughly dry off your skates before storing them.

Where you leave your skates is also essential.

Toss them in a corner for a few minutes but make sure to store them properly as soon as you can because the surrounding area may also cause your skates to develop moisture.

We recommend you put them in a dry skate bag or a ventilated compartment where they can quickly dry out.

You can also get soakers to help your blades stay dry.

Your Blades are Safe on Synthetic ice

Synthetic ice will not ruin your regular skates.

Yes, they would dull faster depending on the size of the ice rink, skating frequency, and, more importantly, the quality of the synthetic ice.

Investing in our Premium Grade, proprietary polyethylene ensures your skates have the best surface for a fantastic skate that protects your blades.

The right surface along with proper care means your skates are in safe hands.

 

 

So you've been thinking about building your ice rink?

After building backyard ice rinks and being involved in the synthetic ice industry for years, we can tell you it's a labor of love.

It's also why we have started and continue to grow PolyGlide Ice.

Synthetic ice brings convenience to you without the expense, hassle, and pressure of creating natural ice rinks.

People are surprised when they see the tiles and panels for the first time.

Can you use actual ice skates to skate?

Can synthetic ice get wet?

Should you keep them indoors in a dry spot so that they last?

Skaters are surprised that synthetic ice can withstand water (including rain), snow, and heat.

However, understanding the mechanics of the product and how to care for it is all you need for hours of hockey, figure skating, or recreational fun.

Understanding synthetic ice

In a short time, synthetic ice has become quite popular with both skaters and hockey players.

In the last few years, the industry has seen tremendous growth when access to the ice rink has been limited.

Now, it's in garages, decks, and backyards across the country.

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice are panels that imitate actual ice.

The plastic ice can mimic the smoothness and hardness of an ice rink.

Synthetic ice panels were standard in large commercial rinks.

Now, panels are available in multiple sizes and shapes.

Each piece can connect like a puzzle to form a larger surface, similar to flooring you'd find in your local gym.

The surface itself requires a special slip agent to make it slippery.

There are two ways to make this happen:

• Infusion: We combine the synthetic ice and slip agent at the start of the manufaturing process. This allows the slip agent to permeate the entire sheet. Infused sheets provide an excellent experience without having to remember to apply a slip agent.
• Topically: The slip agent is applied directly on the surface as it's not infused during production. Instead, the skater will mix the agent with water and spray it on the surface before skating.

While non-infused ice is cheaper, it needs more time to maintain and has a steady supply of slip agents.

In both cases, the conditioner provides the conditions for the blades to grip while reducing friction.

Friction is a concern for synthetic ice as it's higher than natural ice.

However, the advancements in synthetic ice have reduced the coefficient of friction to less than 10%.

As a result, you can place your synthetic ice on any flat, hard surface and skate anywhere and any time of year.

How does moisture affect synthetic ice?

With some plastic materials, excess moisture can cause swelling or degrade it over time.

Not with synthetic ice.

The polyethylene material welcomes liquid to the surface.

The sip surface conditioner is an environmentally friendly compound that consists mainly of water.

So moisture from rain, a garden hose, or any other water source will not damage the tiles. There are some considerations:

• Of course, you don't want your synthetic ice covered in a pool of water. Your skates won't work well, and you increase the chance of rust or damage. Instead, use a mop or soft broom to remove the excess water before skating.
• Rainwater or a dusty day can cause dirt to mix with moisture and settle on the rink. Clean your rink before skating by using a soft mop or brush with warm water to scrub off dirt. For tougher stains, a light power washer can help clean larger rinks.

So Can You Skate on Wet Synthetic Ice?

Even if the water remains on your rink for several days, it will not change the performance of the rink or damage the panels.

A synthetic ice rink is durable and can last up to 10 years with recreational use or 5-7 years with heavy use.

So you should be fine if it's slightly wet when you're skating on it.

The biggest concern will be the longevity of your skates, which we will touch on shortly.

What About Other Conditions?

If you're building a big rink outside, you won't be worried about the rain.

All the elements come into play.

Another great advantage is that you can skate any time of the year.

If you're skating in warmer months, you'll be concerned about the heat affecting your tiles.

Heat can cause your tiles to expand but would not damage the tile or ruin your skate experience.

Most synthetic ice rinks are also UV protected, so you and your rink are safe in the sun.

And for snow?

It can work through freezing temperatures too.

If ice forms on your rink, you can get it off misting with hot water, as you would on a backyard rink made with water.

Depending on how big or small your rink is, you may want to figure out a homemade Zamboni method.

Water and Your Skates

Synthetic ice can get wet, so your skates can get wet too.

Keeping your rink wet can transfer that moisture to your blades.

If you aren't practicing proper blade care, it would seem that the synthetic ice is to blame.

Ice skates and their blades need consistent care to perform well and last long.

Make sure to dry your boot and blade with a microfiber cloth, then place the blades in soakers.

These will ensure your edges don't dull or rust out over time.

If you're concerned about your blade life, you can remove any excess moisture from your synthetic ice rink before skating.

Don't Sweat Over the Water on Your Ice Rink.

Synthetic ice can get wet and remain wet.

You can skate on it without drying it off first, and it may even improve the quality of your skating.

However, if it gets dirty due to the rain, you should clean the dirt first.

The high-quality polyethylene that makes up

PolyGlide's tiles and panels can withstand any weather.

Simply follow the care instructions, infuse your ice as necessary, and you'll have a synthetic ice rink that will last for years.

For more information on all our products or guidance on how to start your rink project, feel free to give us a call.

Let's create a skating experience you won't forget!

 

 

 

Rollerblading and inline skating are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance.

These skates were wildly popular in the 1980s and went away into hiding in the early 2000s.

Now, more kids (and some adults) are dusting off their rollerblades.

They are eager to skate anywhere, anytime, and on anything.

So it’s not unusual for our customers to ask, “can you rollerblade on synthetic ice?"

Rollerblading? On, what?  

Yes, synthetic ice.

This product is popular with hockey players and figure skaters.

These are winter sports, but synthetic ice allows them to skate without the need for frigid temperatures.

When the weather heats up, the ice skates are packed away.

But it isn’t easy to store your ice rink, depending on its size.  

So ice skaters don’t mind turning into rollerbladers. Inline skating allows hockey players to still practice their stick work while on shoes that feel like ice skates.

Figure skaters won’t be able to perform their jumps, but they want to know if they can still have fun and keep in shape in the summer.   

And some skaters love skating so much that they want to test their skills on all surfaces.   

In short, rollerblading on synthetic ice is possible but not recommended for new rollerbladers.

They should try outdoor surfaces like asphalt, as they provide enough grip for the skates.

Experienced skaters can use synthetic ice for rollerblading, similar to how rollerblades work on the smooth surfaces of a skating rink.   

What is synthetic ice?  

Synthetic ice is a unique product made for ice skating with real metal blades.

It’s made of a High-Density or Ultra-High Density Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, a durable but smooth material that’s perfect for ice skating.

Synthetic ice has been around since the 1960s, mainly in large public rinks.   

Today, we can create solid polymer tiles or panels of different sizes.

These interlock like puzzle pieces.

You can outfit your rink in your backyard, deck, or spare room.

The panels are also self-lubricating, meaning you won’t need to reapply a slipping agent for a fantastic experience constantly.   

For the casual and competitive ice skater, synthetic ice has several benefits:  

• It’s easy to set up. You can have a large rink going in less than an hour with some help.  
• It’s more cost-effective over time than creating your own refrigerated rink or natural ice rink.   
• Synthetic ice rinks are durable and have a 10+ year shelf life.  
• You can move your rink and place it almost anywhere.  
• And you can skate all year!  

Synthetic ice rinks have grown in popularity, especially since the pandemic.

Over the years, we have helped many customers finally realize a dream of having an at-home or commercial skating space.   

So it’s for Ice Skating. But Can You Rollerblade on Synthetic Ice?  

Now you can use any ice skate on synthetic ice, hockey skates, figure skates, and recreational skates.

The same goes for wheeled skates too.

This surface is flat and smooth, like the hardwood or concrete floors of your neighborhood roller rink.

In addition, there are roller rinks made with plastic tiles and synthetic flooring!  

You can rollerblade on synthetic ice, but there are some conditions.

For ice skating, friction is the enemy.

Too much can slow down the skater, but some are required for the gliding effect on the ice.

For inline skating and rollerblading, friction is your friend. It’s necessary for the wheels to turn.

When you push off, the wheel begins to turn so you can move.

Bearings in the wheel reduce friction for a bit of speed, but rollerblading would be difficult without it.  

If you use inline skates on synthetic ice, you are facing significantly reduced friction.   

Remember, some synthetic ice panels are self-lubricating.   

 The smooth surface gives ice skaters as little coefficient of friction as possible.

The best synthetic ice has a 10% variance from natural ice!  

With no friction, it can be not easy to generate speed or accelerate unless you are an experienced skater.

You’ll also find that the skate wheels slide more than roll, reducing your ability to turn and stop.   

We recommend that you get accustomed to skating outdoors first, then use your synthetic ice or other smooth surfaces when you’re more experienced with your rollerblades or inline skates.   

Is it Safe to Rollerblade on Synthetic Ice?  

When you are doing any kind of skating, falling is inevitable.

The possibility of injury exists.

Falls can mean a bruised arm, knee, or butt.   

In some cases, the damage is a bit more severe.

An advantage is that synthetic ice can absorb the energy of a fall, making it less painful.   

Inexperienced rollerbladers are more likely to fall on smooth, slippery surfaces like synthetic ice.

Stopping can be particularly difficult, so you’ll experience more falls if your wheels are sliding instead of rolling.   

But overall, it’s safe to rollerblade on synthetic ice like it is on hardwood floors.

We recommend wearing the appropriate protective gear (elbow pads, gloves, etc.) to reduce the chances of injury.   

What (other) Surfaces Can You Rollerblade on?  

Synthetic ice is not the only surface that’s great for rollerblading. If you go to your local skating rink, you won’t see “ice.”

Instead, you’ll see hardwood floors or smooth concrete.

Both surfaces work and will provide speed for experienced skaters.

Rollerblading shines in outdoor arenas, so skate parks, sidewalks, concrete areas, and asphalt are great options.  

How to Set Up Your Synthetic Ice Roller Rink  

Think year-round if you’re thinking about setting up a roller rink with synthetic ice.

Of course, you want to have your rollerblades, inline skates, and a pair of ice skates too.

Ice skating on synthetic ice in the winter months feels like the real thing, so you don’t want to miss out.   

• Start by measuring your surface area and checking for uneven ground. Your synthetic ice rink can get bumps on a rough surface, making for a bumpy, poor experience. When you have a flat surface, skating of all kinds is much better.  Measure the slope of your space with a level. If it is uneven, you can use some plywood board as a foundation first before placing the synthetic ice. Measure your area and get the necessary boards from your local hardware. 
• Place your boards down (if needed), then start connecting to your panels. Each tile or panel has ends to join, so use that to your advantage. Take a mallet to secure the rink safely.  
• Add your rink walls or other accessories. These bring a professional look to the table. This setup should take place in less than 2 hours once you have all the equipment.

Then all that’s left to do is to skate!

First, test out your rollerblades on it, making sure to wear protective gear and have a rail or nearby walls you can use as needed.

As you get accustomed to the slippery rink, you can build more power and endurance, allowing you to become a better skater.   

Have Fun on Any Surface  

So can you rollerblade on synthetic ice?

The goal of strapping up your rollerblades or inline skates is to have fun skating, moving quickly yet effortlessly.

You can use your rollerblades on synthetic ice surfaces, but not without its challenges.  

The slippery surface can bring some balance, speed, and stopping concerns for the inexperienced skater.

However, the surfaces are comfortable and durable and hurt less when falling.

You can even switch out your rollerblades for metal skates when it gets colder.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our synthetic ice panels here at PolyGlide Ice!   

 

 

It’s important to weigh the cost factors when contemplating the purchase of a synthetic ice rink.

Most importantly are the cost savings you may be affording yourself depending on the purpose of your rink or who it’s for.

We put together a list of seven items that you may want to incorporate into your checklist when trying to access the true value of your new rink.

It’s easy to just compare price tags of certain products when shopping but buyers need to be aware of those that come with a cost savings……synthetic ice is one of those products.

1 – Travel

There’s no doubt that the number one reason people consider purchasing a synthetic ice rink is to save on travel.

We all know the typical costs associated with travel including fuel, tolls, bus, train, maintenance and repairs that all add-up with each mile traveled.

We found out recently that the “typical” drive to the rink for most parents was not quite what we had originally expected. T

o try to get an idea of just how much the average hockey player and skater family travels to the rink weekly, monthly and annually, we posed the following question to our facebook followers:

How Far Do You Travel Back-And-Forth to the Rink Every Week, Month and Year on the Average?

Here’s a few Responses that do a Good Job at Summing it up:

• Dana C.: We have three (not so) local rinks; one is 36 minutes to the East, one is 40 minutes West, and the third is 44 minutes West. At least that's what map-quest will tell you. But like Sammy Hagar, I can't drive 55. (but I do now because I got a ticket last week). I've got 2 boys, 5 teams, practices and clinics. Average 5/6 days a week driving to at least one rink. Saturdays can be all three. Since Star Trek transporters aren't available, PolyGlide could be a real help to our fuel economy as well as the boys' game.

• Jennifer C.: Two kids. Two different rinks, sometimes on the same day 40 mins apart. So, drop one off, drop the other off, go back and pick up 1, then get two. Those days, probably 70 miles. The other days, 30 miles roundtrip for practice, 80-120 miles roundtrip for games. Average 5-7 days at the rinks. I *use* to get the low mileage discount on my insurance lol

• Andrea R.: 220 to 420 miles a week depending on which team (my daughter plays on all girls league and the co-ed team). For an 8-month season it's between 880-1680 miles a month, 7,040-13,440 miles a season of travel. During the summer months we do dry land on rollerblades since our town only have ice Oct thru May.

Cost Assessment

So now ask yourself the same question and see if you can estimate how many miles you plan on traveling to the rink between now and next year.

At the time of this writing, the one-year cost estimator for a gallon of gas is $3.36 USD.

So, in estimating our three responses above using 8 months per season and 20 mpg as the average, the breakdown would show that Dana C. would take home the Gold Medal for stops at the gas pump:

• Dana C, 800 gallons $2,984
• Jennifer C., 592 gallons $2,208
• Andrea R., 512 gallons $1,910

Once you’re able to see how much you’ve been spending on travel you can get a better idea on how you can trim it back by creating your own home training rink.

2 – Time

How do you value your time?

Unlike materialistic things, time is something we never get back though we sure know how to throw it away.

It is something we cherish, and it passes WAY too fast.

Though travel may be the most popular reason people consider purchasing a synthetic ice rink, it’s the travel time that can wear us down and is lost forever.

Players and Skaters

For players and skaters, by training at home they can eliminate some of that extra travel and afford themselves more time for other things.

More time for homework, chores, games and just plain fun with that time usually spent on the road traveling to the rink.

Maybe even more time for an early family dinner and getting to bed at a decent hour and a good night’s sleep.

Parents

Walter Gretzky, Father of the “Great One” Wayne Gretzky once said:

Everyone wonders why I made the rink in the backyard.

I used to go to the outdoor rinks when winters were a lot colder years ago.

Everybody had an outdoor rink, the Parks and everybody.

I used to sit in the car while Wayne was skating.

I remember one night I came home to my wife and said,

“This is so stupid, I go to these outdoor rinks and freeze to death night after night…you know what I’m going to do?.…

I’ll make a rink in the backyard he’ll go when he wants as long as he wants….I’ll be in the house where it’s nice and warm.” …It truly, truly was self-preservation but it worked-out pretty good!

For parents, not having to rush home to get your child to practice can allow yourself more time to be productive at work or with your own business which itself can translate into additional revenue.

Having just a few extra hours each week to address your business or personal needs adds up and helps make life a little easier even if it’s just to kick back, relax and stay warm.

Analyze your schedule and see how you can trim back your trips to the rink by having your player or skater train at home.

Attached a value to your time per hour saved and challenge yourself to come up with an annual plan.

You will be astonished when you find out just how much time you have been wasting and how much you can start to save.

3 – Lessons

Let’s face it, everyone wants to be the next “Great One” or “Alina Zagitova” and will take endless lessons and training to try to get there.

The need to build a solid foundation by learning the fundamentals are critical for any player or skater’s development and taking lessons from an accomplished Coach will lead them on the right path. 

Just as important is the child’s need to develop on their own to keep it fun and enjoyable enough to want to get better.

By allowing a child more time to develop and love the sport they follow on their own will only nurture their desire to want to get better.

As mentioned previously, the worlds most accomplished Ice Hockey Player of all time started learning the game on his own backyard rink.

Give your child the time and space to try out new moves or jumps on their own without being on a clock, watched or judged.

When training in their own home environment you will quickly see how dedicated they are to their sport.

The overall need for additional lessons once the skill sets have been taught will become fewer and fewer as the athlete progresses.

Some Coaches may offer home lessons if they know you have your own home rink and may actually charge you less as they don’t have to pay an additional fee to the rink for the ice time.

Any cost savings associated with self-teaching at home will put more money in the pocket of the parent that utilizes home training to their child’s advantage.

4 – Camps & Clinics

 

As with lessons, Camps and Clinics are organized group lessons that can be both a huge help and at the same time a detriment if not implemented properly.

Sad to say, some facilities will run camps and clinics just to fill the open ice to bring in additional revenue for the rink so be sure to make sure it’s an established program with a history.

There is a Social element that comes with attending camps as sometimes a child may want to attend for recreation, team building or because a friend may be going which is understandable.

The price tag for some camps and clinics can be quite costly and would provide a huge savings to anyone owning their own home rink.

For the purpose of player development, it always will be the amount of time they practice on a weekly basis that will beat out any short-term camp or clinic.

Many portable home rink packages can be purchased for the same price as sleep-away summer camp and will provide a year-round “endless summer” of ice for any skating athlete.

5 – Off-Ice Training

Another great thing about owning your own synthetic ice rink is that it can be utilized as a multi-purpose surface unlike natural ice.

If a player or skater wants to just come home and work on their shot or spins without lacing-up it’s an added luxury to have with a synthetic ice surface.

They can create their own personal off-ice training program to address their specific needs.

Off-Ice training has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years with the advancement of synthetic ice surfaces as facilities continue to pop-up throughout the USA and Canada.

Having your own home training center is like having your own “ice gym” that you can utilize anytime you want without relying on group workout schedules or ice time.

By creating your own “Home Ice Gym” you are just one step ahead of the competition when it comes to strength and conditioning.

It does not require a lot of space to get in your edgework and drills.

Think of your new synthetic ice rink as your own private training center less the annual membership fee.

6 – Value

One thing that many customers don’t realize is that synthetic ice is a unique product that retains its value over the lifetime of the surface and can easily be resold as “Used” if maintained properly.

In fact, many rink surfaces are re-sold at more than 50% the original cost allowing customers to recoup a good part of their original investment without losing much value.

When combined with many of the other cost-saving characteristics synthetic ice offers, depending on the overall size of the rink, the surface may well eventually pay for itself.

Be sure to properly maintain and keep your rink in good shape in case one day down the road you decide to cash-in on your investment.

Save the receipts from your original purchase along with warranty information.

7 – Long Lasting

Synthetic ice is a “Green” product in every sense of the word.

As opposed to traditional ice facilities that burn hundreds of thousands of dollars on electricity for refrigeration systems and compressors, synthetic ice burns zero fossil fuels.

You will never have to worry about your electric bill after purchasing a synthetic ice rink.

Because of the durability of the polymer plastic it has quite a long-life expectancy outside of just surface scratches from ice skating.

It is also portable and reusable year after year without the need for liners or leveling.

No special boards, accessories or pins are required for the PolyGlide Synthetic Ice one-piece interlocking system that can be assembled and disassembled in a short period of time.

There’s also a lot less labor involved as compared to traditional rink systems and natural ice rink liner systems that depend on additional accessories, leveling and Mother Nature for ice.

Conclusion

As you can see with synthetic ice there are many ways you can efficiently reap the rewards from your investment.

Consider all the ways you can utilize a home synthetic ice rink to improve as a player and skater in the comfort of your own home without relying on your local rink for ice time.

Look at the big picture and soon you’ll understand there’s no reason why you can’t better your skill sets and save money at the same time.

When you lay out just where you’ve been spending your time and money it starts to make sense that purchasing a synthetic ice rink for the home can be a great overall investment and asset.