How to Ice Skate for Beginners

The weather outside is getting colder. The lakes are beginning to freeze. Snow is in the air, Christmas is almost here. Seems like a perfect time to get out those skates and ice skate!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice skates
• Place to skate
• Practice
• Lots of clothing layers

1. 
    
   learn as children

   First off, for anyone wanting to learn how to ice skate...LEARN AS CHILDREN, if that's possible. Children are less fearful, can learn quickly and heal from falls faster. It's also the best chance that you'll have to successful skate well. And a great growing-up experience.

2. 
    
   wear those scarves and mittens

   DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Wear enough clothes so that you won't free, but allow flexibility because you're going to have to move. Make sure to wear waterproof gloves so that your hands won't freeze on the ice. Don't wear anything too fancy when you're learning so that those outfits won't get dirty or ruined.

3. 
    

   FIND A PLACE TO SKATE. This can be a frozen lake (be sure it's frozen), or a skating rink. Whichever you prefer or whichever is most convenient in your area. If you're going to a skating rink, bring along a lock if you're unsure of policies. If the rink is well known, google it in advance to check up on their policies.

4. 
    
   bend your knees and stretch beforehand

   WARM UP. Now that you've found a suitable place, time to get ready. After you've laced up, stretch. Keep your skates off of hard floor and concrete, so they won't get damaged. To stretch in skates, do Squats. Stand up straight, arms straight in front of you, feet about 12 inches apart. Squat slightly by lowering your body (like the way you would if you slowly sat on a toilet). Rise back up and do this a few times. Be sure to bend those knees.

5. OBSERVE THE RULES OF THE RINK. Make sure to read carefully. These rules usually include no horseplay, no fighting, which direction to skate, and how to avoid injury. Also make sure to watch for people before going through the rink entrance.

6. 
    
   balance on those skates.

   LEARN HOW TO BALANCE. Ice skating is difficult because the ice is slippy. You will have little control at first. Keep your feet together, your blades parallel like skis. Use your dominant foot (left or right) to gently propel yourself. Imagine the movement as turning your foot 90 degrees and pressing gently. You will have mastered this when you can glide easily on the ice.

7. 
    
   page protected by copyscape

   This concludes the ice skate for beginners. Additional articles will have more intermediate and advanced techniques. For now, practice balancing (one of the most difficult things to begin on) until you've mastered it. Have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Have the wall within reach but don't hug it for dear life.
• Hold hands with a more experienced skater.
• Don't be too fearful, you'll never learn that way.
• Look into lessons if you desire.
• Be careful to keep your hands close to yourself when you fall to avoid accidents with other skaters.
• Don't horseplay!

Resources

• Skating for Beginners
• Do You Want To Learn How to Skate
• How to Find the 9 Most Popular Ice Rinks in NYC
• How to Ice Skate: Falling Gracefully
• How to Ice Skate: Snowplow Stop
• More Articles by WesleyJ

[dallisonlee]

on 1/1/2009 I have always been reluctant to ice skate b/c I just don't feel coordinated enough. I might have to give your tips a try so that I can get over my fear of geting on the ice. 5*

[almommabear]

on 11/24/2008 Great article for the upcoming season! 5 stars

[RiteNow]

on 11/24/2008 Great advice for a beginning. Thanks. 5*

[RiteNow]

on 11/24/2008 Great advice for a beginning. Thanks. 5*

[bar10dr98]

on 11/24/2008 I always loved ice skating, but don't know anybody else that knows how. This article will be great in teaching my friends how to ice skate!