How to Use Plastic Milk Crates to Learn to Skate
Learning to skate can be a challenge for many children, and ice skating can be especially tricky, thanks to the slippery surface, thin skate blades and the prospect of hard falls. This is why many learn-to-skate programs and ice rinks offer skating balance aids to help build confidence. Milk crates are easy to find and use as a skating aid on any rink or skating pond.
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Instructions
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Find sturdy milk crates. Flea markets and thrift stores are a good place to find older, solid crates. If you purchase new crates from a mass retailer or home improvement store, make sure they will stand up to being leaned on. Milk crate-shaped, light storage containers might not be suitable as skating aids.
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Depending on the height of the beginning skater, stack and connect milk crates using a secure fastener such as zip ties, duct tape or bungee cords. The crates should stand about waist-high for the skater, so he can hold on and feel secure leaning his weight on them. Make sure the crates fit together tightly and do not wobble.
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Bring the crates to the rink or skating pond, and let the new skater use them like a walker: Holding the sides of the top crate, he can push the structure in front of him and use it to keep his balance. Having the crates to hold onto will help him gain confidence and become comfortable with skating.
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When the skater is comfortable moving around the ice with the milk crates, have him move slowly away from leaning on the crates: He can hold on with only one hand for a while, if necessary, and eventually let go altogether.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're going to a public skating session at a rink, check beforehand to make sure you can bring skating aids with you.
Do not stack more than two or three milk crates, because the structure might not be sturdy enough to work well.
Do not take milk crates from local businesses like convenience or grocery stores. This is stealing.
