Think how cool you’ll literally be when you glide down the local ice rink on a hot summer day! It’s going to be easier than you think. Here are 7 tips to help you get on the ice.
- Team: Forget about jeans; They may seem like a good option to protect you during a fall and keep you warm, but they are a poor choice. You don’t want a stiff fabric that restricts your movements in any way. Opt for warm leggings, a T-shirt, a jacket, and gloves. The most important are the skates. If you are starting out on a track, you will probably rent for your first few visits. Ask the assistant for help if possible. The skates should feel a bit tight, so pay attention to the width.
- Walk: Keep the blade guards on and walk on the rubber mats on the floor. Get used to the feeling of walking on the paddles. If you wobble, try to focus on a point in the distance and walk toward it. That gives your body a chance to get it right. When you feel comfortable, walk on the ice. Take a turn, or two or more, just by walking around the track while holding onto the railing.
- Balance: Begin to work in balance. Extend your arms just below shoulder level, bend your knees slightly, and lean forward. You should not be able to see your toes and your shoulders should be forward and above your knees. Advance slowly. Over time, speed will help you balance, but not quite yet.
- Fall: Yes, it will happen. If you can anticipate the fall, bend your knees and squat down. Now you know where you are going to land: falling backwards is better! When putting your hands down to avoid falling, keep them in a fist. You don’t want to lose a finger to a passing skater. Now how do I get up? Start with your hands and knees and come to one knee with the other foot forward between your hands. Practice standing up.
- Push: You can walk and you feel more secure. Now, let’s go to the first step of that wonderful slide. Stand on your weak foot and push off with a diagonal push from your stronger foot. Bring your strong foot forward and then do it again.
- Glide: Lengthen your strokes and bend your knees. Your body must move with the blows. Both skates must be parallel and pointed at the same angle to go further and faster. Try to pretend that you are on an imaginary scooter on the ice.
- Stop: You will get tired of hitting the railing. Learn to stop by bending your knees, parallelizing your skates, and pushing to the side. You both need to stop and make some “snow” on the ice.
You can do it! These simple steps will have you gliding like a pro in no time, and in that moment, you’ll want to look like a skater, too. The skating rink may have brand new skates for sale or you can probably save money by buying your skates and other gear (one of those cute real skating skirts or pants?) By looking at inline skate merchants. You just found a way to stay cool and look great!