2023’s Best Cities for Ice Skating

What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is attempting to ice skate for the first time?

I would say your equipment is very important. Wear skates that fit you properly and offer good support. There is a skate shop in RI that is very knowledgeable. The name of it is Igloo Skates and it is located in Cumberland.

I also recommend wearing a helmet and gloves and to be dressed warmly and comfortably. Also, make sure your blades are sharp. If the facility offers beginner lessons, I recommend taking a few.

What is the hardest aspect of ice skating?

Finding your balance on the skate blades and feeling comfortable.

Is it better to rent or buy skates, and why?

Always buy skates if you are able. Go to a reputable shop to be fitted. Your skates should fit you snugly like shoes. Rental skates are always overworn and never sharpened.

What are the most important safety precautions to take before ice skating outdoors on a frozen body of water?

Of course, check local conditions to make sure the ice is safe and free of debris. Stay close to shore. Dress warm, and wear gloves and a helmet.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is attempting to ice skate for the first time?

Bend your knees and keep your weight forward. Wear a helmet and be prepared to fall –– it takes a lot of time and effort to learn to skate.

What is the hardest aspect of ice skating?

You’ve got to check your ego at the door. You know that first step onto the ice when everyone is looking at you, and you think to yourself “don’t fall, don’t fall, don’t fall?” Then you fall and naturally, everyone laughs at you.

Is it better to rent or buy skates, and why?

Buy 100% if you are planning on using them more than once.

What are the most important safety precautions to take before ice skating outdoors on a frozen body of water?

1. Make sure the ice is at least a few inches thick (3″ minimum).
2. Don’t go out on the ice alone.
3. Have warm clothes and backup socks and pants in case you get wet.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is attempting to ice skate for the first time?

Make sure they are wearing a helmet. If falling, try to fall onto their behind as opposed to putting out arms to break their fall because that’s an easy way to break a wrist. Keep a wide base and knees bent.

What is the hardest aspect of ice skating?

Learning edge control and how to stop.

Is it better to rent or buy skates, and why?

It depends –– if you are only going to skate once per year then I suggest renting skates. Otherwise, owning your own skates makes more sense because they are most likely better quality and they can mold to your feet better.

What are the most important safety precautions to take before ice skating outdoors on a frozen body of water?

1. See #1 above.
2. Also, I suggest you know the depth of the water in case you ever did fall in.
3. Never skate alone or check the strength of the ice on foot alone for obvious reasons.
4. You probably should have a strong rope or life raft nearby in case somebody falls in.
5. I would make sure there is a good 3-5 days of temperatures below freezing before I would try to skate or step on a frozen pond, especially if the water is above a person’s head.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is attempting to ice skate for the first time?

For someone trying ice skating for the first time, I would recommend going to a skating rink since you can be confident that the ice is being maintained and is safe for skating. Also, be prepared to fall and try again! Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t “click” right away, as many activities take more than one try to get the hang of.

Dress warmly with layers: waterproof gloves or mittens, a knit hat, wool socks, base layer top and bottom (long underwear), non-cotton pants, and a jacket. Whether you are ice skating indoors or outdoors, it will be chilly. You will also likely warm up as you start skating, so dressing in layers will allow you to remove and add clothing as needed to stay comfortable. Wearing waterproof outer layers will prevent clothes from getting wet from contacting the ice, which can make you cold.

What is the hardest aspect of ice skating?

For most people, the hardest aspect of ice skating is stopping. There are multiple techniques to stop, so it’s a good idea to ask a staff member or experienced ice skater to explain and demonstrate those techniques. Start out slow and practice stopping. Once you are able to come to a controlled stop, then you can pick up the pace.

Is it better to rent or buy skates, and why?

For people trying out ice skating for the first time, I recommend renting skates. Ice skates come in two basic styles: figure skates and hockey skates. While there are several differences, the most distinct is the shape of the blade –– the metal piece on the bottom of the skate that allows the wearer to glide across the ice. Figure skates have a serrated section on the blade near the toe or front of the skate. This is what allows figure skaters to perform their unique moves.

Hockey skates, however, are smooth all the way down the blade. The blade on hockey skates is also more narrow than the blade on figure skates. You may find that you prefer one style over the other. Renting skates is also a great option for people who go ice skating occasionally. If you really love ice skating and plan to go frequently, buying skates is a nice way for you to choose the specific features you want.

What are the most important safety precautions to take before ice skating outdoors on a frozen body of water?

The safest option for outdoor ice skating is skating at an outdoor ice rink. These areas are maintained and monitored to ensure the ice is strong enough to hold the weight of the skaters and does not have any hazards like cracks, large chips, or thin spots. There are many beautiful outdoor ice rinks that provide a safe and enjoyable ice skating experience.

Judging the strength of ice on natural bodies of water –– like lakes or ponds –– is very difficult to do without special training and equipment. Even on very cold days, the ice may not be suitable for skating. It is important to understand that the risk of injury is much higher skating on natural bodies of water than at a rink, and skating on frozen bodies of water is not advised.

If you do choose to ice skate outdoors on a frozen body of water, take the following precautions:

1. Do not skate on river ice or ice covered in snow.
2. Stay away from white ice.
3. Do not skate if you see cracks in the ice.
4. Ice should be clear and at least 4 inches (10 cm) thick. Check multiple areas to ensure there are no thin spots, cracks, or white ice.
5. Wear a life jacket over your winter jacket. This may sound silly, but wet clothes will be heavier and make it more difficult to get out of the water or keep your head above the surface if you do fall in.
6. Go with a buddy. Never go ice skating outdoors on natural bodies of water by yourself.
7. Research and practice self-rescue skills for falling through ice into water.
8. If someone falls through the ice, do not go after them. Call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are able, reach or toss an object like a rope, ladder, or tree branch to the victim. If you have an item they can hold onto to help them stay afloat, like an extra life jacket, toss that to them as well. Talk to them and remain calm while you wait for professional rescue crews to arrive.