1. Find a Suitable Location
When you are looking for a place to go ice skating, keep in mind the size and age of the group you will have with you, as well as what kind of ice skating activities you want to focus on. If you have a group of small children, a maintained outdoor rink is your best option. If you want to take a figure skating lesson, head to a maintained area, preferably with a good wind shelter. For a pickup hockey game, a laid-back family outing or a date, visit a frozen lake or pond. Do some research to find the suitable outdoor locations in your area.
2. Dress Like an Onion
Check the weather conditions before you go and make sure to dress appropriately. When performing sports outside it is a good idea to dress like an onion, or in layers you easily can peel off (or put back on) as your body temperature changes. Start with a sweat wicking base layer on the top and bottom. Gauge the outside temperate and layer accordingly, remembering that your body will start warming as soon as you start moving. Since you will be outdoors, add a wind and waterproof layer on the top and bottom as your outermost layer.
3. Double Check Ice Conditions
When you arrive at an outdoor skating location, review the conditions by walking the perimeter and checking for melting ice, cracks and snow. If you are at a maintained outdoor rink, ask when they are scheduled to run the Zamboni, and you can also inform them of areas that seem to be melting or cracking quickly. Most maintained outdoor ice rinks keep the ice frozen with a series of compressors under the rink. If you alert them to any melting area they can adjust the compressors to create more favorable conditions.
4. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Storms can abruptly roll into cold weather environments to bring high winds and precipitation that can ruin a day of outside skating. Keep an eye on the weather. If it starts to storm, wait inside in the comfort of the rink shack or your vehicle for the weather to pass. Don't get caught outside in high winds or rain.
If you feel you are getting too cold skating outside, step inside immediately to warm up. It is dangerous to skate when you are cold; eventually your feet will get numb and you may lose control over your skates.
Member Comments