Celebrate National Skating Month with Exciting Outdoor Skating Tips and Tricks

Happy National Skating Month! This event is held to welcome new skaters to the sport of figure skating by their National Governing Body, US Figure Skating (or USFS). USFS hosts events to promote the fun and enjoyment of ice skating. You do not need to be an expert in the sport to participate. Skaters of any age and ability are invited to participate in events. For anyone interested learning more about National Skating Month, I invite you to check out the US Figure Skating Website (https://usfigureskating.org/.) or contact your local ice rink for more information about lessons and programming close to you.

In honor of National Skating Month, I would love to share my first experiences on the ice.

My very first experience did not include a rink, rental skates or group lessons but instead an ice storm, winter boots and a large back yard. I can vividly remember an ice storm as a kid (around when I was 4 or 5). My entire backyard was covered in snow with a very thick covering of ice on top. I can remember going out my front door with my chunky winter boots on and pushing on to the layer of ice with my leg extended behind me. Did I fall and slip? YES! Did I get up and try it again? YES! I continued moving around the yard skating until I got cold and headed inside.

My second experience was also outdoors but this time included ice skates (Katerina Witt recreational skates) and a frozen pond in a town north of my home. I remember heading to the lake where there was a thin layer of snow on the ice. The ice was thick enough to hold me (safety first) as I pushed and glided around the small area of the lake. Pushing and gliding across the ice grabbed me and started my love of skating. The freedom skating brought me as I pushed across the ice was exhilarating.

My final beginning memory of a skating experience was a skating trip with my Girl Scout Troop at the rink that would eventually become my home rink. I remember being one of the only skaters to be able to stand and push across the ice and moving forward. I even tried a spin or two. So after I started group lessons at this rink. Girl Scouts may not have been my thing but I definitely found a home on the ice!

For anyone who wants to try skating on a pond or lake like I did, please remember safety first. Here are some tips to remember before stepping on to a frozen pond/lake:

1. Check the ice thickness. Most experts say ice should be at least 4 inches thick. Throw a stone or rock on the ice to make sure the ice does not break before stepping on it. The strongest type of ice is known as clear ice and is typically blue/black in color. Avoid soft or slushy ice. This is a good indication that the ice is thinning. Be aware of your surroundings. Ice close to the edge of the pond or lake may be thinner than further away from the shore. Don't skate near docks or bridges, the ice is typically thin here as well.

2. Never skate alone. Find a skating buddy. Skating alone can be dangerous and not as fun. Let others know of your plans and location. If an emergency does happen, someone will know where to find you. Stay alert when skating. If you hear cracking noises or see the ice cracking underneath you, do not rush, slowly skate away from the area.

3. Wear Safety gear. Whether skating on a pond/lake or at your local rink, a helmet is always recommended. Falling in skating does happen and when it does, it's better to be safe. Wear gloves and hat to avoid frost bite or hypothermia. Also dress warmly, wear layers. Its easier to take layers off when you are warm than getting to cold because you are not wearing enough.

4. Check the weather. Warmer weather causes thinner ice. Make sure that the temperature is below freezing for a few days. Do not skate on a lake or pond with thick layers of snow. The snow hides cracks and ice conditions.

Ice skating most importantly is about having fun but remaining safe at the same time. I hope my experiences and tips inspire you to try ice skating for yourself. See you on the ice!

Skating outdoors at Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink. I love the snowy weather!