You don't have to wait for the right partner to learn to ice skating. Come to the area alone to practice basic techniques, such as sliding and stopping. As your skills improve, try to go faster and feel more confident in your own abilities. Remember, practice stopping and falling so you can stay safe in the event of an accident.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting Equipment and Warming Up
Step 1. Wear comfortable and light clothing
When ice skating, you need to be able to move your entire body quickly and safely. Don't wear a thick winter jacket. However, wear a light jacket, fleece sweater, or regular sweater. Wear layers of clothing so you can take off your sweater if you feel too hot while skating.
If you're wearing a scarf, tuck the ends into a sweater or jacket so they don't get in the way
Step 2. Put on microfiber socks or stockings
Buy special stockings for skating or microfiber socks. Without socks, your feet run the risk of getting crushed ice or (if you borrow shoes on the skating rink) of getting an infection. Avoid using thick socks because they can make the shoes less secure.
Microfiber socks are better suited because they absorb fluids and keep your feet warm, unlike cotton or wool socks
Step 3. Buy high-quality socks that are still good to prevent injury
Cheap socks can break easily and make your ankles sore. Look for special ice skating socks online and choose the ones that get positive reviews. If you are buying used socks, ask the previous owner why they are selling them.
- Try on the shoes you want to buy before buying them.
- Purchase your shoes at a sporting goods specialty store so the staff there can help you find the best fit.
Step 4. Warm up before descending on the ice
Doing a few warm-up moves before playing can prevent cramps or soreness, because ice skating is a fairly intense sport. First of all, stretch your legs on the arena divider. Then, stretch your upper body by lifting your arms out to your sides and twisting them in a small circle. After warming up for five to 10 minutes, you're ready to ice skating.
Complete the warm-up before putting on the ice skating gear
Step 5. Tighten the shoe until it is secure
Shoes that are too loose are at risk of falling or spraining you. Regardless of whether your shoes have safety straps or laces (or both), be sure to tie them tight. It is very important to keep the shoe feeling tight in the toe and ankle area. So pay attention to that area.
Ask the skating attendant to help fasten your shoes if you don't know how
Step 6. Stay near the arena divider
Don't be embarrassed if at first you have to hold on tight to the arena barrier to advance. These barriers are made on the snowboarding rink to keep new and old players on their feet. These barriers can make you get used to the slippery playing field until you finally feel more comfortable.
Method 2 of 3: Practicing Basic Techniques
Step 1. Bend your knees to stay balanced while snowboarding
This will help you maintain balance. Pretend as if you are floating on a chair and lower your lower body into a squat position. Tilt forward to maintain balance, then position your hands at a 45-degree angle if you feel unbalanced.
Step 2. Move away slowly from the arena barrier
When ready, remove your hand from the arena barrier. Bend your knees and lean forward slightly to reduce the risk of falling. If necessary, stay near the arena divider so you can hold on again.
Step 3. Begin gliding forward by gliding
Gliding is a simple method of moving forward, and it can be done slowly or quickly. Let your hands be at your sides, then take small steps forward. Start slowly, but speed up your movement as you gain momentum. Move one leg, then move the other foot to slide until both feet can move forward with a slight movement.
Hold onto the rink when you start to lose your balance
Step 4. Glide faster by bending your knees lower
Increase speed by bending your knees deeper into a sitting position. Increase the power of your glide by stepping more firmly. Lean forward while gliding fast so that if you fall, you won't hit your head.
Don't be in a hurry. You don't have to skate as fast as a pro when you're just starting out snowboarding
Step 5. Turn around with your dominant foot
Place your dominant foot in front and lean toward the center of the playing field. Bend both knees to maintain momentum as you turn. Hold this position until you make a successful turn, then return to the slide once you're back in a straight position again.
Step 6. Stop with the flat part of the shoe
Press the blade of the knife flat against the shoe against the surface of the ice until you feel it rub against each other. Place one foot in front, bend both knees, then add pressure to the flat blade of the shoe. This method will make you stop slowly.
- This is a basic stopping technique known as the “snow plow technique,” and is an ideal technique for beginner skaters. Over time, you can try more complex techniques.
- Practice safe stopping so you know what to do in an emergency.
Method 3 of 3: Learning the Safety Measures
Step 1. Put on a helmet and wrist guards
Ice skating has the risk of causing head injuries which can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Even if wearing a helmet can sometimes make you feel uncomfortable or seem “weird”, it can significantly reduce the risk of concussion. Wrist guards are also important to prevent spraining your hands when you fall hard.
Small children or beginner skaters can also wear knee and elbow protectors for added safety
Step 2. Focus on the area around you
Be aware of the presence of other skaters and practice in large areas. Focus your eyes forward and use your peripheral vision to monitor your surroundings. Don't turn a blind eye, especially if you're playing on a crowded skating rink.
Don't use a jemala speaker when skating, especially the first time you try it. Hearing is as important as sight when ice skating
Step 3. Keep your head straight as you slide
Beginner surfers often make the mistake of looking at their feet. This not only breaks your focus on the world around you, but also throws your body off balance. If you accidentally look down, raise your head immediately and make sure your eyes are level with the horizon.
Step 4. Practice falling on the ice safely
You never know when you will fall on the ice. So, practice to know how to fall is very important. Bend your knees and squat forward, then drop to your side to prevent injury to your wrists.
- When you're on the ground and feel safe enough to stand up, place your feet between your hands and push up to gain some ground.
- Practice falling outside the rink (either with or without skates) to try it out in a safe area.
Tips
- Learn the different techniques slowly. Learning to snowboard takes time, and it can take several sessions on the rink to get used to it.
- Make sure the blades in your shoes are professionally sharpened before use if you buy your own shoes.
- Bring a first aid kit to protect yourself from minor injuries.
- Rest for five to ten minutes if you feel tired or cold.
- Once you're confident on the ice, seek out ice skating classes to learn more difficult techniques.
- Don't try to go fast if you're a beginner.
- Use a hockey helmet, not a bicycle helmet) a snowboard helmet, or an all-purpose sports helmet. The helmets are not designed to fall on the ice so they don't protect you well. So, use a hockey helmet that meets the standards. There are many arenas that prohibit the use of the above helmets and require players to wear hockey helmets.
- Watch the skaters in the rink or look up videos online to learn their technique.
Warning
- Get ready to fall hard. You never know what accidents will happen in the arena.
- Play in a dedicated ice skating area (like an ice skating rink) until you've mastered the basics and have a partner to play with.
- If you sustain a head injury, contact a skating rink staff immediately for medical attention. A collision can be fatal if you don't get professional help right away.
