Synthetic Ice Rink
Skating Guide

Our synthetic rink is made of a special material that mimics the feeling of real ice. Simply put on some ice skates and you're ready to start skating.

This ice skating guide will walk you through choosing the right skates, putting them on when to sharpen your blade, and tips and tricks for beginners!

  • Choosing The Right Skates

  • Skate Size:

    • A proper fit for hockey skates should fit 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoes. 

    • Your toes should barely touch the toe cap while having no more than 1/4 inch of space in the heel. 

    • When you're finished lacing up your skates, they should feel snug with the foot resting flat on the footbed. 

 
 

  • Skate Fit: There are three popular tests when it comes to fitting hockey skates: the pencil test, the finger test, and the toe brush test. 

  • With the pencil test, you will... 

    • Put on your skates, but do not tie them up. 

    • Pull the tongue out and then take a pencil or pen and place it across the eyelets, about three eyelets down. 

      • If the pen/pencil lies flat without rocking back and forth on your foot then the skate has good depth.

      • If the pen/pencil hits your foot without touching both eyelets then the skate is too shallow for you.

  • The finger test will ensure your skates are the right size, and that you have the right ankle fit. 

    • Lace the skate uptight as if you are going to play hockey. Lean forward and bend your knees (like you are in the hockey stance). 

    • Now reach back to the heel of the skate and see how much of a gap there is between your heel and the skate. If you can slide more than one finger between your heel and the skate (not the tendon and skate) then the skate is not locking your ankle/heel into place and the fit is not suitable for you. 

  • The toe brush test is another popular way to tell if the skates are the proper size is where your toes lie in the skates. 

    • With your skates laced up, stand up straight in the skates, in this stance your toes should just brush the toe cap inside the skates. 

    • Now get into an athletic stance (the hockey stance) in this stance your heel should lock more into place and your toes should not be rubbing on the toe cap anymore.

  • Skate Laces: The right skates for you will not be the correct ones if they are tied incorrectly... 

    • Make sure your skates are not too tight or your feet will likely go numb.

    • Make sure your skates are not too loose as they will not provide the proper support for your ankles.

  • Skate Blades: There are a variety of ways to know when it’s time to sharpen your skates. Dull blades will chatter, pull to one side, wobble out of control, or prevent you from turning as tight as you normally do.

    • If you find yourself struggling with quick turns or the blades don’t bite into the ice as they should, you might need to get your skates sharpened.

    • Carefully run your finger down the length of the blade, feeling for nicks or gouges. A light touch is all that is needed to detect defects. Also, the blade should feel sharp.

    • Look at your blade under a bright light. If you see a reflection in the blade’s edge, you need to sharpen your skates.

  • Tips for Beginners

  • Where to Look: At first, you may be inclined to look down at your legs to make sure you're going through the right motions. This will not help you skate better and can cause accidents. Make sure to keep your head up so you do not collide with anyone on the ice.

  • How to Balance: Always lean forward slightly when skating. Bend your knees and keep your weight forward. Leaning back can cause you to fall backward onto the ice.

  • How to Turn: There's no need for fancy footwork when you want to turn. Simply turn the outside shoulder forward (the one on the side furthest from the direction you want to turn) and you will turn in a graceful arc.

  • How to Glide: Gliding is a form of marching on the ice that will help you transition into skating. March forward two steps and let your body glide forward slightly. Do this until you feel comfortable with it. Then, begin picking up one foot as you glide.

  • How to Stroke: Stroking is the same as gliding except you extend the motion longer. After marching, lift one foot as you glide, set that foot down, and lift the other. This is the foundation for basic skating. Repeat the process until you feel comfortable.

  • How to Swizzle: After getting yourself gliding, place your heels together. Then, slide your feet apart. After this, point your toes together. Repeat this motion, leaving a trail in the ice that resembles an hourglass.

    • Swizzles help you go through the general motions of skating but keep your feet on the ice.

  • How to Stop: Once you're comfortable skating around the rink doing swizzles, gliding, and stroking, you need to know how to stop. Stand together with your feet together. Push your feet apart while skating and stick one skate out sideways. This will push some frost off of the ice and cause your body to come to a stop. The motion is similar to skiing.

  • How to Fall: Falling is part of the sport so it's natural that this will happen. Falling with the right technique will keep you from getting injured. The first thing you should do is practice falling. To fall properly, do the following when you feel yourself losing your balance:

    • If you anticipate needing to fall, bend your knees and squat into a dip position.

    • Fall sideways, leaning forward, and place your hands on your lap. As soon as you fall, roll over onto your hands and knees.

    • One at a time, place your feet between your hands. Then, gently push yourself back up.