First Time on the Ice
Welcome to Edge Up Ice! We hope you will find great value in the time you spend with us. Our goal is to provide you with helpful hints and strategies to give your skater the edge by supplying you with the tools you need for a FUN successful first day on the ice!
Figure skating can be a lifelong sport that is as fun as it is challenging. Whether your goal today is to try something new, start a family fun activity for a little exercise or help your child become a competitive figure skater, it’s never too late to learn how to skate and start developing some skating skills. In fact, one of the best parts of learning to figure skate is that you can advance at your own pace. Our free “guide to your first time on the ice” will provide the basics you need to know before hitting the ice for the first time!
At Edge Up Ice, we follow the guidelines of the US Figure Skating Association. For kids and adults alike, this means acquiring safe and proper skills from the get-go. Whether you want to learn to figure skate, are getting your kids into the sport or want to develop your skills as a family, the only way to get started is to head to your local rink.
Here’s the scoop: falling is all part of the skating game! At Edge Up Ice & Us Figure Skating “We Get Up!” Our guide explains it all and will help you purchase safety equipment to help you have fun without the pain.
Heading to the rink for the first time doesn’t need to be nerve-racking. Start with realistic expectations for your first days on the ice. It's important to begin with the basics and understand that you will fall, and that’s okay. Everybody falls — it’s just a part of skating! However, being properly prepared for those beginner-level falls can help prevent injury and provide a first day on the ice filled with positive memories.
Our free guide explains it all!
What to wear
Proper rental skate sizing and fit
Marching off the ice to gain balance
Proper falling & getting up techniques
On Ice Marching
2 foot glides across the ice
Dips
Beginning backward skating
Stopping
2 foot hops
Marching spins
What To Wear
Safety Helmets:
All skaters regardless of age should wear a helmet when learning to skate for the first time and continue wearing one through the beginning levels of any skating program. We recommend Skaters choose one of these helmets recommended by the Consumer Products Safety Commission: ASTM F1447; Snell B-90A, B-95, N-94. Check the fine print for certifications. Make sure your helmet fits comfortably with a snug fit. Helmets should be worn low in front to protect the forehead. Secure the chinstrap and check the adjustment often for protection during falls.
Warm layers:
Ice rinks are usually chilly even when the weather is hot outside. Comfy, form fitted clothing or athletic wear in plenty of layers including a warm jacket is our best advice! You can take off a few layers if you warm up a bit. Also, thin socks or tights are better than thick socks that can feel bulky and uncomfortable .
Gloves or Mittens:
You will want them for protection from falls and while learning to get back up correctly They are also great for keeping your hands toasty warm!
A Big Smile:
Follow these tips and you should be safe, warm and comfortable for your first day on the ice!
Proper Rental Skate Sizing & Fit
Proper skate fit is the most important part of your first day on the ice! Skate’s should fit as snuggly as possible without pinching. In most cases start by trying on skates that are at least one-two sizes smaller than your shoe size. Try on a few different sizes to ensure the correct fit!
Pointer for Parents: DON’T use Hockey Rental skates on your first day! The rocker (the amount of curve) on the blades is too large and very difficult to learn to balance on! Most Hockey coaches recommend learning the basics on figure skates before transitioning to hockey skates.
Wear thin socks for best Fit.
Loosen the boots as much as possible before inserting the foot. Ensure that your heel is all the way back in the boot before tying. Pull the tongue up and place over the middle of your foot before pushing the sides into the boot
Pull the laces loosely through the bottom of the boot and snuggly through the ankle and bottom hooks. This is important for support and control of the ankles. Allow the top hook to be comfortably loose. Use up any extra lace by tying them neatly around the hooks. Loose laces can be dangerous.
Before you Skate….
Now that you’ve dressed for warmth & safety and found the perfect pair of rental skates, lets find some balance to go with them!
Marching Off the ice
Before entering the ice, practice marching in place lifting your knees and walking flat on the middle of your blades. Place your arms out in front of you in a “V”shape between waist and shoulder level. When you’ve got some balance try taking a stroll around the lobby keeping your balance with your ankles held up straight..
Pro-tip…bend your knees facing straight ahead over your toes and try not to let your ankles lean to either side.
Proper Off-Ice Falling down & getting up techniques
Practice falling:
In skating we all fall, but it’s how we get up that counts! At SDFSA we take safety seriously! Please practice these techniques before getting on the ice!
Safe Place:
Let’s start in our “safe place” position. Start by standing with your feet parallel to each other about a hips width apart and arms stretched out in front of you. Slowly push your bottom back while bending your knees and ankles. Slowly lean slightly forward, and grab your knees. Try this a few times until you get the hang of it.
Falling:
Next lower yourself close to the floor and gently relax as you “fall” to the side on one bottom “cheek”. Try to avoid falling forward or backward. To protect yourself from hitting your head, try tucking your chin to your chest.Try not to use your hands to break your fall.
Getting back up:
To stand up, roll onto your hands and knees “like a puppy Dog”. Place one foot on the ice between your hands. Then, place your other foot on the ice between your hands, and slowly push to a standing position, with your knees slightly bent, until you find your balance.
Your first steps on the ice
The ice is slippery:
The first step on the ice can be a little intimidating. With these basic tips you’ll find your balance in no time! Carefully step on to the ice while holding on to the barrier
Wall balance:
Hold on to the wall or barrier with two hands while you step on the ice. While holding on with two hands, face the wall with your feet parallel to each other about a hips width apart. When you feel balanced, let go of the wall and stretch your arms into a “V” shape in front of you just below shoulder level. Find your balance and try to hold it with your arms out for 3-5 seconds.
Pro tip… bend your knees slightly!
Wall March:
Next hold on facing the wall, and start with a march! Stand tall with your back straight and your head looking forward. March in place by lifting one knee at at a time up and down, to get the feeling of lifting your feet and stepping from one foot to the other without letting your blade slide on the ice. Practice this marching in place until you are balanced for about 10 marches.
Pro tip…tightening your abdominal muscles and pressing down on your shoulders will add a little stability. Don't forget to bend your knees!
Now your ready to get your glide on
Marching while moving:
Its time to take your first lap around the rink! Start by standing facing parallel to the wall and hold on with your right hand while your left arm is stretched out to your side between waist shoulder level. (Most rinks require skating in a counter clockwise direction around the rink) Follow the same steps above for marching in place. This time you will be marching forward, walking with high knees while your right hand moves with you down the wall for a little stability. When you’ve got your balance let go of the wall!
Pro tip…bend your knees slightly while marching. Keep yourself at a marching pace until you’re confident with your balance.
Try a glide…. Try marching to gain a little speed then “freeze” your feet to glide! Keep your arms in front and knees slightly bent for balance.
Take it Down… while gliding on two feet, bend your knees and ankles, push your hips back and arms forward and glide in a sitting position. We call this a “Dip”.
Back it up… with some “backward wiggles”…to Skate backwards, hold on to the wall. While holding on lean slightly forward toward the front of your blades just behind the toe-pic and wiggle your hips back and forth. When you’ve got the twist push off the wall and wiggle in a backwards motion.
Stopping… a “snowplow stop" is the easiest way to stop. While gliding with your feet a hips width apart and arms stretched out in front, turn your toes inward towards each other and slowly bend your knees and push both blades out in a “v” shape.
The first jump… Start with your feet parallel and about a hips width apart. Bend your knees and ankles with your arms stretched out in front of you. Push down through your knees, ankles and toe picks pressing into the ice and quickly push up into a small hop. Bend your knees and keep your balance centered over both skates to land
2 foot Spin… Everyone wants to “twirl”… Start by marching in a circle with your arms out like a “helicopter” Most find it easiest to march in a counter-clockwise direction. After gaining some speed, stop marching, turn your toes slightly in towards each other and pull your arms in like a hug!
What to wear:
Safety Helmet
Long sleeve wicking shirt
Sweatshirt
Jacket
2 pr. Gloves
Long pants or leggings
2 pr. Thin Socks
Knee pads
What to Bring:
Water bottle
Kleenex
Healthy High energy snacks
Camera or phone
Edge Up Ice Pocket Practice- “Your first Day”
We hope you had a fantastic first experience on the ice and that our guide helped you feel prepared and confident. Whether you were gliding smoothly or just getting the hang of balancing, every step (and even every fall) is part of the fun!
If you enjoyed your time, we encourage you to come back and keep building your skills. Be sure to check out our next guides, Getting to know the ice; your first month, Your First Coach, and How to Find the Best Rink to start your skating adventure, to help you take the next steps in your skating journey.
Would you like personalized guidance on finding the best rink in your area?
I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime!
