Warm weather is just around the corner, so take advantage of winter's last chill while you can by engaging in a traditional, close to home, winter activity. The opportunity to ice skate can be found in almost any location. Its also affordable and fun for all ages. Today we're taking a look at the kinds of ice skating opportunities that can be found near you.
Indoor Rinks:
Indoor ice rinks provide the perfect close to home ice skating adventure for any season. Other advantages often include convenient skate rentals, well maintained ice, and concessions for when you have skated enough to work up an appetite. If you are lucky you may even get the chance to see the Zamboni in action. If you do, be sure to get back out on the ice once its finished because that is when the ice in the rink is at its best.
Outdoor Rinks:
Outdoor rinks provide many of the same advantages as indoor rinks including convenient skate rental, manicured ice, and food and drink options to enjoy. While the outdoor rink is a winter only experience, unlike an indoor rink, it comes with a view. Since ice skating is after all a winter activity many people may consider the seasonal nature of the rink a fair trade off for a more authentic winter experience.
Natural Rinks:
Natural ice rinks such as ponds and lakes provide the quintissential winter skating experience. Natural ice skating provides a way to get back to nature and can sometimes ensure that you have the entire ice skating surface to yourself, a luxury impossible to find at most man made rinks. Skaters however should be careful, only go after the weather has been cold enough for a long enough period of time to ensure that the ice is safe and never go on the ice alone. Those who try out natural ice skating are sure to be left with an experience they won't forget.
River Skating:
River skating can provide a unqiue experience not found in other ice skating venues. River skating allows skaters the freedom to go somewhere as if they were on a hike. The river provides the perfect skating path which in some places could go for miles. Skaters engaging in river skating should practice even more caution when skating on rivers than they would on a natural ice rink. Only skate on a river you know to be calm and slow moving, many rivers though frozen on top could be fast moving beneath and such conditions can weaken the ice. Only skate when the weather has been cold for a significant period of time to ensure the ice is solid enough to hold your weight and always go with a friend.
Skating Lessons:
Don't know how to skate? Or maybe you are looking to do more than just move around a rink? Consider taking ice skating lessons. Basics courses will teach you how to move around a rink effectively without falling down. More advanced courses can teach figure skating skills, or if you have a need for speed look into speed skating classes.
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