Kids on Ice: A Beginner’s Guide to Ice Skating

Of all the various Olympic sports that young kids might become interested in, ice skating stands out amongst them as perhaps the most dynamic, artistic, and televised. Now, there are a number of sports that involve ice skating, though most readers might assume we are discussing merely figure skating. And while this most magical sport of skaters gliding gracefully across the ice, is one of the most popular, it is far from the only skating sport found in the Olympic games. It is also not the only sport that young Olympic hopefulls can begin training for at a young age.

Athletes can skate across the ice in a number of different ways and for a number of different reasons. Figure skaters, for instance, use their lyricism, athleticism, and grace to create beautiful displays on the ice. Hockey players, meanwhile, skate along with teammates in a dynamic, exciting sport that involves hitting a puck with a stick into a goal. And let’s not forget speed skaters, whose agility and control is one of the most amazing Olympic sports to witness firsthand.

The point is, learning to skate is only the beginning. Ice skating itself can take so many forms and can mean so many different things to different kinds of athletes. Therefore, parents might find themselves unsure which way they should encourage their children once they learn the basics.

In this guide, we will do our best to help kids and their families get started with ice skating. We will offer tips, advice, and insights on how to make the experience as fun, safe, and rewarding as possible. Finally, we will discuss how ice skating is done in different countries all over the world. So lace up your skates and let’s hit the ice!

Why Ice Skating Is Great for Kids

Ice skating is more than just a fun activity one can do during the winter months; it can be used to play any number of sports, each offering a slew of athletic of benefits for kids.

Fitness Benefits:

• Builds strength: Skating, whether for speed, agility, or during a match, works muscles in the legs, core, and even the arms.
• Improves balance: It is a difficult thing to maintain stability on the ice, so skating enhances coordination, balance, and posture.
• Boosts endurance: Skating is an excellent cardiovascular workout that keeps children active.

Social Benefits:

• Kids can skate with friends, join skating classes, or participate in skating team sports like hockey, making it a great way for them to meet new people.

Emotional Benefits:

• As children learn to skate with confidence, their belief in their own ability will skyrocket. This confidence will be further boosted as they learn more and improve their skills.
• Surprisingly, skating encourages creativity in a number of ways. This is especially true in figure skating, where skaters can express themselves through movement.

Types of Ice Skating for Kids

Figure Skating

• Figure skating focuses on artistic movements such as spins, jumps, and footwork.
• This type or skating is great for children who enjoy performing or dancing, as many figure skating routines are done to music.

Ice Hockey

• This fast-paced team sport is an excellent way for kids to stay active and learn teamwork. Hockey combines skating with stick-handling and strategy.

Recreational Skating

• Simply skating for fun and fitness can be physically beneficial and emotionally enriching.
• Skating on its own can serve as a wonderful introduction to the sport without the commitment of lessons or teams.

Getting Started: Equipment for Beginners

Skates

• If your kid is going to skate, they are going to need a pair of ice skates. To start, choose skates designed for beginners and always look for ones with good ankle support. You don’t an early ankle injury to set your kid back in the skill or confidence department.
• Remember that the type of skate matters. For instance, figure skates have toe picks for jumps and spins, while hockey skates offer speed and agility.
• When trying them on, always ensure that your child’s skates fit snugly but aren’t too tight—comfortable feet are key!

Clothing

• Kids should wear warm, flexible clothes that allow movement whenever they are on the ice. This is important whether or not it’s actually cold outside, as ice skating can be a year-round activity.
• Try to have your child dress in layers whenever possible. A good outfit could consist of a moisture-wicking shirt, a sweater on top of that, and finish with a lightweight jacket.

Safety Gear

• A helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment for young skaters, especially beginners. Falls are going to happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Gloves are a good way to protect hands from the cold and offer cushioning in case of falls; again, which are bound to occur.

Where to Skate

Indoor Ice Rinks

• Indoor rinks are perfect for year-round skating with controlled conditions.
• Many such rinks offer lessons, free skate sessions, and rental equipment for skaters who are just starting out or for those just looking for a day of fun on the ice.
• Rinks are a great place to test your kid out with skating, especially because renting equipment is the best way to introduce them without making too much of an initial investment.

Outdoor Ice Rinks

• These rinks are mostly seasonal, but they do provide a magical experience, especially during the winter months.
• Be mindful of weather conditions and rink maintenance. If things look thin or unkempt, it probably isn’t a safe idea to skate on it.

Beginner Tips for Kids

Starting on the ice can feel challenging, but these tips will help young skaters get more comfortable right from the start:

Getting Used to Skates

• Kids should practice walking in skates off the ice first. This will help them to build confidence.
• Instruct kids to bend their knees slightly to feel the correct skating posture as they get used to it.

Learning the Basics

Standing on Ice: Have your kid start by holding onto the rink wall. Make sure they keep their knees bent and arms out for balance. These are some of the most basic steps young skaters should begin with.

Marching Instead of Gliding: Kids can begin with small marching steps instead of trying to glide immediately.

Stopping: At this stage, kids should learn to stop using a snowplow stop (pushing heels out like a pizza slice) or dragging one foot gently.

Falling and Getting Up: Teach kids how to fall safely by landing on their side and keeping hands off the ice. To get up, they should kneel on both knees, place hands on one knee, and push up to stand.

Staying Safe on the Ice

Rules of the Rink

• Always have kids skate in the correct direction and be aware of others.
• Children should avoid skating too fast in beginner areas.
• Kids should never sit or lie on the ice after a fall. The trick is to get up quickly to avoid collisions.

Preventing Injuries

• All skaters, young and old, should warm up before skating to prepare muscles.
• Have kids take breaks to avoid fatigue, especially during long sessions.
• As we mentioned earlier, children should wear and use proper-fitting gear to reduce the risk of falls and discomfort.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Fear of Falling

• Falling is part of learning, especially in ice skating. As parents, it falls upon us to teach kids to see falling as a step toward eventual improvement. It’s also important for them to understand that no one is born on ice skates, we all fell once or twice, or a couple dozen times, before being confident on skates.
• Remind children that it’s ok to be frustrated about their progress. Impart upon them that progress takes time. Also, celebrate small victories, no matter how meaningless they seem. Those small celebrations will mean an awful lot to a little ice skater in training.

Progressing to the Next Level

Building Skills

Once your kid masters the basics, they can start learning advanced techniques like:

• Crossovers (skating in a circle by crossing one foot over the other).
• Backward skating.
• Beginner spins and small jumps for figure skating.

Joining a Team or Club

• Many ice skating rinks have figure skating clubs or youth hockey leagues for children who really take to the ice like little pros. Kids who want to take skating further would benefit from joining these types or organizations.
• Finding more competitive ice skating opportunities can motivate kids to keep improving and to try new things.

Fun Games and Activities for Kids on Ice

Always remember, ice skating isn’t just about practice—it’s about having fun!

Freeze Skating

• Similar to freeze tag, but played on ice. Kids freeze in place when tagged until someone “unfreezes” them.

Obstacle Courses

• Set up cones or small markers for kids to weave around or jump over.

Races

• Organize friendly races to build speed and confidence.

Ice Skating Around the World

Ice skating is a sport that transcends international borders. Each country brings its own unique traditions and culture to the ice, offering children of every nationality a chance to learn, play, and grow in a way that connects them to a global community of skaters. No matter where they lace up their skates, kids around the world share the universal joy of gliding on ice.

In Canada, ice skating is almost a rite of passage for children. With long winters and an abundance of natural ice, skating has deep roots in Canadian culture. In fact, many Canadian children start skating as toddlers, often on backyard rinks or frozen ponds. For many Canadian kids, ice skating, in and of itself, is simply the gateway towards playing hockey; the country’s most popular sport.

Just below Canada, in the good ol’ U.S. of A, ice skating is similarly popular. Kids in the United States have access to a wide variety of skating opportunities, from figure skating and hockey to recreational programs. Skating rinks can be found in nearly every state, and ice hockey is almost as popular here as it is in the Great White North. Northern states like Minnesota and Michigan, see children growing up skating on frozen lakes in the winter time. Figure skating is also popular in some states, and it thrives in areas with strong coaching traditions. Many young American athletes dream of competing in national championships or even the Olympics.

Speaking of the Olympics, many Russian families see figure skating as more than just a recreational activity—but a pathway to success. Russia is well-known for cold winters and fierce competitors. It also boasts a long history of Olympic champions, such as Alina Zagitova and Evgeni Plushenko, who inspire young skaters to dream big. Public rinks, especially in cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, offer open sessions where children can skate with friends and enjoy the icy thrill. In the same way, outdoor rinks become hubs of activity during winter festivals, where kids skate amidst fairy-tale lights and festive decorations.

In Scandinavia, skating is a natural extension of winter life. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway are all known for their snowy landscapes and frozen lakes, and so ice skating is a common pastime for children. In China, ice skating is experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by the country’s growing investment in winter sports. Cities like Beijing and Harbin have embraced skating, with state-of-the-art indoor rinks that offer figure skating and speed skating classes for children who wish to learn and eventually compete.

Inspirational Stories of Young Skaters

Nathan Chen

Before becoming a world champion figure skater, Nathan Chen started skating as a young child and trained while he was in school.

Kendall Coyne Schofield

An Olympic gold medalist in hockey, Kendall Coyne Schofield began skating at age three and pursued her dreams through dedication and hard work.

Cultured Athlete Says…

As you can see, ice skating is a sport that combines fun, fitness, and creativity through a number of different modalities. Kids can choose whether they want to skate for fun or pursue more competitive opportunities, either by playing hockey on a team, dancing as a figure skater on the ice, or racing their way to victory. With the right gear, a positive attitude, and a bit of practice, even the most uncertain kids can gain confidence to glide across the ice; maybe one day with the singular skills of an Olympic pro!