Skating for Beginners

Hit the ice

Skating for Beginners

Though many kids learn to skate as young as 3, children and adults alike can learn at any time. Here are some tips for getting out on the ice.

1. Skates must fit snugly, no matter the skater’s age. Get fitted at the rink. It will make your skater feel confident, while learning on the ice.

2. Helmets are a good idea for children and for novice adults. Rain pants or snowsuits will make things more comfortable for kids – there’s a lot of falling down involved.

3. Tell your beginners to bend their knees – it’ll make it easier to balance and move.

4. Don’t rush the learning. Let your beginners grip the wall until they decide they are ready to go it alone across the ice.

5. Consider skating lessons. Most year-round rinks have them for both children and adults.

6. Enjoy! There’s nothing as satisfying as watching kids (or yourself) master a skill and go from wobbly to confident.

Places to start skating:

Kraken Community Iceplex 10601 Fifth Ave. NE, Seattle krakencommunityiceplex.com

Highland Ice Arena 18005 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline highlandice.com

Sno-King Ice Arenas 14326 124th Ave. NE, Kirkland 35300 SE Douglas St., Snoqualmie 12620 164th Ave. SE, Renton snokingicearenas.com

Kent Valley Ice Centre 6015 S 240th St., Kent snokingicearenas.com