PolyGlide Blog, News & Updates

Ready For Some (Synthetic) Ice Skating Fun?

As the colder seasons approach, millions of Americans think about dusting off their skates to have some ice skating fun. Yes, it's freezing cold at times, but it's an opportunity to figure skate, ice skate, play hockey, or your favorite ice games. Over the years, a new skater emerged from the hoards of ice skating enthusiasts and professionals. This new skater wants convenience and affordability while having a positive impact on the planet. The result has been the development of portable synthetic ice skating tiles. You can now get your very own synthetic ice rink in a box.

Synthetic ice rink in  box is a set of tiles or panels set together to form a large or small rink. You'll use your actual metal blades for hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating. Synthetic ice is excellent for people who don't have access to natural ice or wish to have a personal or commercial rink at a significantly cheaper cost.

We've developed our tiles using the latest in synthetic ice technology that offers optimal glide and performance. You'll be set up and ready to skate on these lightweight, reversible tiles in a just a few minutes.

Here's What Your Rink In A Box Will Look Like

When you order your synthetic ice, you'll be excited to get started. Your delivered package is literally a rink in a box. Our standard rink comes with four panels covering 32 square feet, and each panel weighs about 10 lbs. You'll be surprised at how accessible and easy it is to set up your rink-in-a-box will be. However, before you 'add to cart,' you should know a few things so you can get the most out of your experience.

1. It's Close To The Real Thing.

Why should I want to skate on synthetic ice?

Many potential customers have this thought when thinking about an at-home or commercial rink. In the past, if you wanted an ice rink, you would need lots of water, materials for the rink walls, and cold weather (aka the First Freeze). If that were not an option, you would opt for the very expensive refrigerated ice rink. Today, it's more accessible thanks to synthetic ice products.

Synthetic products did not just stand still since their inception. The technology and materials used to make these tiles as close to the real thing as possible. A difference would be the degree of friction you'll get that's almost non-existed with natural ice. However, technology has evolved to make it as close to the real thing as possible. With the best products on the market, the friction is just about 10%. Forgoing 10% friction for a convenient, durable skating option sounds like a no-brainer.

2. You Should Know What You're Using It For

With a synthetic ice rink, the skating possibilities are almost endless. If you have a clear idea of the purpose of your rink, you'll be able to work out other factors we'll mention soon. Here are some common reasons you'd want your synthetic rink in a box:

• You want to start or restart a recreational skating hobby.
• In a house of skating kids, you need practice space.
• You're an ice hockey athlete who needs to work on specific skills.
• You're a figure skater that needs a space to practice or train others.
• You want a large rink for your business or community without the hassle and expense of refrigerated ice.

Whatever the reason, getting clear on why you need it means you'll get maximum enjoyment from your rink.

3. You Should Know Where To Set It Up.

Where do you plan to install your synthetic ice rink?

Before getting your rink in a box, you should have an idea of where you'll set it up. What would be disappointing is if the area is not available, has multiple uses, or is not structurally sound for your rink. You'd want your rink on a flat, hard surface like a spare room, den, garage, or playroom. An uneven ground leads to a poor skating experience. Make sure to check that the sub-flooring is flat with no large dips or offests in elevation. If it isn't, you'd need to invest in some Birch or OSB (Advantech) plywood to act as the base for your synthetic ice.

If your looking for a permanent, outdoor rink, our larger Pro-Glide panels are an ideal option and durable enough to face any weather. Wherever the set-up, make sure to protect it from heavy foot traffic as it will only make your surface harder to keep clean. Knowing where you want to set up will also determine if you're going to purchase tiles or panels, which we will cover later.

4. You Should Know Your Measurements.

Just as important as the location is a measure of the area. A simple tape measure is enough for you to determine if your rink in the box can fit in the designated space.

If you're taking up the corner of a room, garage, or just a part of your living room space simply multiply your length X width and divide by 32 to determine how many boxes you may need (Example: 12ft long by 8ft wide = 96 SF / 96 divided by 32 = 3 Boxes). However, if you want a larger rink, you'll realize that you need more than one rink-in-a-box.

For instance if you have a large backyard or commercial space in which you want to place a more prominent rink you may want to opt for our larger Premium grade Pro-Glide panels.

5. You're Not Limited To A Rink-In-A-Box

This article is about getting your first rink-in-a-box, but that might not be enough in some cases. For rinks that will experience heavy use or for commercial use, you'll need a heavy-duty product. You can choose from our panels that are heavier, thicker, and more durable.

Each weighs about 80 pounds for the full size and covers about 30 square feet. Some panels are half the weight and square footage. With just a few full-sized panels, you can create your dream rink, perform indoor skating classes at a studio, or add to your business to increase foot traffic. Please note that the budget is significantly higher than a rink-in-a-box and will require freight shipping to your location.

6. You May Consider A Surface Conditioner.

Buying synthetic tiles does not mean you can set them and forget them. These tiles will need maintenance to continue performing at a high level. Over time, especially with heavy use, the tiles can accumulate dust and dirt from foot traffic. To keep this from happening, you'll need to clean and recondition your tiles or panels. Think of it as resurfacing your ice rink with hot water.

Get some Slip Surface Conditioner to apply on a clean surface occasionally along with a PH neutral soap. How often you'll need to apply the conditioner depends on how often you use the rink. If the skating experience starts to decline, then you'll know it's time to reconditione the surface. The conditioner is easily accessible and made with bio-degradable, non-toxic ingredients.

7. There Are Other Helpful Accessories To Consider.

To get a finished rink appearance, consider including some practical accessories. For instance, you can add our new perimeter BounceBar (Rebounding Dasher Curb) for hockey players to help keep the puck from straying off the surface. Other accessories to keep in mind include our "Slip Peel & Stick Tape" to keep your surface from sliding along with other training aids.

8. Budget For Shipping And Taxes.

A common mistake is failing to account for shipping costs, shipping timeframe, and taxes. The sales taxes vary by state, so you should keep that in mind when getting your rink in a box. Also, if you're opting for our Larger Pro-Glide panels, understand these panels are shipped on a pallet and would require fraight shipping.

9. It's Built To Last.

Are you worried if you'll need to replace the tiles soon? That's a common concern when purchasing your first tiles or panels. However, the technology behind rinks has evolved to improve the durability of these tiles. On average, tiles can last ten years, even with heavy use. In addition, most come with a 5-year warranty, which speaks to the quality of the tiles. That being said, you can expect your synthetic ice to serve you well for many years.

10. You'll Have Lots Of Fun.

It won't hurt to take some time to think about how much fun you'll have on your rink. To this day, we still have lots of fun setting up and skating on our rinks, and we know you will too. So invite neighbors, family members, and teammates to your space. And if you're looking at this from a commercial perspective, your customers will appreciate that you took the time to add this fantastic winter pastime.

A Simple Yet Effective Way To Skate

Are you ready to bring the rink home? Is it time to build your own commercial rink? You can start with four panels and take it from there. Getting a rink in the box is a simple yet effective way to ice skate.

Before your first purchase, remember the basics - location, space, use, and hidden costs. If you're still struggling to decide or need more information, our team is eager to help. We know once you get it right, you'll love skating on our synthetic ice as much as we do!

It's Time To Choose Your Synthetic Ice

So you're finally ready to take your ice skating to the next level.

Or your kids are eager to get in more reps to prepare for the new hockey season. Perhaps you've got a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, and you're going to make some money with a huge rink.

Whatever the reason, you're probably thinking about synthetic ice. Synthetic ice is a great way to enjoy skating without natural ice. A common question we're asked is the difference between our home ice tiles and pro-glide panels. Each product has its pros and cons. To get the most out of your purchase, we're going to outline the key differences, uses, and important facts you need to know.

Understanding Synthetic Ice

Before we go further, let's touch a bit on the concept of synthetic ice. Synthetic ice is made of a durable polyethylene material that's specially designed for skating. That means you can use your metal figure skates or hockey skates on the tiles or panels.

In the past, it was crazy to think about skating on something that was not real ice. Today, technology has allowed us to create these interlocking tiles or panels that feel close to the real thing. Synthetic ice is durable and makes skating accessible to thousands of people. If you want to learn more about synthetic ice and its uses, read our Expectations vs. Reality blog for a deep dive into the world of synthetics.

 

Option 1: Tiles

When you head over to our site, you'll have the option of Home Ice Tiles or Pro-Glide Panels. Home Ice Tiles are our popular product and got a bit of notoriety thanks to our appearance on Shark Tank.

When you order a kit, you receive four equally sized tiles in a convenient box. The tiles are about 1/4 inch thick and cover 32 square feet when assembled. This is our lightweight entry product (each weighs about 10 lbs) and can easily be shipped almost anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind that there are several lightweight tile products on the market that have a hollow back and can be only skated on one side. When reaching out to manufacturers be sure to ask, "Can your tiles be skated on both sides?"

People who opt for our home ice tiles love them for several reasons:

Tiles Are Great For Skills And Drills.

With 32 square feet of tiles per box, you basically get a mini rink with each order. That's fine because home ice tiles are perfect for skills and drills. For example, you can set up a space for hockey players to practice slap shots or stickhandling techniques. If you're a figure skater, you can practice beginner to advanced spins on your tiles. If you want a space where you can put in countless hours practicing specific skills, this is for you.

They're Portable

With a mallet and just a few minutes, you can have your home ice tiles in a designated space of choice. And with the same speed you put them together, you can take them apart. Choose this product if you're setting up in a multi-use indoor space like a garage, basement or living room. We've even seen mini-rinks set up in kitchens! When you're done, you can store them away until it's time to skate the next day.

You Can Customize Them For Almost Any Space

Do you just have a long corridor to work with? Are you setting up your rink in a playroom or den? You can place your panels in a straight line, square or rectanglar shape. If you purchase multiple boxes of Home Ice Tiles, you have even more flexibility that will allow you to get the most out of almost any space.

They're Easy To Maintain

Large, natural ice rinks require a lot of maintenance. You'll have to clean and resurface the ice, protect it from rain (if it's outdoors), and buy several different maintenance products. If you're looking for a hassle-free way to skate, you can go for these tiles. Even large at-home rinks need minimal maintenance compared to natural ice rinks. You'll only need mild PH neutral soap mixed with water to clean your panels (with a cloth or dedicated mop). We also formulated our slip surface conditioner to help maintain a slick surface.

They're Durable Yet Scalable

With just a few clicks, you can add multiple boxes to your order. As the number increases, you double your square footage. That makes home ice tiles scalable at an affordable cost.

Remember, these are lightweight, interlocking tiles that are easily movable, customizable, and long-lasting. On average, our home ice tiles last eight years or more. If you're planning a larger rink project to install in a dedicated space, your next option is pro-glide panel.

Option 2: Pro-Glide Panels

For the serious ice skater, home ice tiles may not be enough. And for a space to accommodate lots of skaters, you'll need something much more durable over time. In this case, our pro-glide panels are the preferred option. Pro-glide panels are twice as thick as the Home Ice Tiles, and each panel is almost twice as large, meaning fewer interlocking tiles. One panel can weigh between 40 and 80 lbs and must be freight shipped to your location. Keep this in mind when ordering your panels.

Both Home Ice Tiles and Pro-glide panels come infused with a special lubricant that helps it sustain its performance. However, you can grab an additional surface conditioner for maintenance purposes. As you can tell, the clear difference lies in the size, weight, and shipping options. So why choose pro-glide panels?

You're Looking For A Durable Rink For Hardcore Use.

Some customers want tiles for recreational use or for their kids to practice on the weekends. Others are hardcore, professional skaters that need the space and durability for training and practice sessions. These pros need the performance of a professional-grade rink without the hassle of maintaining natural ice.

Furthermore, if you plan to have large groups skating at your home rink (for instance, teammates coming over to practice), you should invest in a more durable option.

You Have Lots Of Space To Play With

Professional grade panels are best if you have a large backyard or space, deck, garage, or barn that you'll be turning into a rink. The large panels mean fewer interlocking tiles and more seamless surface. It also means you spend less time installing your rink. The only caveat is that you'll need more help to construct your rink due to the weight and size of the panels.

Your Budget Is A Bit More Flexible

If you have the space and a larger budget, professional-grade panels are a better choice. Compared to home ice tiles, you'll get a greater return on your investment over time. For heavy use, pro panels have the least amount of surface wear and do less damage to your blades. The larger rink could even start paying you back if you're a coach or influencer.

It's Great For Commercial Spaces

As it starts to get colder, the thoughts of ice skating heat up. Every year, businesses wishing to capitalize on that interest install large refrigerated rinks leaving small to medium-sized companies behind. 

With professional-grade panels, you too can add some value to your business with a large rink. These panels are great for heavy traffic during the holidays or any special event throughout the year. Also, unlike outsourcing a company to install and maintain your rink every year, the panels are yours. That means you can properly care for them and store them, then whip them out every winter.

Plan Your Purchase With These Questions

One thing's for sure; you know you wanted a durable, natural ice replacement for your home or business. Now you also see the difference between tiles and panels. With this info, now ask yourself these questions to make an easier decision:

1. What am I going to use the rink for?
2. How many people need access to the rink?
3. Do I have enough space?
4. How often would I/they be skating?
5. What's my budget?
6. Is it going to be a long-term rink or a temporary setup? Where will I store it when it's not in use?

Our  product has made leaps and bounds over the years and can now support skaters in different scenarios. It would be unfortunate if you purchased the wrong type of tile/panel for your space and needs. Take your time and make the choice that's right for you.

Choose The Right Synthetic Ice Product For You.

It's a common misconception to hear the term 'synthetic ice' and think they're all created equal. Remember, when we talk about 'tiles,' think about a lighter, more customizable product that's easy to get to you. When we use the term 'panel,' we're thinking heavy-duty, large panels that must be freighted to you. 

Even with a clear understanding of the difference and what you want, you may still need some help in terms of measurement, accessories, and so on. If that's the case, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to help. What are you going to do with your synthetic ice tiles or panels?....Let us know!

Creating an environment to make synthetic ice training a reality takes some thinking, planning and research but the rewards are invaluable. As with all modern-day sports physical fitness is the foundation for the potential of success one can achieve outside of genetics. Being a "gym rat" or in this case a "rink rat" can take a player with an average skill to the next level if the effort and desire is there. The challenge with ice hockey and figure skating is you need to spend an extensive amount of the ice time at the rink to excel at skating.

There’s No Place Like Home

With all of today’s modern day distractions (facebook, instagram, Tik Tok, twitter) that unfortunately consume the bulk of any young athletes day, introducing home synthetic ice training is more acceptable today than ever before. Trying to find time between homework assignments and practices is difficult for any young athlete to continue self-training. Having a dedicated space in a home environment becomes even more valuable than ever especially for those athletes that need to master the art of ice skating.

How to Start

If you see you have a dedicated player or skater it's time to find a dedicated space to fit their needs. It's always best to optimize a minimal amount of space to maximize your overall training.  A bigger synthetic ice rink is not always better as a smaller space allows you to repeat the drill and correct the mistakes and limit the amount of wasted time. You'll only need enough space to work on your edges and skill sets.

I know this is not what you’re used to hearing but can you see how this makes sense? The need when it comes to home ice training is to become a better skater or player.

Get More for Less

The goal is to utilize your synthetic ice surface to limit the amount of travel and maximize the amount of training.   The advantages you'll save on travel time and getting more workouts over the long term will only help you to maximize your abilities and become a better skater or player.

This will put you on the fast track to accomplishing your goals and enable you to do it all in the comfort of your home by utilizing synthetic ice training.

What is the ideal location for Your Rink?

 

This question doesn’t have just one answer. Synthetic Ice can be installed virtually anywhere, anyplace at anytime.

Examples of Common Rink Project Locations for the Home:

• Garage: Hands down, the family garage “takes the cake” as the most common indoor rink location in the home, A single car garage measures approximately 12ft. x 20ft whereas a 2-car a garage ice rink would measure closer to 20ft x 20ft. Both are ideal sizes and locations for your home training rink.
• Basement: The basement has always been an ideal place for creating a playroom space for your kids to play. What better way to train AND have fun by converting this area into a home ice rink? (Something tells me the kids will not object.)
• Deck: Home outdoor decks have grown tremendously over the last few decades and are now a commonplace in most homes. Decks provide the perfect flat, hard subsurface for any home synthetic ice rink project.
• Driveway: When the weather starts to warm-up you can always move your garage rink out to the driveway for some fresh air (or just open the door)

Advantages

Utilizing home ice training is ideal because it can help you become an impact player or skater.  The additional resistance makes synthetic ice training ideal for any skater or player looking to strengthen their skating, improve on basic stickhandling drills and advance their skills and performance. Why not take advantage of a tool that can offer you maximum results?

Find Your Ideal Rink

Now that you’ve learned a little bit about synthetic ice, it’s time to find a rink that works within your budget. This can seem overwhelming—especially if you feel you don’t know enough about the product to make a decision. That’s okay. We can help.

Worksheets

First, there are a lot of products on the market that make claims to having the best synthetic ice. When you're researching about the different options and types of surfaces, you may want to have some paper handy. Browse through the different products and take notes as to what you may or may not like about each of them. Continue this process for each product you come across until you’re confident you’ve exhausted your search.

Take your time to review this information and narrow your selection down to your top three (3) choices. Don’t be afraid to call the companies to discuss their product and allow yourself to get a feel of who you’re dealing with.

Return on Investments (ROI)

Owning your own home synthetic ice rink will certainly pay off in the long term when you consider less time spent traveling back-and-forth to the rink. Artificial ice is not meant to replace natural ice but only to enable athletes to advance their skills without relying on ice time at the local arena. Less time traveling in the car means more time training at home.

The Road to Success

I came up with a few quick questions you may also want to ask yourself about the player or skater you’re purchasing the rink for. You can add these few to your list:

How would you best describe the Skater?

When looking to purchase a synthetic ice rink try to evaluate where your child is on the development scale (beginner or advanced?). If you’re a parent this is often a subjective question as we are all a little biased when it comes to evaluating our own child…..but try to be honest.

Think about how dedicated or committed your child is to their sport. If the rink is for you then fine but it’s probably not something you want to purchase to make your child enjoy it. That would not be a good start. Here’s some of the other things you may want to consider:

Interests

• Favorites: Does your child actively follow their favorite team, player or skater?
• Games: Do they like to compete and play in other sports and games?
• Hobbies: Have they shown an interest in other hobbies that they like….not influenced by anyone else?

These are just a few examples of some different interests. What other ones may apply to their life?

The Three “S’s”

• Schooling: Will having a home ice rink allow your child to have some additional time to get their homework done?
• Schedule: Are they being shuffled back-and-forth to the rink frequently with little “down time”?
• Stress: How does your child handle stress? Children can easily be overwhelmed if they take on too much.

Activities and Health

• Exercise: Is your child involved in daily physical activities? Do you feel they get enough exercise throughout the week and in between meals?
• Diet: Are you happy with your child eating habits and diet? Are they making good choices when eating on their own?
• Passion: Is your child excited or passionate about Hockey or figure skating and ready to devote their time to the sport they love?

These are just a few examples of some of the things you may want to take into consideration prior to purchasing your synthetic ice rink.

Notice how this list contains a blend of specific talents that encompass both hobbies, schedules and specific skills. Not all of these apply to everyone—and they’re not meant to. Most players and skaters these days have busy schedules with limited time. There’s no better way to make use of that time than by synthetic ice training at home.

By creating your own home training rink you can make the most of your valuable time and achieve maximum results. It’s a “win-win” for both the athlete AND the parent.

Once you’ve decided which synthetic ice product to purchase and completed your installation the real fun begins. If you want to get the most out of your training you will need to create a workout program that will help you achieve your goals. Now it’s time to get real honest with yourself:

What Are Your Weaknesses?

While it is important to know your talents and focus on them, it is also a good idea to understand and admit your weaknesses. Knowing what they are and how to improve them will only put you on the fast track to achieving your goals.

If you're great at making tight left turns, spend your time turning right. If you’re a skater that needs work on your spins, don’t waste time working on your crossovers. Once you can isolate and work on your weaknesses you can begin to improve your skills.

(Nicole Court, @nicolecourttraining www.nicolecourttraining.com)

Ice Hockey

• Powerskating: Powerskating is designed to improve overall skating technique, speed and edgework. Starting, stopping, Pivoting, turning and acceleration drills are repeated at a high rate of speed until each skill is achieved.
• Small-Area Games: Small-area games are game-like competitive drills that utilize a playing surface that has been reduced in size. Your home synthetic ice rink is the ideal space for your own small-area game drills. Be creative and have fun challenging yourself.

• Basic Stickhandling Drills:  Practicing stickhandling at home with a simple shooting pad is one thing but doing it in your skates on synthetic ice brings it to another level. It's important to get your feet (skates) involved when practicing basic stickhandling drills.

Figure Skating

• Jumps: There are six kinds of jumps currently counted as jump elements in ISU Three are edge jumps—the Salchow, loop, and Axel—and three are toe jumps which use the toe picks on the front of the blade—the toe loop, flip, and Lutz. The Axel is the most difficult due to an extra half rotation.
• Spins: There are many types of spins, identified by the position of the arms, legs, and torso, the foot on which the spin is performed, and the entrance to the spin. A combination spinis a spin where the skater would connect a spin with another separate spin. Spins are a required element in most figure skating competitions.

Target your weaknesses and work hard on improving them.

As you continue to train and address your weaknesses your overall skills will continue to improve until you reach your goals. Hard work, determination and dedication are the tools you’ll need to get you there.

What Are You Passionate About?

These are the things that you are interested in that fuel your passion, and help build good character….it’s what makes you tick. The traits of many athletes are the core foundation for their success. Here are a few examples of Good Leadership and Character traits:

Good Leadership Traits

• Integrity & Honesty
• Confidence
• Inspire Others
• Commitment and Passion
• Good Communicator
• Decision-Making Capabilities
• Accountability
• Delegation and Empowerment

Good Character Traits

• Respectfulness
• Responsibility
• Humility
• Compassion
• Fairness

Other Examples

Here’s some basic examples of Good Character and Leadership:

• Helping others: Do you find it rewarding when you help someone other then yourself?
• Showing Responsibility: Do you own-up to your mistakes or failures without blaming others?
• Being Unafraid: Do you shy away from trying something new at the thought of failure or fear of being unaccepted by others?

The Total Athlete – Mind & Body

In today’s modern day of training it’s not all physical. If an athlete is not mentally tough they will fold at the first sign of failure. Building strong character traits will help build any athletes confidence and teach them how to pick themselves up after being knock-down.

Next Step

The next step is to look at your skills as the building blocks for you to achieve maximum performance. Find out how they fit into your passions. Feed off your character and use it to your own advantage because we’re all good at something.

Progress Diary

Now that you know what skills you need to work on be sure to chart your progress using your own notes. This way you can go back and see how you achieved success and continue to build confidence along the way. Measure each skill using your own scale (1-5) with 5 being the best.

Video Tape

The bottom line is if you can’t have fun doing the thing you love then you may need to reassess the situation or take a break. Getting rest and knowing when to take a break will only make the player or skater a stronger athlete in the end. Video-tape your progress, it’s the perfect way for you to allow yourself to look back and see the gains you have made.

Reward

There will be nothing more rewarding in the end than reaping the rewards of your hard work by winning that medal, trophy or team championship. Hard work and discipline will take any person or athlete a long way throughout their life in helping them achieve the goals they set out for themselves.

The lessons you learned along the way are just as important as the accomplishments you achieved. They make us stronger and wiser. Life lessons, whether good or bad, make us who we are today. Learn how to work on your weaknesses and excel at your talents.

Ready to get started?

Follow each step we outlined and soon you’ll be on your way to owning your own synthetic ice rink. Understanding the benefits and "The True Value of Synthetic Ice Training" will help lead your Hockey Player or Figure Skater on their way to maximizing their full potential.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the benefits of synthetic ice training you can map out a plan to get your rink project started. Remember, every person has different needs (and budgets), so you need to find out what’s best for you. Each new self-taught skill will provide you with the building blocks to achieving your goals!

With synthetic ice, you’re provided with a new tool that can help you get an “edge” over the competition so why not take advantage of it? It’s time to “Bring the Rink Home”!

"So what was it like to appear on shark tank?"...The question I'm asked most often can be answered in one simple word....Incredible! From the day I submitted my email entry to the Shark Tank executive producers until my scheduled air date had to be...no doubt.... one of the shortest and longest years of my life. Longest because throughout the process I couldn't tell anybody and shortest because so much took place during that year it's all a blur but I can tell you it was truly a great experience! After submitting my December, 2015 email and not having heard back from anyone for over four months I honestly forgot all about it. Then the call this entreprenuer's been waiting for came in April, 2016 asking, "So tell me about your synthetic ice panels" and that's when it all began.

Video Submission Deadline

The phone interview lasted all of about fifteen minutes and at the end of the conversation I was told "congratulations you made it to the video submission round." This next step involved producing a five-minute video submission explaining my product in an effort to wow the producers with my story. I had only a few short minutes to tell how PolyGlide Ice became a manufacturer of the best artificial ice on the market. I had only two weeks to complete the production as there were deadlines they were facing on their end. After submitting my video a week later I got another call with saying "Congratulations the producers loved your video and you're being considered for the show" however nothing's ever guaranteed in the television world.

Ice Skating Into "The Tank"

After continuing through with the process I was lucky enough to get my break and get a chance to pitch to the sharks. Once I was assigned a producer I had to create the draft of my first pitch which I thought I nailed until I read it to my shark tank producer. Lets just say my opening sentence was great but it was back to the drawing board for the remainder of the pitch until I got it right. It was obvious the synthetic ice panels were going to provide the visual attraction and having youth hockey players skating into the tank only added to the visual.

Time to Pitch to The Sharks

Fast forward to to August and final preparations are underway involving all the final details right down to the set design and travel arrangements. At this point it's finaly official.....I'm going to pitch to the SHARKS!! (or am I?). The simple fact is even though your given the opportunity to pitch only 40-50% of all Shark Tank pitches ever make it on air. In fact contestants have to wait until just a few weeks before their "air date" to even confirm if they have an air date ...and throughout the process you can tell NO ONE!

Shark Tank Season 8 , Episode 11 

My pitch date was set for September 20th, 2016 (season 8, episode 11) and after going through the whole process trust me when I say I was beyond ready. The common question is always "Were you nervous?" and I can honestly say I was much more excited than nervous. As it turned out because of the large synthetic ice set design I was to be the first pitch of the day and the Sharks were wide awake waiting for their first "taste of the day". Once the countdown began there was no turning back 3, 2, 1.....ACTION! All in all the entire pitch lasted about 45 minutes from which was trimmed down to 8-1/2 minutes of non-stop air time. WIth the average 30 second prime commercial costing around $400,000.00 that would put me about 6.8 Million dollars ahead of the game......Deal or no Deal.

Let the Pitch Begin

After my opening pitch things started at a rapid fire pace with the Sharks often talking over each other with their questions. My engineer who traveled with me was in the green room and said it looked like I was watching a tennis match as my head spun on a swivel snapping back and forth addressing the fast pace of the questions. There were many comical moments and smiles that were edited out from the pitch which took on a more serious tone in the final cut but the feedback from the Sharks along with retaining 100% of my company and valuable exposure was much more than I could ever ask for.

In the end I can tell you if you're an entrepreneur that is ready to take the next step and put it all out there.... try out for Shark Tank. Even though I didn't get a deal the experience can be life-changing and can help take your business to the next level. If by chance you don't make it on the show then I recommend you pitch your company to both your friends and strangers whenever you can get the chance. Their feedback will help steer you in the right direction and help you better understand your customers and make the best decisions for your company and product.

By Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice

CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE GREAT SHARK TANK PRODUCTS

BRIDAL BUDDY

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MOKI DOORSTEP

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PANDALOON

QUBITS

RECHARJ

SEE RESCUE STREAMER

SINGTRIX

SUB ZERO ICE CREAM

THE SMART BAKER

 

With each passing "Earth Day" we couldn’t help but think about how we could do our part to take care of our one Earth. The event celebrates the environmental movement and helps to bring awareness about pollution, climate change, and how we can keep a clean habitat.

Some recent statistics show that we have a long way to go to help our environment. The energy consumed in homes contributes to almost one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. More than 8 million people die every year due to air pollution.

So what do these things have to do with ice skating? Skating involves putting on some boots with blades and moving across the ice. It may not seem like it, but ice skating also impacts the Earth in its own way. As a company focused on serving skaters around the country (and the world), we know firsthand what it takes to run a large ice rink, and we know what it takes to start your own ice rink at home.

As the saying goes, every drop fills the bucket. Regardless of your niche, there is something you can do to help. You can go greener with ice skating. Here are ten tips that can help you do your part to stay green and nurture your environment while still enjoying your time on the ice.

1. Invest in Energy-Saving Bulbs For Your At-Home Rink

Since the 2020 pandemic, there has been a rise in at-home skating rinks. With public and private rinks closed, skaters needed some way to train or enjoy their favorite pastime. These at-home rinks, like their larger counterparts, take up their fair share of energy. For instance, the family could install floodlights for skating at night if the rink is outdoors. There may be other lighting options for indoor skating as well.

Installing energy-saving lightbulbs is one of the simplest (and best) ways to go green while skating. Eco-friendly light bulbs can save up to 75% of energy consumption compared to incandescent light bulbs. Swap them out on your floodlights or in the room for your indoor rink. You’ll even save some money on the electric bill!

2. Manage Energy Consumption When You’re Not Skating

Going green means taking care of your environment, even when you’re not skating. After packing up your skates for the day, make sure to do your best to keep energy consumption at a minimum. Start by switching off your eco-friendly lights when you’re done. 

If you have a refrigerated ice rink, you’ll need to consume large amounts of energy even when you’re not on the ice. The ice rink has to stay on to keep the rink frozen, similar to the refrigerator in your kitchen. It’s constantly removing heat and adding cold through its compressor and chiller. Over the winter months, your ice rink can consume lots of energy. Make sure to invest in an energy-efficient refrigeration system. Get sound advice from the service provider, making sure to select the equipment that saves energy and helps the environment, even when it’s not in use.

3. Opt For A Home Synthetic Ice Rink Instead Of Refrigerated

If you’re concerned about the carbon footprint of a refrigerated rink, why not go for something else? A synthetic ice rink is a durable, polyethylene material that you can skate on with regular metal skates. Synthetic rinks are quite popular for malls and special events. Today, companies like ours have optimized these rinks to fit almost any space. The rink comes in panels that connect like puzzle pieces and can work on most flat surfaces.

That means no energy consumption, costly maintenance, and a healthier environment. Some refrigerated ice rinks are chilled with ammonia or R-22, both of which can be toxic. Leaks can sometimes go undetected, sending harmful gases into the air. These can also require more energy to pump through the rink (though there are more cost-effective options like brine or glycol). Opting for synthetic instead of refrigerated is the ultimate green approach to ice skating at home.

4. Natural Rinks Are Great, But You Can Save Water.

Okay, so you’ve decided to ditch the refrigerated rink and go for a natural rink instead. Natural rinks use the elements to freeze water, starting at the “first freeze” during winter. To make a natural rink, you’ll have to build a large frame, fill it with water and let the elements do their thing. 

While it’s a lot more energy efficient than a refrigerated rink, there is still a large amount of water needed to fill the rink. The average American home of four uses about 260 gallons of ice water a day. A standard ice rink can take about 10,000 gallons or more. Switching to a synthetic ice rink can save gallons of water in filling and resurfacing your rink. 

5. Encourage Friends And Family To Skate On Your Home Rink.

If you have an at-home rink, nothing’s better than having fun with your family playing hockey or figure skating. But you should also invite your friends! Not only is it fun to build relationships and competition on the ice, but it’s also a great way to go green. Rather than everyone going to separate rinks or using energy in their separate spaces, they can all save energy by skating on your rink instead.

6. Support Your Local Business For Equipment And Accessories

Whether you have a synthetic ice rink, refrigerated, or natural, you need more than ice to skate. Do you have the proper ice skates? If you’re playing hockey, you’ll need pucks, sticks, goals, and other training equipment. Where do you get your stuff? You can hop online and buy your stuff on Amazon, which can add to your carbon footprint. Or you can support your local skate business! Not only can you help your local business, but you can also get a little greener reducing the distance it takes to get your gear.

7. Consider recycling or donating old skates and equipment.

Recycling is one of the best ways to impact your environment. According to Eco-Friendly Habits, “for every one ton of recycled paper, 17 trees, 2 barrels of oils, and 4,100 kilowatts of energy are saved.” On the flip side, we produce millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year. If you have used skates or equipment, you can find ways to recycle or reuse your equipment. Or maybe you’ve outgrown your gently used gear. 

Start by looking for organizations that take sports equipment donations. Or you can find ways to recycle or dispose of your gear sustainably. Take things a step further and gather used equipment from your friends and teammates that you can donate to others that need your help.

8. Use Green Or Energy-Saving Techniques When Maintaining Your Gear.

Taking care of your gear is another essential part of being a skater. You’ll have hockey clothing, figure skates, and other pieces of equipment. You can find simple ways to go greener while taking care of your gear. Use an energy-efficient washer and dryer. Clean your gear with organic cleaning products. If you need to resurface your synthetic ice rink, you can use our non-toxic, environmentally safe slip surface conditioner. These are simple ways to stay green and clean!

9. Save Time, Energy, And Money By Investing In A Skate Sharpener.

Sharpening your skates is a critical part of skating. You’ll need to keep them sharp, especially when you’re using synthetic ice. To do so will take you time and energy to head over to your local shop. Over time, sharpening your skates can add up. If you’re skating several times a week, consider investing in your own home sharpener. It seems like a small step, but it can help you be just a bit greener.

10. Support Sustainable Skating Equipment And Brands

Finally, you can do your part by investing in sustainable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly products. For instance, some brands don’t involve animal skin or products in their materials. You can also try hockey uniforms or figure staking uniforms that use sustainable materials or make sure to lower their carbon footprint. Take the time to research and choose the brands that align with your choices. 

Do Your Part To Go Greener With Ice Skating.

No matter what you do, there’s a way to make the Earth a better place. We continue to use more power and plastics than we need and everything we do can have a long-term impact on the environment. Some of the simple ways you can start is finding ways to recycle, reuse, save energy, and support those doing the same. 

One of the best ways ice skaters can do this is to opt for synthetic ice. Synthetic ice saves significant energy compared to refrigerated ice and water compared to traditional rinks. At Polyglide Ice, we could do our part, like providing non-toxic, environmentally friendly products to our customers. You’ll also have the opportunity to skate longer throughout the year and invite others to your rink. What are some of the ways you’ll stay green?