Info & Tips

Should I learn ice skating as an adult? 

Ice skaters often get bundled into two categories.  

First, you have young children and teens learning the ropes of figure skating and ice hockey. 

Next, you have competitive groups of coaches and professional skaters.

They fight for all of skating glory: Nationals, NHL, Olympics, the list goes on.    

But what about the group in the middle? 

Hundreds of thousands of adults ice skate recreationally and many more are looking to start.  

Why are more adults interested in skating? 

Ice skating for adults has some fantastic benefits, and you should enjoy them whenever you lace up your skates.

One particular benefit is its ability to keep you active and fit.  

If you’re ready to glide towards better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

Ice skating benefits 

When you skate for the first time, it can feel a bit unnerving, even for adults. 

At first, you’ll look like a newborn fawn walking on the ice. 

And you will fall—a lot.

Then walking will turn into gliding.

Once you do get the hang of skating, you’ll begin to enjoy these benefits:  

• Ease the stress: Our stress levels are higher than ever. We need different outlets to express ourselves and drop our cortisol levels. Skating takes you to another world thanks to the feel-good endorphins we release on the ice. The more you skate and have fun, the better you feel. You’ll also build up your confidence, which comes from achieving goals and becoming skilled in something you enjoy.

• Explore the different forms of skating: Ice skating is more than moving around the ice on metal blades. There are various disciplines you’ll discover over time. These include speed skating, synchronized skating, dance, and many others. It’s a great form of self-expression. Choose your niche and dive in!

• Build fantastic relationships: Ice skating has been around for over 100 years. Since then, it’s built a deep, passionate community that you now belong to. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and even build special bonds.

• Achieve better balance and flexibility: Ice skating looks easy, but it is one of the more challenging sports to start. It requires you to balance on blades 1-1.5 mm wide and about 20 inches long. When you do get the hang of it, you’ll realize that your overall balance improves, even when you’re not on skates. You can also improve your flexibility as you continue to play around with different moves and forms of skating.

• Low entry barrier: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been searching for new sports-related hobbies.

However, some sports like golf, fishing, or rock climbing require significant upfront costs to enjoy or be competitive.

With ice skating, you simply need high-quality skates, skating lessons, and access to an ice rink. 

We recommend you invest in your own skates once you have decided to go all-in.

Visit a skate shop to get the right size for your needs.  

These are fantastic advantages, but the real kicker with ice skating for adults is the exercise and health benefits.  

Is ice skating good exercise for adults? 

Only 19% of American adults participate in exercise or other forms of physical activity.

These low figures are reflected in other statistics like obesity or lifestyle diseases.

A possible reason we don’t exercise is that it could sometimes get boring.

Heading to the gym to do the exact repetition of exercises for years takes more discipline than fun. 

Ice skating is suitable for adults because it does not feel like exercise. 

If you’re ready to glide into better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

You get all the health benefits while learning a new skill.  

• Better heart/cardiovascular health: Ice skating can get your heart and lungs beating, even for a short period. Poor cardiovascular health is one of the biggest dangers to American health. Most cases are due to sedentary behaviors (sitting for long hours watching Netflix, for instance). Skating lets you stay active, reduces inflammation, and boosts your heart health.

• Manage your weight: Do you want to boost your calorie burn? Ice skating may be the activity you’ve been looking for. You can burn up to 850 calories per hour of ice skating. Achieving high-calorie burn is one of the best ways to manage your weight.

• Increase your endurance: Skating for an hour can leave you gassed after your first few sessions. Over time, you’ll skate for longer as you’ll build up your stamina and endurance. From age 35, you begin to lose lung capacity, especially if you don’t exercise.

• Get stronger: So, what muscles is ice skating good for? Ice skating is an excellent lower-body exercise. You can work out your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Staying balanced also engages your back and core. With consistent skating, you will notice a more toned lower body

Ice skating for adults is more than a hobby.

For some, it can be a lifesaving activity.

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

How long does it take an adult to learn how to ice skate? 

Adults of almost any functional age can learn ice skating.

It’s not unheard of for adults in their 50s or 60s to join the skate train! 

It should take the average adult about 4-5 skating sessions with a qualified coach to get the basics of skating, using figure skates or recreational skates first.  

Of course, different factors will speed up or slow down this timeline, including: 

• Your overall fitness levels, agility, and balance
• Private or group coaching
• How much time you missed between sessions.
• How many times you’ve skated between sessions.

You can move on to more advanced moves when you’ve learned the fundamentals of skating – balance, gliding, falling, and so on.  

Becoming an advanced skater can take years of practice, so be patient and don’t forget to have fun. 

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

Can I ice skate at home? 

While ice skating has a low barrier to entry, you still need access to an ice rink to skate consistently.

This can be challenging as some states only have a handful of recreational rinks.

Coaches, hockey teams, and competitive skaters book these rinks, limiting your time on the ice.  

You can wait for more temporary rinks during the holidays, or you can ice skate at home.  

Ice skating at homing is growing rapidly, thanks to synthetic ice.  

Backyard rinks of various sizes are popping up.

People are converting their garages or spare rooms into ice rinks.

Synthetic ice allows you to skate all year without the hassle of scheduling time on a local rink. 

Synthetic ice is a unique, polyethylene surface that mimics natural ice.

These tiles or panels were previously used in commercial spaces but now come in customizable sizes. 

 You can create a large surface for recreational skating, figure skating, or even hockey.

Each tile has sides that connect to give a smooth, functional rink.  

You will barely notice the difference as you glide around with your skates on the tiles (the coefficient of friction is about 10%).

These tiles are infused with a slip agent that allows you to skate seamlessly.  

Synthetic ice is easy to maintain and lasts up to ten years based on use.

For an outdoor rink, you’ll also need rink walls, which can come in handy for the other newbie skaters in your home.

You’ll get an excellent return on your initial investment.  

It’s also perfect for off-ice drills in hockey and figure skating.

If you want to perfect specific skills when you’re not on the ice, a synthetic rink can help.  

Skating at home prepares you for even more fun when it’s time to hit the neighborhood rink.  

Conclusion

As we age, staying active is one of the best things we can do.

Ice skating is a practical yet fun way of achieving it.  

You burn calories, strengthen your body, and improve your cardiovascular health.  

Ice skating for adults can be challenging at first.

Even those who skated as a child and wish to resume as an adult will struggle.  

However, once you get accustomed to the ice, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.  

Best of all, you’re not limited to ice rinks near you.

You’re not limited to the winter months or even going to another state to skate.

You can keep practicing your skating at any time with an at-home rink.  

Are you ready to get started?

Search for a skating program near you.

There are several online resources that you can use to search for group or individual classes via zip code.

You can also find skating coaches and classes on Instagram or TikTok.

So get your ice skates and head over to your first class! 

At some point, you may be interested in synthetic ice for skating at home.

Our Home Ice Tile Starter Kit will set you up with a 32 sq ft. space to practice your moves.

Then you can expand your rink as you see fit. 

 So lace up your skates and start gliding toward better health!

 

There's no doubt that hockey players are some of the fittest athletes in all of sports.

The great thing about it is that it can be played on all surfaces, not just ice, for those who are looking to have some fun while getting into shape.

We put together some hockey workouts and exercises that are commonly used by hockey players to get into shape and can be used by anyone.

So if you are sick of the same old routine and workout programs and are in need of something new that will help you get away from that office desk or off the computer, then hockey may be just the sport for you!

Do you love watching hockey and would love to play?

Do you want to know that feeling of scoring the winning goal?

So grab a hockey stick and let's get going!

 

What Hockey Training Involves

One of the most important things that you need to do when training like a hockey player is to focus on your conditioning.

Hockey players are some of the most well-conditioned athletes in the world, and they need to be able to skate for long periods of time without getting tired.

In addition to conditioning, another important part of training like a hockey player is strength training.

Hockey players are strong and powerful, and they need to be able to generate a lot of force when they are skating.

If you want to train like a hockey player, you need to make sure that you are doing some form of cardio and strength training every day.

This can be anything from running to swimming to biking and weightlifting.

It's also critical to make sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest and allow your body to get used to your new routine.

Health Benefits 

Hockey is a great way to stay active and healthy, and will also help improve your overall fitness level.

It also offers a variety of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and better joint health.

Additionally, hockey training can help improve your balance and coordination.

And because hockey is anaerobic exercise, it can also help improve your aerobic capacity.

The constant movement helps to increase your endurance and stamina, making it a great workout for your heart.

In addition to the physical benefits, hockey training can also have some mental benefits as well.

The skills required to be a successful hockey player can help to improve your focus and concentration.

The sport can also be a great way to relieve stress and build self-confidence.

 

7 - Steps to Getting Started

If you're just starting out or looking to improve your hockey skills, you need to start with a training program.

First, make sure you have all the necessary equipment.

You'll need a decent pair of hockey skates and some protective gear.

You should also have a good understanding in the sport of Ice Hockey before you start your own hockey training program.

Once you have all the equipment and understanding of the game, start by planning out your program.

Decide how many days per week you want to train, and what kind of exercises you'll do each day.

Make sure to include a warm-up and cool-down in your program, as well as some basic hockey training drills.

1 - Diet

Hockey players have to be very careful about what they eat.

They need to make sure they're getting enough calories and nutrients to fuel their training, but not so much that they'll gain weight.

A typical hockey player's diet will include lots of lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats.

Foods like chicken, fish, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fruits are all important staples.

Hockey players also need to make sure they're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

As for workout routines, hockey players need to focus on building strength and stamina.

2 - Balance and Posture

Have you ever wondered how hockey players maintain such excellent balance and posture?

While playing hockey may look effortless, the reality is that it takes a great deal of training and practice to execute all the skills to play the game efficiently.

Fortunately, there are some things that everyday people can do to train like a hockey player and improve their own balance and posture.

Balance: Paying attention to your body's natural center of gravity can help you maintain better balance.

When standing, keep your weight evenly distributed between both feet.

Avoid slouching or leaning to one side

Some great exercises for this include Pilates, yoga, and even basic sit-ups and crunches.

Posture: Posture is one of the most important things to focus on when it comes to having good health.

Having poor posture can lead to a number of different health problems, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

One of the best ways to improve your posture is by strengthening the muscles in your back and abdomen and being more conscious of your overall posture.

This can be done by doing core exercises.

3 - Strengthen Arms and Legs

Most hockey players train their arms and legs separately.

They will use a variety of exercises to build strength in their arms, such as weightlifting, resistance training, and even yoga or Pilates.

Hockey players need to have strong arms and legs in order to execute the quick starts, stops, pivots and turns required in Ice Hockey.

Some hockey players also use cross-training methods, such as swimming or biking, to help them build endurance and stay in shape during the off-season.

Swimming is especially beneficial because it is a low-impact activity that still provides a good workout.

Biking can also be helpful for building-up your leg muscles while getting in some cardio at the same time.

4 - Core Training

There are many ways to implement a core training program.

Some factors to consider include the intensity of the program, the frequency of sessions, and the duration of the program.

Some people prefer to train their core every day, while others may only train a few times per week.

The intensity of each session will also vary depending on the person's goals.

For example, someone who is looking to improve their overall fitness may do lighter core exercises more frequently, while someone who is trying to build muscle may do more intense exercises less often.

The duration of a core training program will also vary depending on the person's goals.

A person who is looking to improve their overall fitness may do shorter sessions more frequently throughout the week.

5 - Sprints

Hockey players invest a lot of time improving their quickness and overall speed with off-ice training by performing wind sprints to help them become faster skaters.

Off-ice running is a key element in hockey conditioning that helps players get into shape quickly through cardiovascular training.

To help add some speed to your stride here are some quick tips to get you going: 

First, it's important to build up strength in your legs and glutes.

Quick starts in hockey require a lot of leg strength, so make sure to include some exercises to target your quads, hamstrings, and calves in your workout routine.

Squats, lunges, and calf raises are all great options.

Stronger leg muscles will help you generate more power when you push off, allowing you to execute quicker starts.

Next, having quicker reactions will help you execute starts and stops "on the dime" and perform at a higher level.

Include some stretching and mobility work in your warm-ups and cool-downs, and consider doing yoga or pilates on days when you're not skating.

And of course, last but not least.....Practice, Practice, Practice!!

6 - Power and Agility

There are a few ways hockey players can train to be more agile and powerful.

One way, believe it or not, is through stretching exercises.

Stretching helps lengthen the muscles, which can make hockey players more explosive and quicker on the ice.

These exercises help improve core strength and balance, both of which are important for any hockey player.

Finally, hockey players can also try swimming or peloton classes to help them become more agile and powerful.

Swimming is a great workout for the whole body and peloton classes can help improve quad strength and skating stride.

By incorporating these activities into their training regime, hockey players can become more flexible and graceful athletes.

7 - Staying Active

One way to stay active is to add movement to your everyday life and consider this part of your training routine.

This could involve doing some cardio exercises at home or going for a run outdoors.

You could also join a gym and take classes there, or even hire a personal trainer to help you stay on track.

Another way to add movement to your everyday life is to simply be more active in general.

This means taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking instead of driving, and just generally moving your body more.

Even small changes like this can make a big difference in your overall health and fitness levels.

So, if you’re looking for ways to add movement to your everyday life, consider making these little changes along the way.

 

Tips for staying motivated

There are a few key things that hockey players can do to stay motivated while training.

First, it's important to set realistic goals for yourself and your overall game.

If you're constantly pushing yourself to improve, you'll be more likely to stay motivated.

Secondly, figure out what you love about hockey and focus on that.

Whether it's the feeling of making a great play on the ice or the satisfaction of advancing your game, keep your love for the sport at the forefront of your mind.

Finally, make sure to take breaks and enjoy your free time; hockey should be fun!

If you're feeling burnt out, take a few days off and come back refreshed and ready to play.

Sample Workout Routine

Here's a sample of what your daily routine could look like:

Wake up and eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead.

Try oatmeal with fruit or eggs and toast.

Head to the rink (or home ice rink) for a morning practice.

During your workout, focus on perfecting each skill.

Take breaks as needed to catch your breath and stay hydrated.

After practice, refuel with a protein-rich snack like yogurt or a peanut butter sandwich.

Then it's time for some strength training.

Work on core exercises and upper body strength to help with your lifts.

 

Recommended Resources

If you're thinking about training like a hockey player, there are some key resources you'll need to get started.

You'll need to start thinking about what kind of training program you want to create.

There are many different ways to structure a hockey training program, so it's important to do some research and figure out what may work best for you given your schedule.

There are many excellent resources available online and youtube that can help you plan and implement your hockey training program and take your game to the next level!

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging workout that can help improve your balance, coordination, and overall health, then train like a hockey player!

Also, you don’t need to live near an ice rink to get you started!

All you need is a little bit of space in your home and some PolyGlide Synthetic Ice and you'll be skating in no time!

We put together some rink packages for the home hockey player that you may want to consider to get you going.

So If you’re looking for an invigorating and challenging workout that can improve your balance, coordination, and overall health, then training like a hockey player may be perfect for you!

Now that we outlined some ways you can get started with or without access to your local ice rink it's time to take the next step!

Before long, you'll be training like a hockey player and in the best shape of your life!
 

In some states, the weather is ideal for outdoor ice rinks.

For instance, Minnesota has more than twice the number of rinks than Massachusetts, Michigan, or New York.

As a result, outdoor ice rinks are on the rise, and you may be thinking of building one for home or commercial use.

Whatever the reason, you’ll need to answer some key questions:

• Where will I build it?
• What will I need to create it?
• Will it be temporary or permanent?
• Will it be refrigerated, natural, or synthetic?

Yes, you read that right.

Synthetic ice rinks are growing in popularity, but a large contingent does not know these rinks exist.

 Going synthetic is often the better choice for building an outdoor rink.

Let’s compare the types of rinks and explain why your first or next ice rink should be synthetic.

Refrigerated vs. Synthetic Ice Rinks

When you think of ice rinks, the image of Marv from Home Alone 2 ice skating in Central Park comes to mind.

Or The Flying V formation on The Mighty Ducks.

The rinks featured in these movies contain refrigerated ice.

They also use artificial ice during some scenes, like our PolyGlide Pro-Glide Panel that was used during this pond scene below (30 sec mark): 

 

Refrigerated rinks require large chillers that run on electricity continuously.

Pipes containing brine water are placed on the surface.

For permanent or long-term rinks, the lines are built into the concrete.

The brine water helps freeze the filtered water almost instantly when the rink is filled.

The water is added in layers, providing an even surface.

The refrigeration system keeps the brine water at a consistent temperature, so the rink remains frozen.

Refrigerated ice was once only available to large commercial or NHL rinks.

Now, you can install refrigerated rinks in your home backyard or any open or indoor space you choose. 

Synthetic ice, on the other hand, is a unique material that mimics the look and feel of natural ice.

It’s made from polyethylene, a plastic panel that’s been around for decades and has continued to evolve throughout the years.

Through research and special manufacturing, these panels are capable of withstanding metal blades.

In the early days most all synthetic ice panels required a glide enhancer agent to make the panel skate-able.

We here at PolyGlide Ice created our infused Pro-Glide panel that provides a slick surface, while others need the agent added to the surface occasionally.

In the old days, these panels were primarily found being used only in commercial spaces like malls, hotels, exhibitions at museums, and amusement parks.

Now, you can get synthetic ice customized to fit any space.

As a result, they are now famous for both indoor and outdoor use in homes across the country.

Here are six reasons why installing an outdoor rink may be the better option and how you can go about doing it.

1. Easy installation and uninstallation

Refrigerated ice rinks - and even rinks that require water, plywood, and Mother Nature - are challenging to install.

You need to have knowledge of refrigeration and place the underlying pipes in the right places, so the rink freezes evenly.

It’s the reason why most rink owners will outsource this task to the rink supplier.

However, if you wanted a do-it-yourself option, look no further than synthetic ice.

First, You must measure your desired space and ensure the ground is level.

Next, get the required square footage of synthetic ice for the area.

With the help of a friend, connect each piece to the other in the space, using a soft mallet to ensure they are secure.

Synthetic ice has dovetail grooves that allow them to lock in place, so they are safe to skate.

Then you’re done! Add your rink walls as needed, and you have a professional-looking outdoor rink.

When it’s time to uninstall, lift up the tiles and place them in storage.

If you have limited storage space, synthetic ice is a better option than storing refrigeration equipment.

 

2. Twelve months of skating. 

What if you could skate 12 months of the year?

Refrigerated outdoor ice rinks have limits on how long they should be used outdoors.

Yes, they will last longer than your wintertime backyard ice rink.

But as the weather heats up, it will require more effort to keep them running, forming a Law of Diminishing Returns dilemma.

Since synthetic ice is not governed by the laws of Nature, you can use them in the summer and wintertimes.

They tend to expand with heat but provide the same skating experience as in the cold.

Now, we get customers asking if they can use their rollerskates on synthetic ice. Genius!

3. A scalable rink

What if you wanted to expand your ice rink?

You have the outdoor space, but what will that take?

For a refrigerated rink, you’ll need to invest more time and effort to expand the area, adding coolant, pipes, and water as needed.

More importantly, you may need a larger refrigeration unit, which adds up to operating costs.

Synthetic ice, however, can scale with ease as it'd extremely versatile.

Want a bigger rink?

Get some more tiles to cover the required square footage.

Are you thinking of downsizing?

Remove some tiles and redesign the rink from a square to a rectangular shape.

There is no limit to the shape and style since the tiles are movable.

4. A 5-10 year runway

How long does your synthetic ice last?

Most synthetic ice tile products last multiple years depending on the thickness of the panel.

Our PolyGlide Ice Pro-Glide infused panel is designed to last many years and would save tens of thousands of dollars more than any refrigerated surface.

This is because synthetic ice products can withstand the power and sharpness of the best ice skate blades on the market.

Once you perform proper maintenance (cleaning shavings and dirt, for instance), your panels will stand the test of time.

You can then flip them over to get many more years of quality skating.

5. Long-term cost savings

 Synthetic ice’s durability and longevity mean that you save on your investment in the long run.

You will probably rent a refrigerated rink and bear that cost each year.

If you own the rink will need to pay maintenance costs, electricity costs, get a Zamboni, replace pipes, and much more.

Comparing the two for ten years, the upfront investment of synthetic ice far outweighs the continuous money pit that can be a refrigerated rink.

6. An environmentally-friendly option

More and more Americans are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Even business owners are looking to be more socially responsible.

Add the rising fuel costs, and it will be financially wise for anyone to ‘go green.’

Synthetic ice is a fantastic option that allows you to do your part in keeping things green.

It won’t require constant energy outputs to run.

We also look for ways to use sustainable, recyclable materials and energy-efficient techniques in the manufacturing process.

Keeping your rink for years helps you do your part in your own way.

Build your rink the right way

Building outdoor ice rinks is a great way to earn income, maximize the use of space, and connect a community.

It always warms the heart to see people come together to skate recreationally or compete in hockey.

When deciding on a rink, synthetic ice looks like a long-term solution everyone can enjoy.

And as the rink owner, it can save you time and money.

Best of all, they are easy to install and uninstall, so you still have use of the space for other activities with no damage to the surface.

As synthetic ice pioneers, we provide tiles and panels for any outdoor rink project.

Contact us for expert advice on rink building and finding the best synthetic ice for your needs.

 

 

Ask any hockey player, and they can remember, in vivid detail, when they got their first hockey stick.

Maybe it was an old Titan stick (before they got acquired by CCM), a Bauer or STX stick today.

When you get that first hockey stick, you want to try it out ASAP.

Unfortunately, you have to wait until you can get to the ice.

But what if you didn't need to?

Can you use synthetic ice for shooting pucks?

Absolutely.

Synthetic ice is a versatile alternative to natural ice.

You can use it for leisure skating, figure skating practice, and training and playing hockey.

It is easy to assemble and install.

You can even have it in your home so you can practice anytime.

You can improve all your hockey skills during the off-season, or maybe just play a fun game with friends. 

Synthetic ice for shooting pucks is very popular in the hockey community.

Whether for a team or individual practice, it is an excellent skating surface.

Aside from skating, you can also practice passing, stickhandling, goaltending,  and of course, shooting pucks.

The pucks glide across synthetic ice with the same smoothness and speed you will expect on normal ice. 

Why practicing your shooting matters

Shooting is one of the most important skills you should learn, especially as a winger or center.

At a base level, you want to get better at scoring goals.

However, practicing shooting goes a lot deeper.

You also hone balance, and concentration, increase your range and improve your accuracy.

But, the main key to improving your shooting skills is reps.

It’s what makes Steph Curry so good.

Hundreds of shots per day.

And it’s what made legends like Gretzky so good too.

We have muscle memory.

The more you shooting repetitions you do, the easier and more accurate your shooting will be. 

The challenges of training

Off-ice training is particularly challenging for hockey players.

You often settle on practicing on concrete, flooring tiles, or mats.

Some players invest in shooting pads or slide boards.

While you can use a puck this time, you can’t use your ice skates on these surfaces.

The best you can do is to use rollerblades to practice skating.

For passing and shooting practice, you also have to use balls or other types of “pucks.”

These alternatives help with your mechanics, but they don’t really provide an identical experience with ice, skates, and pucks. 

What about on-ice training?

Well, it’s really down to access and availability.

How often do you want to practice your shooting?

And for how long?

These figures would mean finding a rink outside normal Gametime or training.

Unless you live in an area that has multiple rinks, you’ll find that ice training could be a logical and financial challenge. 

Can Synthetic Ice make a difference?

The best alternative to natural ice is actually synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice replicates the properties of real ice, so you can practice all those hockey skills - skating, stickhandling, passing and shooting pucks, and goaltending.

It also allows you to use your regular skates, sticks, and pucks.

The polymer material of synthetic ice offers slight resistance (or the coefficient of friction), but that’s ok. In fact, it’s useful for your training.

Positive resistance training can make you become faster, stronger, and better conditioned, and the friction slightly impacts the puck, but the difference is unnoticeable. 

Synthetic ice comes in tiles or panels that can fit in small spaces.

You simply connect the grooves at the edges and can have your own mini rink.

For instance, PolyGlide ice offers a Pro-Glide Infused Ice.

Its solid core surface provides an ice-like feel perfect for your hockey career.

It is also infused with a self-lubricating panel that offers optimal glide and performance with durability built to last.

One kit gives you 32 SF of skating space. 

Benefits of synthetic ice:

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, synthetic ice has other benefits, especially for hockey players. 

Ice tiles and panels are easy to install

The first benefit is that synthetic ice is easy to install.

They are usually packed as tiles or panels, which you can assemble on any flat and hard surface.

The synthetic ice panels fit together like a puzzle.

You can use a rubber mallet to ensure the tiles connect smoothly and evenly.

You can do it on your own.

Although, if you are installing several sets of panels - probably for team practice or a large rink -  it’s best to have a helping hand. 

You can train anywhere

Synthetic ice will also allow you to train both indoors and outdoors.

Once you have space in your driveway, garage, deck, or backyard, you can set up and train anywhere.

You can arrange the tiles in a straight line or square, depending on your specific drill. 

The only prerequisite is that you use a flat surface for synthetic ice.

Some surfaces are uneven, so you may need to add plywood as an underlay before installing the ice panels.

We also recommend putting up barriers around your rink, especially if you are training solo or you want to avoid damaging property.

You can set up bounce bars, PVC pipe, or netting to avoid sliding off ice panels, stray pucks, and ruining your skates.

You can train anytime

Having a synthetic ice rink also gives you unlimited ice time, so you can easily improve your skating skills and overall game performance.

Since you have control over your ice training, you can easily plan out your schedule and allocate as much time as you need to work on your shots.

You can improve your skating agility and speed while enhancing your shooting accuracy.

More importantly, you don’t have to wait until winter to start training.

You can use the tiles in the summer, improving your accuracy while everyone else is resting.

It builds your strength and stamina

As mentioned above, synthetic ice offers slight resistance.

However, it will not hinder you from moving freely.

With the extra resistance every training, your strength is built, similar to what weight trainers do.

It also builds your stamina because you must work harder to endure your training or game.

Over time, practicing on synthetic ice will become second nature so playing on natural ice is easier.

You save rink time and money

Regarding cost, having your own synthetic ice rink also generates long-term savings.

First, you can save time that you would otherwise have to spend traveling to a commercial ice rink.

Instead of traveling for 30-40 minutes to the nearest local rink, you can already start warming up and practicing in your backyard.

Parents who need to take their kids for extra sessions can save that time by investing in a backyard rink.

It’s a safe space where they can improve under your watchful eye. 

When it comes to cost, training in a home ice rink will also save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

The transport and gas costs go back into your pocket, especially with rising inflation.

Synthetic ice is made of durable polymer plastic, so it has a life expectancy of over 10 years.

You will see your return on investment after a few months and save in the coming years. 

Try these puck training drills

A synthetic ice rink is particularly helpful in improving your puck shooting skills.

Aside from the ice, you will need a goal, a net to prevent stray pucks, some targets, and cones.

You can focus on hitting specific areas of the goal or targets.

One session could be spent on hitting a specific target. 

Check out some of these drills from Snipe Academy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrYFNdTNvkc

You can practice forehand to backhand shots, one-timers, quick shots, slap shots, and much more.

You can also focus on shooting from various angles.

Since goalies are becoming more skilled at cutting off angles and adopting positions like the butterfly, you want to get shots off to fool them or make it difficult to save. 

Try these challenges like the Puck Pull Shooting Challenge or the Toe Drag Pull. 

Train on synthetic ice today

Having your own synthetic ice rink brings a lot of advantages and benefits for you and your teammates.

On it, you can train anytime, either alone or with friends.

With unlimited ice time, you also have unlimited opportunities to improve your skills, especially in shooting pucks.

So keep on shooting those pucks and get synthetic ice to stay ahead of the competition.

If you feel a home synthetic ice rink may be for you, check out the rink packages we put together to address your home training needs and bedget!

 

 

Ice skating is more than a fun time on the ice with friends.

It’s more than competing in hockey on the weekend.

On a macro scale, ice skating is a multimillion-dollar industry that will see at least 4% growth in the next five years.

If you’re looking to capitalize on this industry, blending business with a passion, you can start your own synthetic ice rink.

However, the process can be daunting, so you should consider renting a rink.

Thinking About Your Next Ice Venture? 

You must be asking, “How do I find a synthetic ice rink rental near me?” and, “Should I rent versus buy?”

Don’t worry. We got all the ‘what, why, and how’ of synthetic ice rinks.  

Synthetic vs. natural ice 

If you’ve got this far, you have an idea of what is a synthetic ice rink.

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice is a special polymer panel or tile that you can skate on with your metal blades.

The panels are made of high-quality polyethylene, infused with a special liquid agent to enhance skating.

It’s been around for decades and has been part of ice rinks, large and small. 

Synthetic ice is a common alternative to natural ice rinks and refrigerated ice rinks.

Both need water and low temperatures to achieve the desired result – an ice-cold, skateable surface.

Natural ice rinks depend on water and freezing weather, while refrigerated rinks use water, a coolant, and refrigeration machines to keep a constant temperature.

These are the rinks you see at Rockefeller Center in the winter or at your favorite NHL team.  

 

Why should you rent a synthetic ice rink? 

You'll need an upfront investment if you want to start a sizeable commercial rink.

That investment determines whether you’ll buy a rink outright or rent it.

Buying a rink gives you ownership, but the costs can be astounding, especially for a refrigerated rink.  

Renting a synthetic rink has several advantages, especially for new entrepreneurs.

When you rent a synthetic ice rink, you’ll receive all the panels for your chosen rink size.

The provider may also give the client rink walls to make sure the experience is safe for skaters.

There is usually a rental agreement paid upfront or monthly. When you’re done, you can return the parts without fuss.

Here are a few more benefits to consider: 

A cost-effective solution 

Going synthetic can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Refrigerated ice rinks are expensive to rent.

They need expert installers to set up the rink.

The rink also needs support staff to maintain the ice and refrigeration unit.

A sizeable synthetic ice rink can split that cost in half since the panels are durable and easy to store.  

Rinks are income-generating 

Rinks attract hundreds of skaters every month for different disciplines.

You’ll get figure skaters, recreational skaters, and hockey players, each wanting some rink time.

With the proper Marketing, this demand makes it a lucrative rental opportunity.

Going synthetic means that the rink won’t eat into your profits.

Since it’s cheaper to install and maintain, a synthetic rink rental puts more money into your pocket.  

Year-round skating 

Natural ice rinks are limited by the weather, meaning they can only work for a few months.

Refrigerated ice rinks can operate for much longer, with many available throughout the year.

However, the cost of maintenance increases over time.

Synthetic ice rinks are usable year-round, meaning you can rent them for longer and earn more over the lifetime of the rental.

Customers can use the rink in the off-season to train, or you can hold events to attract new skaters come wintertime.

Easy to install and remove 

Can you install an ice rink in just a couple of hours?

With synthetic ice rinks, you can.

Once you gauge the size of your commercial space and provide the dimensions, a quote can be provided to meet your specific needs.

Rinks can be assembled in just a few hours using simple tools.

Removing the rink is just as easy, leaving a damage-free space.  

Indoor and outdoor use 

You can use both refrigerated and synthetic ice rinks indoors and outdoors.

Refrigerated rinks, however, still rely on cooler temperatures.

Refrigeration uses more power relative to the external ambient temperature.

In the warmer spring and summer months, it will no longer be practical to have an outdoor refrigerated rink.

You will also need more space to house the refrigeration components, which can be challenging for renters.  

Synthetic ice rinks can work year-round and in any weather.

Since they are made of polyethylene, the material is more robust and more durable, regardless of temperature.

However, in the warmer months, the molecules separate slightly, so renters should be aware of the swelling.  

Multiple uses, one rink 

When your rink is set up, there’s no limit to what you can do.

Rinks are great for most ice sports, like curling, ice hockey, and figure skating. Make sure to schedule time to accommodate each practice.

Rink renters are also surprised to find out that you can also roller skate on synthetic ice.

Set up competitions, events, and other revenue-generating ideas to make the most out of your rink.  

Who should rent synthetic ice rinks? 

If you want a rink for your large backyard, barn, or other personal space, you should buy one outright.

While it is a more considerable upfront investment, you will save thousands in rent and maintenance over time.

If it’s for commercial use, you should consider factors like: 

• Foot traffic 
• Demand for skating 
• Accessibility to skating equipment for customers 
• People looking for niche experiences 

With these factors in mind, we have noticed that these businesses and renters have fantastic success with synthetic ice rinks: 

Carnivals and state fairs 

Are you running a carnival or state fair?

A synthetic ice rink is a great money-making activity to go alongside your rides and Bobbing for Apples.

Carnivals and fairs usually have enough space to hold a large rink and the polyethylene panels mean that skating can happen anytime in the year.  

Recreational businesses 

These businesses include bowling alleys, sports complexes, and your Dave and Buster’s type of establishments.

If you have space in the parking lot or a large indoor area, turn it into an ice rink.

The added experience of skating can turn your spot into a multipurpose establishment.  

Birthday parties and niche events 

Do you have a party or special event on the horizon that involves ice?

Then consider a synthetic ice rink rental near me.

You can impress your guests with a frozen dinner on ice or bring your office team together with a skating activity in the parking lot.

You can even host figure skating competitions and other shows on the ice.

The challenge is finding a supplier to rent for a one-off event versus a long-term rental. 

Off-Season Ski Resorts 

The ski resort and other winter sports comprise a multibillion-dollar industry.

However, unprepared resorts lose revenue in the off-season.

Hotter months mean no snow, and you can’t attract customers.

Synthetic ice rinks can allow some places to have more skating year-round.

It’s beneficial since climate change is cutting into the market. 

For rooftop recreation 

Over the winter, it’s not uncommon for Children’s museums, hotels, and other places of interest to have synthetic ice rinks on rooftops, atop multistory car parks, near atriums, or other spaces.

It’s a fantastic sight, especially during the holidays.

It can also attract more seasonal businesses.

Don’t let the Rockefeller Center take all the glory! 

The ‘Synthetic ice rink rental near me’ steps 

What do you do if you’re looking for a synthetic ice rink rental?

It can start with a simple online search. Our team sells synthetic ice tiles and panels, but we can also help with your rental needs.

When you find a potential rink provider, please provide them with the possible rink dimensions and your intended use for the rink.

They should get you a quote for the panels (you’ll need more robust panels for more foot traffic) and rink walls.

Next, find testimonials or use

Trust reviews for some due diligence.

Once everyone is on board, the renter can install your rink in just a few hours.  

It’s time to rent your rink. 

Rinks are an excellent commercial investment.

You can rent time to skaters, hold private events, or your event on ice.

However, the initial investment and upkeep can be expensive, especially for refrigerated rinks.

A synthetic ice rink is a great, cost-effective alternative.

Skaters get a similar experience on the ice, and you save both time and money while increasing your profits.

They are also easy to customize, meaning you can scale your rink or ensure it fits your specific space.

Look for durable, high-quality ice that is easy to maintain, and you’ll enjoy it for months on end.