Info & Tips

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.

Are you thinking about a backyard ice rink?

Nothing beats time on the ice if you are an avid ice skater, hockey player, or figure skater.

The more reps you put in, the stronger, faster, and more confident you become.

But ice skating has a major limitation; access to ice.

So you need to book time, travel to rinks, or work within the confines of coaching.

So now, you might be thinking about your own ice rink, specifically, ice rink kits.  

Some people have experience building ice rinks from scratch.

They know the exact materials and measurements and can work with their hands.

Others need help, a plug-and-play system so they can spend less time building and more time skating.

There are two options to consider: natural and synthetic ice rinks.

We’ll break down both and help you make the best choice possible.  

 

What is a rink kit? 

To build a model train with train tracks, you can painstakingly source each piece until you have your set.

Or you can get a model kit with all the tools and parts you need to create your model train.

Ice rink kits have all the components you need to build a fully functional skating rink.

These kits come in different sizes and have materials like wood or plastic.

Once you have the parts and a flat backyard surface, you can install your kit.  

 

Rink kits for natural rinks 

Most backyard ice rinks depend on lots of water and cold weather.

To build one, you’ll need to measure your yard, then buy enough lumber to make up the rink walls.

Brackets help keep the walls in place.

From there, you’ll need a tarp or another large, strong piece of plastic to go inside the rink (and partially over the rink walls).

Water – and lots of it – fills the rink a couple of inches high, and once it’s cold enough, you have a rink that is ready to go.  

The rink kit has all the components you will need to fill with water and create a natural rink.

Some kits come with enough material to cover 20’ x 40’ or more.

You might even be able to get an NHL-sized rink kit!

The best kits should have rink walls (PVC, wood, or polypropylene) and a tough liner to cover the rink and walls.  

 

Pros and cons 

Here are some reasons why you should choose a rink kit: 

• Kits save you time. No more searching for lumber, plastic boards, and liners at your local Home Depot. 
• Kits save you money. Rising real estate costs mean rising material costs. The price of lumber can be much more than what you’re willing to pay.  
• You get the exact dimensions you need for your rink. No more guesswork or errors that can cost you more time and money.  
• Rink kits are durable, and you can reuse them over several winters.  
• Some allow for easy storage. When the temperature warms, you simply let the water run off, then pack up the components for the next winter. 

Despite these benefits, natural rink kits do have some limitations: 

• You still need manpower to install the brackets for each rink wall. In fact, the entire setup can be time-consuming. It is recommended you stage the rink in advance to avoid any issues. 
• Rinks need lots of water, often multiple layers of freezing, to get the best results. So if you’d like a green approach or to save money on water, you’ll be slightly disappointed.  
• Rinks are governed by temperature, so you’ll only have the cold winter months for skating. The earlier you start the better. Rink maintenance is also necessary due to rain, snow, and dirt. This can be a daily occurrence if the rink gets heavy use.  
• Beware of rink kit quality. Cheaper rinks can have liners that aren’t durable or walls that are difficult to install.  
• If you want to scale your rink, you may need to repurchase a new kit as some manufacturers would not sell the additional pieces separately.  

Overall, kits are a great option for beginner rink builders.

Choose your size, install, fill with water, and get skating! 

 

Rink kits with synthetic ice 

Ice rinks filled with water aren’t your only option.

Synthetic ice rink kits are growing in popularity, especially since the recent pandemic.

Synthetic ice rinks were once for commercial rinks, hotels, and rentals.

Now, you can get a synthetic ice rink kit that’s perfect for your backyard. 

Synthetic ice is a special polyethylene material that allows skaters to use their metal skates.

It’s been around for decades, but advancements in research and technology allow them to be cut for home use.

They also come infused with a slip agent to improve the overall skating experience.  

Ice rink kits come with a set number of tiles that cover a specific square footage.

For instance, our Home Ice Tile Kit is 4 individual panels covering 32 square feet.

For commercial use or heavy use at home, there are also panels that are bigger, thicker, and more durable. 

Once you measure your space, you can get the correct number of kits needed to fill your rink. 

 

Pros and cons 

Why should you go synthetic?

Here are some advantages to a synthetic ice rink kit: 

• Synthetic ice is easy to install. All you need is a flat, level surface in your backyard. The tiles lay down and have interlocking grooves that allow you to connect them like a puzzle. Use a soft mallet to ensure they are snug. 
• You can only install natural rinks containing water outdoors. Synthetic kits can go indoors, too, like garages, basements, spare rooms, driveways, and even your living room. Wherever there is a flat surface, you can skate. 
• These panels are durable, allowing them to last for years. You can even flip them over for extra mileage.  
• Synthetic ice rinks don’t depend on the weather, so you can install them at your convenience and use them well past the cold winter months.  
• These kits are easy to maintain in any weather.  
• Kits are scalable. If you need a larger rink, you can purchase and add extra tiles or panels to your existing rink. 

And what about the disadvantages? 

• Synthetic ice rinks have added friction that natural ice rinks do not. The best synthetic ice has a 10% coefficient of friction, making skating more challenging, and the seasoned skater can tell the difference. However, more friction equals more power and control. 
• Synthetic ice rink kits require a more considerable upfront investment than natural rinks.  
• Most synthetic ice kits do not come with rink walls because they aren’t needed. However, for a more aesthetic look and safety reasons, you will need to purchase rink walls or dasher boards separately.  

Synthetic ice rink kits are easy to source, install, and scale.

More importantly, they will last for years.

 

Which should you choose? 

Choosing the best ice rink kit comes down to a few factors: 

• First, what space is available? 
•  Is it just a backyard hockey rink?  
• Do you want an indoor rink too?  
• What's your budget? 
• Who will use the rink, and for how long? 

You can choose the best rink when you answer all these questions.

Natural ice rinks are great family projects, as you can skate on large ice rinks during the wintertime.

However, a synthetic ice rink kit is a long-term option that’s great for multiple areas and with the proper care, your rink lasts for years.

If you want guidance on choosing a synthetic ice kit, feel free to contact us.

We’ve helped hundreds of customers with rinks of all sizes, so we can help you choose the right kit. 

 

 

It is the number one tool, and often the only tool a skater needs.

Their ice skates.

Today’s ice skates come in different fits, performance levels, and of course, different price points.

As you move up in level, you will need better skates and better blades.

You will also find yourself skating on different surfaces, like synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice is a product of engineering advancements that became an excellent alternative to conventional ice skating.

Thus, the big question is, "Can synthetic ice ruin your blades?"

There is no need for special blades or specialized ice skates.

You can glide flawlessly with your regular hockey or figure skates.

Synthetic ice cannot and should not ruin your skates.

However, the synthetic surface may dull the blade more than the natural ice.

Don't worry, you just have to sharpen your blades based on how often you skate.

Why do Your Skates Dull Faster on Synthetic Ice?

Regardless of the surface, blades and edges of ice skates tend to dull over time.

Friction happens when your skate hits the ice, every time you push off. That friction helps melt the ice ever so slightly, which allows you to skate.

For synthetic ice, that liquid needs to be added.

Some synthetic ice products come infused with a slip agent.

Others are non-infused, so skaters need to apply a slip surface conditioner first.

The liquid is not constantly renewing itself like conventional ice, so eventually, there will be more friction from the polyethylene.

Home synthetic ice rinks are usually small, so skaters, especially kids, use the edges of their skates more frequently than they do on a large surface with natural ice.

This causes the edges to dull faster.

The quality of the synthetic ice also differs from one ice rink to another.

There are different types you can buy online but they aren’t made of High-Density Polyethylene or they aren’t infused.

The right ice provides the right mix of hardness and slickness for your skating maneuvers.

If your blades get dull too quickly or are damaged too often, then you might be skating on low-quality synthetic ice.

Its surface may be too hard for your blades, or it may be textured and so creates more shavings that damage your blades.

Do You Need High Quality Skates on Synthetic Ice?

Regular ice skates can be used on synthetic ice rinks.

We’ve done a list of the best skates under $200 and each works well on synthetic ice.

As a rule of thumb, higher-quality (more expensive) skates mean better blades.

The blades should last longer than budget blades, and you would sharpen the blades less often.

Stainless steel blades are considered beginner skates, and those are pretty good for synthetic ice too.

Nickel-plated blades are growing in popularity.

They are less subject to rust and damage, and their edges would last longer.

You’ll know when you need to sharpen your blades.

Skating won’t feel as smooth. Dull blades can restrict your turns and begin to lose their grip, meaning you’ll fall more.

You can also do ‘the thumbnail test.’ Turn our thumbnail to the blad and gently pass it along the edge.

If bits of the nail get shaved off, you still have a skatable edge.

Once you find yourself sharpening your skate blades too often - after 15 hours or less on the ice - you may have to buy another skate with better quality than your previous one.

Or you can always opt to have separate skates for your synthetic ice.

How to Take Care of Your Skate Blades

Ice skating is not a cheap hobby.

As such, regular maintenance of your ice skates is vital to maximizing their use (regardless if you're skating on natural ice or synthetic ice).

Here are some tips on taking care of your skates.

1. Avoid Using Your Skates in Places Not Made of Ice.

One habit that skaters do that causes significant damage to their skates? Walking them on surfaces other than ice.

When you walk on hard surfaces, like cement for instance, with your skates on, the blades can easily chip or dent, significantly reducing their lifespan.

Make sure to invest in blade guards.

Blade guards are made of rubber or plastic that you can put on your blades as you walk to and from the ice.

However, as you put your skates in your bag, closet, or locker, remember to take off the blade guards as they can trap moisture and may cause rust on your blade.

In other words, these are just to protect the blade but not for storage purposes.

It’s an additional expense, but they sure are worth the investment in the long run.

2. Sharpen Your Blades Regularly.

Sharp blades provide a smoother and faster feel on ice because they have a better grip. You can glide and train better even with minimum effort.

On the other hand, dull blades will just make your skating experience awful.

You also increase the chances of injury.

How often should you sharpen your blades?

It really depends on you.

You would surely feel the difference between a sharp and dull blade.

Different factors may affect how quickly your blade will become dull such as your weight, intensity, skill level, and of course, how often you use your skates.

The best synthetic ice should hold your skates for at least 10 hours.

You should trust how you feel when you're skating.

3. Make Sure that Your Blades are Sharpened Properly.

If you're a beginner and the only skater in the house, it is best to carry your skates to a skate shop or a professional since sharpening skates blades requires skill and precision.

As you improve your skating skills, you’ll probably have an interest in the craft of skate sharpening.

It’s best to learn from a professional first, then try on an older pair of blades first. When you’ve got the hang of it, you can invest in an at home skate sharpener.

When sharpening your blades, remember the hollow, that curved groove that goes down the center of the blade.

The depth of the hollow affects speed and performance. It can also influence how long it will last on your synthetic ice.

A deeper hollow depends on the pressure of the ice to improve performance, which may or may not help on synthetic ice.

You will have to experiment a bit to find the best hollow for you.

 

4. Remember to Keep Your Skates Dry.

Skating on synthetic ice does not mean it will no longer develop rust.

When you are on an ice rink, your skates are still prone to dirt, dust, and shavings.

So, no matter how exhausted you are from all the skating you did, don't forget to thoroughly dry off your skates before storing them.

Where you leave your skates is also essential.

Toss them in a corner for a few minutes but make sure to store them properly as soon as you can because the surrounding area may also cause your skates to develop moisture.

We recommend you put them in a dry skate bag or a ventilated compartment where they can quickly dry out.

You can also get soakers to help your blades stay dry.

Your Blades are Safe on Synthetic ice

Synthetic ice will not ruin your regular skates.

Yes, they would dull faster depending on the size of the ice rink, skating frequency, and, more importantly, the quality of the synthetic ice.

Investing in our Premium Grade, proprietary polyethylene ensures your skates have the best surface for a fantastic skate that protects your blades.

The right surface along with proper care means your skates are in safe hands.