Info & Tips

If you're a hockey player, or the parent of a hockey player, you know the importance of power skating.

And if you're looking for a way to improve your power skating skills, synthetic ice may be just what you need.

Practicing these drills on synthteic ice can quickly seperate you from your peers and elevate your overall game.

Synthetic ice is made from a polymer that is designed to mimic the properties of real ice.

This makes it the perfect "ice simulator" for practicing power skating drills.

 

The "Next Level"

Excelling at skating is so important in the development of young hockey players.

It not only helps them to move faster on the ice, but it also teaches them how to be more agile and balance themselves better.

To excel at the game of ice hockey is no different then any other sport in that you need to build on the fundementals to become an accomplished player.

The main difference that does in fact seperate the game from all others is that you need to compete on a sheet of ice at top speeds in a confined space.

But any power skating program can be a difficult skill to master, espeically if you're trying to do it on traditional ice.

 

 

The Synthetic Ice Option

Even the most experienced hockey players and figure skaters can benefit from practicing on synthetic ice.

Synthetic ice allows you to work on your power skating drills and edge control at a high rate of speed.

This makes it the perfect place to practice your turns, crossovers, and other tricky moves. .

Synthetic ice is a surface that can be used indoors or outdoors, and it provides a much greater level of stability and control than traditional ice.

This makes it the perfect surface for power skating drills that will help improve your overall performance.

 

Benefits Of Synthetic Ice Training

Recent studies have shown that practicing on synthetic ice offers a number of benefits when compared to skating on traditional ice.

For one, synthetic ice is much more forgiving than traditional ice it also provides "positive friction" much the same way resistance training is implemented into off-ice training programs.

This makes it ideal for beginners and advanced skaters or those who are still working on improving their balance and agility.

Additionally, synthetic ice is a much less expensive option than traditional ice for homeowners interested in creating their own home training center.

This makes it a more affordable option for those who are looking to improve their skating skills.

Overall, practicing on synthetic ice offers a number of benefits that can help skaters improve their performance.

 

Proper Technique

Power skating is a technique that is used in order to improve skating speed and power.

There are a few key aspects of power skating that you need to focus on in order to improve your skating skills.

First, you need to make sure that you are using the correct skating technique.

Improper technique can waste energy and slow you down.

Second, you need to focus on power generation.

This means generating power through your stride and pushing off the ice with each step.

And finally, you need to use proper body positioning to create more power and speed.

By following these tips, you can improve your power skating skills and become a better skater.

 

Explosive Starts

There are a few different ways to generate power for explosive starts in hockey.

One of the most common is the forward toe start.

This approach starts with the skater's front foot pointed down the ice, and then they push off explosively with their back foot.

This generates power through the use of their leg muscles, which helps them get up to speed quickly.

Another popular way to generate power for explosive starts is the power stride.

In this approach, the skater takes a big step forward with their dominant leg, and then pushes off explosively with their back leg.

This creates power through movement and momentum, which can help players get up to speed very quick.

 

Forward Power Stride

There are many power skating drills that you can do on synthetic ice.

One of the most popular power skating drills is the forward power stride.

This drill helps you improve your speed, power, and agility.

To do the forward power stride, start by standing in a neutral stance with your skates parallel to each other and your weight evenly distributed on both skates.

Next, shift your weight to your back skate and push off the ice with that skate.

Keep your front skate tucked close to your body as you push off.

Once you've pushed off, extend your leg and arms forward and swing your back skate forward as well.

Land on the ball of your foot on your front skate and then quickly bring your back skate up to meet it.

Repeat this motion to continue skating forward.

To practice this stride, start by skating slowly on a synthetic ice surface that offers a little positive resistance.

As you get better at it, increase your speed.

Remember to keep good technique by staying tall and maintaining balance over both skates.

When doing power strides on the power line, make sure that you keep your knees bent and push off with both legs.

You should also stay low to the ground and keep your head up so that you can see what is happening around you.

 

Backward Stride

Once you've began to master your forward power stride it's time to move onto the backward stride.

To learn the backard power stride on synthetic ice you can implement the same backwards ice skating drills you've learned and practiced on any traditional surface.

After you have mastered all your forward and backwards power strides, add in backwards crossovers until you feel more confident throughout the drill.

Finally, once you have perfected the backward stride move on to Dekes and turns as your skills continue to develop improve.

Doing these drills will help you improve your backward power skating stride and make you a more explosive skater on the ice.

 

Crossovers

There are many power skating crossover techniques that you can use to improve your skating skills.

One crossover method is the forward crossover.

To do a forward crossover, start by skating forward with your dominant leg leading.

Then, quickly switch your leading leg and skate in the opposite direction.

Make sure to keep your balance as you switch legs.

Another power skating crossover technique is the backward crossover.

To do a backward crossover, start by skating backwards with your dominant leg leading.

Then, quickly switch your leading leg and skate in the opposite direction.

Again, make sure to keep your balance as you switch legs.

Continue to practice these power skating crossovers regularly to improve your skating skills and become a better hockey player or figure skater.

 

Edge Control

One of the most important aspects of power skating is edge control.

When you have good edge control, you can move more quickly and easily around the rink.

You can also make more precise turns and movements.

There are several things you can do to improve your edge control.

One is to make sure you keep your knees bent when you skate.

This will help you stay on your edges better.

You can also work on your balance and flexibility, which will help you stay in control when skating.

 

Lateral Mobility

One of the most important aspects of power skating is lateral mobility.

This means being able to move sideways easily and quickly, in order to get around or past opponents.

There are a few things that you can do to improve your lateral mobility.

First, make sure that you have good flexibility.

This means stretching regularly and working on your hip and ankle mobility.

Second, practice moving sideways in different directions.

This will help you become more comfortable and agile on the ice.

Finally, use resistance bands to help improve your power and speed.

The bands will help you increase your range of motion and strengthen the muscles needed for lateral movement.

If you want to be a successful power skater, you need to be able to move quickly.

 

Deep Knee Bend

When power skating, you want to bend your knees deeply to generate power for each skating stride..

This will help you generate more power and speed as you skate.

It will also help you stay in control of your skates and stay on balance.

Make sure to keep your back straight and your head up as you bend your knees.

This will allow you to stay focused on what's ahead of you and maintain good posture while skating.

Be sure to practice power skating with deep knee bends often, so that it becomes second nature when you're out on the ice.

With enough practice, you'll be power skating like a pro in no time!

 

Toe Flick

One of the most important power skating techniques is the toe flick.

The toe flick helps players generate more power and speed when they skate.

It is especially helpful for crossing over in front of the net or deking out defenders.

To perform the toe flick, you need to be in a power skating stance.

You should be leaning slightly forward with your weight on your toes.

When you want to execute the toe flick, you simply extend your foot out in front of you and flick your toes up.

This will give you an extra burst on every forward or backward stride.

 

 

Weight Distribution

In power skating, it is important to distribute your weight evenly.

This helps you to move more efficiently and effectively on the ice.

When your weight is distributed evenly, you can generate more power and speed.

There are a few things you can do to help distribute your weight evenly while power skating.

First, make sure that you keep your head up and maintain good posture.

This will help you stay balanced and centered.

Second, use your entire body to power your skating stride.

Don't just rely on your legs; use your arms and torso as well.

Third, stay low to the ice.

This will help you maintain balance and stability.

If you can practice power skating with proper weight distribution, you will be able to maximize your overall performance and conserve energy with each stride.

 

Results = Longer More Efficient Stride

One of the benefits of power skating is that it can help you develop a longer stride.

This is because power skating teaches you how to use your hips and legs more effectively, which allows you to generate more power and extend your stride.

As a result, you'll be able to skate faster and farther using less energy.

It's important to note that power skating is not just about extending your stride, it's also about improving your overall skating technique.

The longer your train you will continue to notice an improvement of both speed and endurance on the ice that will surely take you game to the next level.

 

Conclusion

Needless to say, having your own home synthetic ice rink can help you become a more explosive skater and better able to handle the demands of the sport.

Not only that, you will be able to do so in the comfort of your own home anytime you want without having to wait for open ice at the rink.

Practicing your power skaing drills on synthteic ice will improve your explosiveness and agility and help you stay in shape during the off-season.

Synthteic ice is also a great tool for players that don’t have easy access to ice which makes it the perfect solution in the form of unlimited ice time.

It allows you to work on your explosive skating moves without having to worry about the weather or if there is an open rink nearby.

While power skating on synthetic ice may seem like a new trend, it has actually been around for years.

This type of skating is beneficial because the synthetic surface creates friction and resistance, which helps skaters improve their power, speed, agility, and balance.

Allowing yourself unlimited access to ice coupled with a power skating program will quickly pay dividends once your season begins or tryouts roll around and it's time to make the team!

 

The game of ice hockey has been around for just over a century.

During that time, hockey has produced some of the best athletes and moments in sports history.  

How about in Game 2 of the 1928 Stanley Cup finals when the New York Rangers lost their star goalie, Lorne Chabot, to a nasty eye injury? 

Since substitutions were not allowed then, in steps the coach and general manager, Curtis Lester Patrick, pads on, ready to defend his team.

It was down to Patrick since the opposing coach of the Montreal Maroons refused to let more capable players in the crowd help. 

Patrick, a former successful hockey player, was 44 years old and never played goal.

That didn’t matter. As they peppered his goal, he saved 19 shots, leading the team to an overtime win.

They went on to win the Cup. 

Or what about “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, blowing Rocket Richard’s 50-goal record out of the water during the 1981-1982 season in just 39 games (finishing with 212 points in the process)?

He then repeated the feat a few seasons later.  

And who can forget the miracle comeback from the Flyers in 2010?

Down 3-0 to the Boston Bruins in the playoffs, they came back to win the series 4-3.  

There is so much skill, resilience, heart, and joy in hockey.

At every step of the game’s evolution, players and coaches have risen to the challenge.

Today, many can be optimistic about the future of hockey.

However, if it is to grow, stakeholders must work together to create a "New Ice Age."

This ice age must start from a grassroots level with the right resources available for skating.  

In this article, we will ask and answer a pressing question and talk about the role of synthetic ice in its future.  

 

Is the Sport of Ice Hockey Growing? 

The growth of any of the major sports relies on those who support, attend, view the games, follow their teams, and emulate their heroes.

Starting with the latter, as with every sport, aspiring young players hone their skills with the hopes of one day enjoying the accolades and achieving the goals of their favorite players and teams. 

With each sport different skills are required to excel at each position, both mentally and physically.

For the most part with most sports, not a lot is required to begin the process.

Basketball requires simply a ball and a hoop.

Baseball requires a bat, a ball, and a glove.

Football requires a football and an open field or schoolyard.

Soccer is just a ball.  

Ice Hockey, on the other hand, is a whole other animal.

Sure, you can hone your stick-handling and shooting skills with a puck and a stick, but now try doing it on the ice.

Besides the skill, there are other challenges that bring friction for young players and their parents.  

The Numbers Speak For Themselves 

Taking a 30,000-foot view of the sport, we can see a few factors are working against hockey.  

According to The International Hockey Federation, there are roughly 1.2 million registered hockey players around the world today.

More than half are from the USA and Canada, with thousands more moving up the youth ranks.

At first glance, these figures look promising, but the popularity figures reveal a different story. 

A recent survey revealed that soccer recently passed hockey as the country’s 4th most popular sport.

Ampere Analysis found that 49% of sports fans like soccer compared to 37% for ice hockey.

Today, over 17 million Americans participate in soccer compared to the less than 3 million in hockey.  

Even Toronto, a city known for its hockey, aims to install more soccer pitches, basketball courts, and even cricket pitches instead of ice rinks. 

The number of ice rinks per capita is in freefall.  

Some of the reasons for this shift include:

Declining ice time 

For kids to learn how to skate and play ice hockey, they need time on the ice.  

And lots of it. 

That means their parents must find an available rink and sign them up with a team.

But, unfortunately, most teams have limited ice time to practice and play on commercial rinks.  

Parents must get their kids ready to meet these times, often early in the morning. 

This time could be inconvenient and discouraging for kids to brave the cold.

It builds character, but for how long?

Some rinks are designed solely for hockey but are used for other ice sports, decreasing the time for hockey even further. 

Added the fact that middle schools and high schools cannot provide ice hockey, some parents eventually come to a crossroads.

The effort vs. reward is not worth it.  

It’s Costly 

It is a joy to fly across the ice, stick in hand, bearing down on the goalie.

To achieve this feat, you need equipment: hockey sticks, skates, pads, helmets, and clothing. 

You need to replace the equipment as they grow and sharpen those skates from time to time.

When you add coaching and other costs, hockey begins to add up (especially if you have more than one child).  

The cost of hockey and lack of access means the sport is often out of reach for lower-income households and minorities.

While the NHL and pioneers like Willie O’Ree - the first African American NHL player – work to close the diversity gap, hockey still adds up. 

On average, it can cost between $2000 - $2500 per child. 

The Ice Is Melting 

There are fewer commercial and community ice rinks today than a decade ago, but there is an added concern for hockey enthusiasts. 

Climate change. 

During winter, thousands of families make their own backyard rinks. 

All it takes is some water, plywood, tarp, and some ingenuity. 

Once you fill up a cordoned-off space with water, The First Freeze turns a makeshift pool into a fantastic rink. 

Families (and their neighbors) can then skate on the rink for months.  

There is only one degree between ice and liquid. 

Warmer temperatures are making ice rinks more difficult to make.  

Climate change has its deniers, but the numbers speak for themselves.

Researchers have seen temperature increases around wintertime compared to the 1970s.  

These subtle changes mean ice takes longer to freeze and thaws well before expected.

They estimate that 15,000 lakes in the Northern Hemisphere thaw faster than they used to.  

It’s already starting to impact backyard rinks in Canada, as rinks are melting as much as 10 days earlier year over year.

Event planners for sports like ice fishing tournaments are delaying start dates.  

Scientists estimate that in 30-50 years, with increasing greenhouse emissions, there will be no more frozen rinks.

So over time, more families will opt-out of making rinks.  

Despite these challenges, it’s not all doom and gloom. TV broadcast rights doubled over the last year thanks to new deals with Turner and ESPN. 

And although it’s not on First Take or The Herd, revenue is also moving well past pre-pandemic levels.  

The goal for all stakeholders – including companies like ours – is to do what we can to keep up the momentum of the game we love.  

How Do We Grow The Game?

Growing the sport of hockey starts at the youth level,  introducing a new age where ice becomes more accessible.

 When there is less friction, more kids and parents will be eager to try hockey.  

Start With Synthetic Ice 

There is a second coming of the "Ice Age" in the form of synthetic ice plastic that has breathed new life into growing the sport of Ice Hockey.

Now aspiring young players in warm climate areas and anywhere else for that matter can learn the skill of ice skating in the privacy of their own homes. 

Though the original investment in these portable ice panels may be considered costly, it pales in comparison to the constant schlepping back-and-forth to the rink, paying for gas, private lessons, clinics, and camps.

A home synthetic Ice rink offers players the ability to train and become better skaters in the comfort of their own home and would pay for itself when parents do the math. 

 

 

Understanding Synthetic Ice Plastic 

Synthetic ice for the purposes of skating has been around for decades. 

Thanks to advancements in technology, these tiles or panels emulate the look and feel of natural ice.

And yes, you use your metal blades!  

Our PolyGlide ice is made of a High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, a technology we have spent years perfecting. 

This polyethylene is infused with a special slip agent additive to allow the skates to glide across the surface easily.

 In the past, synthetic rink owners applied this skating agent to the surface before skating.

Our technology infuses the agent into the panels, giving you a smooth skating surface right out of the box.  

You simply connect the dovetail edges of each panel to create the rink size you need.

This allows the user to practice basic skating and stick drills.

Add a few more panels, and you can convert a spare room or other space into a remarkably effective rink.

For commercial spaces, several large panels combine to make a rink that hundreds can use daily.  

Here are some other benefits of synthetic ice that will bring a new age to hockey: 

Hockey All Year Long 

Ice hockey needs ice.

But not anymore.

Synthetic ice means you can skate and practice year-round with your own rink.

Concerned parents no longer worry about how long their at-home rinks will stay frozen.

They no longer must find a rink for their kids to practice.

An at-home rink allows anyone anywhere in the country a chance to skate.  

Skating all year opens the door for more practice and fosters skill development.

 It also helps your young children develop a passion for the sport.

As a result, they can be more expressive and creative, a necessary component for growing the sport.   

 

 

Cost-Effective Skating 

It’s not unusual for customers to have some sticker shock for synthetic ice.

Yet, when compared to the costs involved with refrigerated rinks, it is significantly cheaper. 

Installing a personal refrigerated rink can cost several times more.

It’s also more cost-effective compared to the time, effort, and cost it takes for a wintertime rink that lasts for a only a few weeks.

Synthetic ice rinks are durable and built to last many years.

Over time, there are cost savings in travel, gas, coaching, and much more.   

These cost savings can make skating more accessible as it takes an upfront investment that the family can use for years.  

Lower Surface Friction Means Better Results 

Developments in new technology have improved the quality and performance of synthetic ice plastic tremendously in the last 10-years.

The old-school "cutting board" type surface has been replaced by high-tech infused panels that lesson the surface "drag" or coefficient of friction (COF) to make skating on synthetic ice a more ice-like experience. 

Zoom Hockey? 

There is no part of the world the recent Covid pandemic has not touched. 

The hockey world had to adjust, with kids no longer able to access rinks for over a year.

This change birthed the use of Zoom for training in all sectors and hockey was no exception. 

As many countries reopen and learn to live with Covid, the merger of tech and training will remain. 

Hockey is a game that requires advanced skills. 

Thanks to technology, players can now connect with some of the best coaches in the world to learn the game or improve specific moves.   

Online training will also open the door for a new wave of kids interested in the sport but prefer online education.  

More Summer Fun 

The pandemic birthed another interesting concept. 

Summer hockey. 

Because of lockdowns, the NHL had no choice but to play games in the summer. 

Although the ratings were higher than expected, we probably won’t see professional hockey in the summer again.  

But the idea of playing hockey when it’s hot does not sound so far-fetched anymore.  

With synthetic ice (and some more breathable clothing) kids can add hockey to their outdoor games in the summer.

Don’t forget sunglasses for the glare off the ice and sunscreen! 

Synthetic Ice Rinks In Schools And Universities 

March Madness. 

The Rose Bowl. 

The College Football Playoff National Championship. 

We can argue that college basketball and football have similar interests and fanfare to the NBA Finals and NFL playoffs respectively.  

Significant investment has gone into these college teams as they all bring in billions of dollars in revenue yearly.  

There is an NCAA hockey tournament, but the average Joe does not know that it exists.  

In fact, there are only 60 Division 1 ice hockey teams, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest.

Compare that to the 130 Division 1 football and 350 Division 1 basketball programs.  

If there is no clear path from youth to college level, kids will lose interest. 

By increasing the available facilities in schools nationwide, the chances of growing the game increase.  

It can be as simple as installing large synthetic rinks in schools, making hockey a viable option.   

Accessible Training Equipment 

Hockey sticks and gear has made leaps and bounds over the years. 

Helmets for goalies were unheard of until the 1970s. 

Today, we have carbon fiber sticks and high-quality materials to make us faster and safer.

Advancements in materials ultimately reduce the price of hockey equipment. 

The best way to grow the game of hockey is to lower the barriers to entry.  

Trusting the Technology

Technology and analytics have pushed sports forward in ways that were unimaginable.

Athletes are breaking records and playing well beyond the expected age of retirement.

High performance training tools have allowed players to maximize their performance, skills, and recovery. 

Technology is creeping into hockey and it will only grow the sport.

Hockey players are wearing sensors in their uniforms to track movement and collect data that can be used to improve the game.

This technology will soon be accessible to everyone so build specific training plans for all ages. 

Soon, it will not be unheard of for kids to use apps, videos, and even virtual reality to help them with skating fundamentals at home or in small training centers.  

Communities can be built around the sport at younger ages through a medium they understand.

Adding training aids like synthetic ice will give the sport a much-needed shot in the arm.  

Conclusion

These new developments will go a long way to help grow the game of Ice Hockey and reach those players and families that may otherwise consider another sport.

This may well be the "New Ice Age" that helps put Ice Hockey into the mainstream of professional sports.

Now aspiring young players in warm climate areas and anywhere else for that matter can learn the skill of ice skating in the privacy of their own home. 

The development of synthetic ice plastics through modern technology has breathed new life into growing the sport of ice hockey.

 

There is hope on the horizon for the growth of this great sport!

 

 

 

 

 

The need to express oneself starts from a very young age.

For figure skaters, having a home rink allows them to bring that expression to the ice.

From ages 3-6, kids are at their maximum curiosity and creativity.

This is usually the age when parents get their kids involved in extracurricular activities like art and sports.

Ice sports have been a go-to activity for kids as it helps them get the best of both worlds.

Some of the best ice skaters in the world started from a very young age.

For instance, 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan started skating at 5 years old.

Just a few years later, she started taking it seriously.

The challenge with ice skating is consistent access to a rink.







Kids want to skate as often as possible but getting to rinks to practice routines can be difficult.

In this article, we will cover how kids can practice and express themselves at home with a synthetic ice home rink.

If you’re ready for your kids to start skating, read ahead.

Skating can start at almost any age with kids 10 and above picking up the sport too!

We’ll also mention young Kendal (photo above), a figure skater who found great joy practicing at home with synthetic ice tiles.

 

Types of Skating Drills

You’ll likely enroll your child in hockey, figure skating, or ice dancing.

Hockey and figure skating are the most popular disciplines.

Hockey is self-explanatory.

Kids work in team settings using their stick and skating skills to put the puck in the back of the net.

Figure skating, on the other hand, helps kids express themselves by learning twists, jumps, spins, and other freestyle moves.

Kids can also figure skate in pairs or groups, bringing another element of creativity into the mix.

Ice dancing is another way for kids to express themselves.

It’s highly influenced by ballroom dancing, with a couple performing similar moves on the ice.

Ice dancing may seem like paired figure skating but there are no overhead lifts and throws.

It’s all about dancing, choreography, and grace.

Whichever one you choose, there’s an opportunity for your child to learn fantastic moves and put them together with a coach either in a short or freestyle setting.

Kendal learned some of her favorite moves at a young age.

At 11, she now puts them together in routines to compete every year.

Developing Skating Routines

All ice skating disciplines have one thing in common.

Both require an iron-clad routine for success.

Figure skaters and Ice Dancers like Kendal work hard to develop their own routine outside of the physical commitments of getting all the jumps and moves down.

The power and energy of expression cannot be underestimated especially when trying to win over the judges during a competition.

The training along the way can be intense as most people do not clearly realize just how much work goes into these routines.

Some kids go as far as developing their own routines.

It’s fun to see their minds at work combining the moves they learned to their favorite piece of music.

With developing a routine, you add movies that flow well with the crescendos or changes to the beat.

On an ice rink, they can find a starting spot, then connect whatever moves they’ve learned to the music.

Ice dancing is a bit more structured, as they will follow the instructions of a coach while moving with a partner.

But that does not mean they can’t have some fun between their sessions, expressing themselves with some fun moves.

Expressing themselves or developing one routine on the ice is just the start.

If they want to get better and more competitive, they’re going to have to keep practicing.

Check out this video posted by Rebecca Duerrwaechter after her PolyGlide Ice Instagram win!

 

The Power Of Practice

The late Kobe Bryant would spend hours in the gym working on his shot.

He would get up before 5 am and practice at different intervals throughout the day, getting himself ready for game night.

On some nights, he was unstoppable.

His philosophy was that when everyone else was relaxing, he would be out working them, so no matter what they did in the gym, they would never catch up to him.

Many may consider Bryant an outlier, but it shows the power of practice.

The process made him better and better.

He was more confident on the court and willing to express himself and take risks.

Parents who encourage their children to practice will notice that their kids will soon look forward to it.

They will integrate it into their everyday lives.

They will be brave enough to express themselves through their art wherever they go.

It will even help them academically.

Young Kendal would practice her axles on the rink but she’ll also do them walking along a road in Shaker Village

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaCy5yOlQB2/

Practice breeds confidence!

How a Synthetic Ice Home Rink Can Help

One drawback with ice sports is the need to be at the ice to get some real reps in.

Now, the Ice Arena is no longer the only place where a skater can work on their creative talents while broadening their horizons and not wasting precious ice time in the process.

Skaters can now utilize their own home environment on as little as 32 square feet of space while wearing their skates......just like a batter warming up before heading to the plate!

Having that little extra time to get it right can sometimes help make the difference between taking home the trophy or not even placing.

So are you bringing 32 square feet of frozen ice into the home?

Of course, not (unless you find some way of doing that. If you do, let’s talk!).

What you can do is get 32 square feet of synthetic ice for your budding skater.

Synthetic ice is a special tile made of durable polyethylene.

It’s often infused with a special compound that allows skaters to use their actual metal blades to practice or skate for fun.

The tiles have grooves on each end that help them connect like puzzle pieces.

The result is a space where skaters like Kendal can get their reps in.

Synthetic ice has been around for decades, mainly for commercial rinks.

Now, products like our Starter Kits allow rinks to come home.

You can set them up in just a few minutes, connecting the 4 tiles with a soft mallet to form a 32 square foot space.

Once it’s ready, all your kids need to do it lace up those skates and they can take turns practicing their favorite moves.

 

Synthetic Ice Benefits

Synthetic ice is quickly becoming a go-to training tool for young skaters.

The more you use it, the more you find value in the product.

Some added benefits include:

Skate Anywhere You Find Space

Do you have 32 square feet of unused space lying around?

Then you have a home rink!

You can set it up almost anywhere that has a flat surface.

If there’s a spare room, garage, hallway, or driveway available, then you can have a rink.

Make sure the surface is level to have the best skating experience possible.

If the area is not level, set down some plywood first.

 

Scale It Up Or Down

If you have more space, why not scale it up!

A starter kit provides 32 square feet, but you can easily go to 64, 96, or more.

When you need to get back a bit of real estate, you can remove tiles as needed.

If the space and budget allow, your budding skater will be able to try more moves and have a more enjoyable skate.

 

Kid-Friendly Rink Time

A big drawback with rinks is that your young kids will be sharing them with older kids.

While it’s great to interact with older kids, some parents want a space that’s safe for their kids.

A home rink is a private space where they can practice without the risk of collisions.

Parents also save valuable time with scheduling and driving to the rink.

 

A Little Positive Resistance

An experienced skater will notice that synthetic does not quite feel like real ice.

That subtle difference is called the coefficient of friction.

Friction is necessary for skating.

On natural ice, the friction from the skates helps them glide on the thin film of water on the ice.

Since synthetic ice does not have this thin film of water, the friction will be a bit higher.

The best synthetic ice has about 10% more friction than natural ice.

This friction is not necessarily a terrible thing.

It helps skaters to be stronger and faster.

A similar comparison is athletes using resistance bands to help with explosiveness.

When your young skater gets on the ice to perform their routines, they will perform better.

 

Skate All Year

The more you skate, the better you get at skating.

A common issue with ice skating is that it’s often considered a seasonal sport.

Unless you have access to a rink all year, most people skate during the winter.

A home rink means you can skate all year.

Kids can build the habit of practicing, giving them a significant advantage when it’s time to compete.

It Works For Hockey To!

You can use your home rink for different skating disciplines.

If you have a figure skater and a hockey player in the house, they can both use synthetic ice.

A hockey player can practice stick drills, shooting drills, or hockey stops.

In a world where the emphasis always seems to be "bigger is better" quite the opposite can be true when working on the mental aspect of preparing for an ice competition.

Skaters building their routines have already choreographed and timed their performance to music and can build on that using very little space as in their mind they can see it perfectly.

Being on skates only helps enhance the skaters experience and with the use of portable (infused) synthetic ice panels this is now a reality!

 

Tips For Training On Synthetic Ice

Chances are your young one would have a skating coach to teach the fundamentals of their sport.

The more they engage with their coach, the more they will learn.

If you have decided on a home rink, your child will be skating without a coach or access to a commercial rink.

For the best experience, you’ll need to take some extra steps:

 

Keep the Synthetic Ice Clean

The metal blades create small shavings at it cuts the synthetic ice panels.

These cuts aren’t a bad thing as it improves the performance of the tiles.

However, you must remove the shavings for a better skating experience.

Inspect the tiles for excess shavings before use.

Remove the shavings with a soft mop, broom, or microfiber cloth.

 

Resurface If Necessary

Ice can come in two forms: infused or non-infused.

Synthetic ice uses a special slip surface agent to help skaters achieve a smooth skate.

Infused products mean this agent is already baked into the product.

You just need to put on your skates and go!

Non-infused rinks on the other hand need a liquid conditioner applied before use.

For both non-infused and infused rinks, have your child do a test skate.

If it is difficult to skate, then you’ll need to reapply the conditioner.

Mix the conditioner with water and lightly mist it on the tiles with a spray bottle.

 

Set-Up Your Rink In Different Shapes

Synthetic ice is versatile, even with 32 square foot tiles.

You can arrange the tiles in different shapes for different training purposes.

For instance, you would want a square rink for practicing spins and twists.

But you can also arrange the tiles in a line to work on speed drills.

Alternate between different shapes to get more out of each session.

 

Don’t Forget To Stretch

Stretching may feel unnecessary for kids but it is an important part of all performance.

It helps improve their flexibility and reduces the chances of injury.

It also helps to start stretching at an early age.

It will make more advanced moves accessible if there is a foundation of flexibility.

Stretching is how skaters like

Kendal can accomplish the Beillmann Pose, which will translate into the Biellmann spin in the future.

Spend Time Freestyling

Remember that skating is all about fun!

Don’t stick to the routine.

Allow at least 1-2 home sessions for your young skater to skate independently.

Let them freestyle and experiment with different moves.

It builds up their confidence and resilience.

 

Make Sure They Get Lots Of Rest

What does resting have to do with home rinks?

Shouldn’t your child be on the rink as much as possible?

The opposite is true.

Rest is an important part of any physical activity.

It is the time when your muscles get to recover and grow.

The best ideas also come during periods of recovery.

Your child gets some time to figure out how to land that new move or produce a fun routine

 

Get Your Coach Involved

Online coaching of sports has skyrocketed since the pandemic.

Even ice-skating coaches hold sessions over Zoom calls!

Skating on a home rink is a wonderful time to enlist a coach who can give some tips over video.

They can discuss your child’s form or answer any pressing questions.

A Zoom coach can help if there is an upcoming recital or tournament and your child needs some extra prep.

 

Conclusion

With advancements in all aspects of sports training and medicine, athletes are constantly looking to get a "jump" on their competition (pun intended).

And why not when the opportunity is there?

Many successful athletes use all the tools available to them to advance their skills and build confidence in taking their abilities to the next level.

Synthetic ice training centers have been on the rise throughout the hockey community and it's only a matter of time before competitive skating starts to catch up.

The "Home Ice Rink Advantage" is a great solution to when the closest Ice Arena is closed during the off-season and as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would say, "There's no place Like Home!"

Be Sure to follow Kendal on her Instagram page @Love_Skate_Kendal

You no longer have to wait for the change of seasons to enjoy ice skating on a iceless rink.

There are many skaters (about 6 million, to be exact), that love to lace-up those skates and hit the ice.

From recreational skating to hockey and everything in between, ice skating is one of the silver linings of freezing temperatures.

It’s also a time for families to set up a backyard ice rink.

Backyard ice rinks allow hours of skating at your convenience, but the setup could sometimes be challenging.

However, thanks to technology and the availability of synthetic ice, a rink without ‘traditional ice’ is possible.

 

 

Benefits of a backyard rink

If you are unaware of what a backyard rink is or you are researching to set up your first one, it is a dedicated space in your backyard for ice skating.

Backyard rinks pop up during the winter months and are very popular in the United States and Canada.

The simplest rinks take lots of wood, water, and ingenuity and some sophisticated backyard rinks use refrigeration.

A common question you may have is, ‘why should I build my own in the first place?’ 

There are several benefits of building your rink:

• Skate on your own time: A neighborhood or commercial rink has specific open times. It can also take time out of your day to get there (or get the kids there). With a backyard ice rink, all you need to do is head outside, lace up your skates, then skate and play for as long as you like.
• A cost-saving/money-making measure: Personal rinks need an up-front investment. However, the cost savings are noticeable if you compare the time and money it takes to get similar use from a neighborhood rink. You can even use the rink to host gatherings, or private coaching sessions, earning some extra in the process.
• Bring out your engineering skills: If you’re looking for a hobby or passion project, you can maximize your backyard space, grab a friend, and get building. 
• Improve your skating skills: Practice makes perfect. The more you skate, the better you’ll get at it. Having a backyard rink is a great way for kids to practice fundamentals in their favorite ice sport. It’s also an opportunity for you to pick up a new healthy hobby and get better at it faster. 
• Bringing the neighborhood together: Backyard ice rinks are like a homing beacon for the neighborhood. Everyone hears about it and wants to get in on the action. A large rink in your backyard is a great way to connect with the community, bring kids together, and much more.
• Relieve your stress: There’s a common saying that goes, “the ice rink is like a second world where nothing else matters.” Competitive ice skaters often talk about the freeness of being on the ice. If you need some quiet, stress-free time, why not take a moment to yourself on the ice? 

Now that you’ve seen the benefits, you may be thinking of building your own ice rink.

Most rink builders go the route of a traditional or refrigerated rink.

Traditional rinks use large amounts of water (at least 2000 gallons) in an enclosed space made with plywood.

These rinks depend on the weather and set after the First Freeze with winter.

Refrigerated rinks use water, a coolant, and a refrigeration system for a consistently solid rink that can last for months.

Yet, there is another way, without traditional ice.

Synthetic ice panels can help you get your backyard rink up and running quickly.

 

 

 

Your rink without traditional ice

Synthetic ice rinks have been around for decades.

They were mainly set up in commercial spaces like malls and hotels.

The availability of materials and technology allow synthetic ice to be customized for different spaces, bringing synthetic ice right to the home.

Synthetic ice is durable, solid polymer sheet made of unique polyethylene material.

The panels have interlocking ends that connect like puzzle pieces on your surface of choice for a smooth, skatable surface.

An iceless rink could be outfitted for any size and almost any space.

If you have a small room or space in your garage, tiles will allow fantastic skating.

A larger backyard rink or commercial space would need thicker, more durable synthetic panels. 

 

 

How does an iceless rink compare to natural ice rinks?

You can set up an entire backyard rink with synthetic panels, but does it make sense?

People have been setting up natural rinks for years, so how does it compare to synthetic ice?

1. Synthetic ice rinks are easy to install: The panels can fit seamlessly together and can be custom ordered for almost any space. Natural rinks need enough plywood to build the rink walls. From there, the rink will need a large tarp and enough water to fill the rink, which then needs to freeze.
2. You’ll need patience: Are you anxious about skating? If you’re building a natural rink, you’ll need temperatures of 32 degrees or less at night for several days to harden the ground before filling the rink. 
3. Synthetic ice rinks are cost-effective: Rinks can save you money and even earn you money. However, you can save even more by going synthetic. The panels are a one-time cost upfront and can be reused for more winters to come.
4. It’s environmentally friendly: Are you concerned about your environment? Going synthetic saves thousands of gallons of water. Not only would you have a cheaper water bill, but you’ll also do your part for the environment.
5. It’s durable: Your synthetic ice panel can last for years, saving time, money, and energy. The length of the window for ice rinks are declining due to climate change. Not only would you have a rink for longer during the winter, but year-round if you choose.
6. Beware of flooding: If the walls of your rink aren’t supported, the rink has a chance of icing over. In some cases, your backyard is at risk of flooding. An iceless rink would not need bracing. It could be easily dismantled and stored after use. 
7. It’s not natural ice: Synthetic ice tends to have more friction than natural ice. If you’re accustomed to skating on conventional rinks, you may feel the difference. The technology behind synthetic ice has significantly reduced friction over the years. However, synthetic ice helps with improving strength and speed.

 

Refrigerated ice rinks vs. synthetic ice

What about refrigerated ice?

Should you go with an iceless rink if you have access to a refrigerated rink?

Refrigerated ice rinks aren’t as popular for backyards because of the exhorbident costs it takes to maintain and run them.

However, there are some pros and cons with refrigerated ice:

1. Refrigerated ice rinks require professional installation and maintenance.
2. The refrigeration equipment, coolant, and setup cost can add up compared to a synthetic ice rink. 
3. Refrigerated ice rinks can stay around longer than natural links. It still won’t match up to the year-round use of an iceless rink. You or your kids can practice at any time, giving them an advantage when it’s time to compete.
4. For the best experience, you’ll need to remove snow and resurface your rink with hot water. With synthetic ice, you’ll just need Slip Surface Conditioner occasionally added for the best skating experience. 

 

 

How to go “ice-less.”

If you’re ready to skate or set up a rink for your kids and neighbors (and thinking of an iceless rink), there are a few simple steps you should follow:

• Make sure you measure your backyard with a tape measure. You can use wooden stakes and fishing wire or twine to mark off the space. When you’re purchasing synthetic ice, you’ll have a clear idea of the surface area and how many panels you’ll need to purchase.
• Walls are optional, but they add a clean look to your rink. You can invest in plexiglass walls, wood, or a rebounding dasher curb set.
• If you have an uneven backyard (most backyards have a slope), you’ll need to find a space that’s level. The same wooden stakes can help you check the slope of your yard. Use the steps on this link to measure the percentage of your slope. An uneven backyard will create a poor skating experience, so set a plywood floor before placing your synthetic ice panels. 
• Get some help to connect the panels. Full-size panels can weigh as much as 80lbs, so you’ll need at least one friend to help you set up.
• A soft mallet will ensure the panels are snug. If the panels aren’t in place, you’ll feel it when you skate. 
• Don’t forget to clean shavings with a soft brush or mop and apply conditioner as needed.

 

Conclusion

Synthetic or not, skating in your backyard is a fantastic experience.

You can duplicate the feeling of skating on natural ice with an iceless rink.

Your synthetic ice is easy to set up, maintain and lasts for years.

If you’re unsure of the measurements or type of tiles and panels you’ll need, you can reach out to our team for help.

We love seeing new backyard rinks.

So let’s help you build yours. 

The first outdoor ice rink dates all the way back to the 1800s.

The goal was to have a dedicated space for ice skating instead of waiting for a lake or other body of water to freeze.

An outdoor ice rink is much more fun (not to mention safer) and has opened the door for ice skating sports and activities.

Today, setting up an outdoor ice rink is much easier. 

There are hundreds of community and private rinks in North America. 

Businesses can install large commercial skating parks during the holidays.

And if you have a big enough backyard, you can have your own ice rink too.

When we think about ice rinks, figure skating and ice hockey come to mind.

For most people with rinks, these are great activities to keep fit and have fun.

For others, skating on rinks improve techniques and helps with practice if you (or a family member) are on a professional track.

After a while, you might want to mix things up a bit.

Taking Things Beyond Skating

An ice rink outdoor or indoor is a smooth, flat surface to skate with your ice skates.

However, that does not mean it needs to end there.

Rinks can be great places to build communities, host events, and work on your passions.

In some cases, businesses - and individual rink owners - can grow their income.

A rink of any form is an investment.

Owners need equipment and manpower to build and maintain them.

So it’s best to find ways to maximize the fun, usefulness, and, of course, the investment you’ve made. 

We’ve sold, built, and owned rinks over the years.

We’ve seen some cool ways people have maximized the use of their rinks.

If you have a rink of your own, try one of these fun ways to use your rink. 

 

1. Hold A Play On Ice

Disney on ice has been around for 40 years, showcasing their popular stories through ice skating and figure skating techniques.

The popularity of shows like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin shows no signs of slowing down.

So why not make your own ice show?

The family can come together to perform a favorite play.

Record it to share with your friends and family or invite the community.

It’s a fun way to work on your skating and acting chops. 

 

 

2. Create an Airbnb Experience

The ongoing pandemic has shaped the way people go out and enjoy experiences.

As a result, many aim for smaller, more intimate (and potentially safer) events and experiences.

This need has increased the popularity of Airbnb Experiences, which was around before the start of the pandemic.

Airbnb experiences are micro-events held by special hosts that you can do in the town you’re staying.

Some experiences come with the AirBnB room or apartment.

Others are stand-alone events created by enthusiastic hosts. 

If you own a backyard rink or commercial rink, why not create an experience on the ice?

It could be a skating lesson, access to the rink, or lunch on the ice.

You can control the availability and access of the rink.

Creating an experience is a great way to expose others to skating and make an additional income.

 

 

3. A Skating Birthday Party

Airbnb is aimed at external persons visiting your rink, but you can do something for your friends and family too.

We’ve seen ice skating, figure skating, and hockey-themed birthday parties.

You can throw a party for an upcoming birthday right on the ice!

Decorate your rink walls, set up skating games, and keep lots of hot cocoa on hand.

Commercial rink owners can also set up ice skating birthday parties.

Provide drinks, eats, and a specific time on the ice as part of your package. 

 

4. Feel The Love On Ice

Do you have a loved one who’s obsessed with the ice?

Then it’s a great place to have an intimate moment.

Set up a lunch or dinner just for two on the ice.

You can even take things further and set up a wedding proposal!

If you have a synthetic ice rink - or have access to one - it will be easier to prepare a delightful proposal.

You can even go a step further like Mike and Melissa and have your wedding right at the rink!

 

 

5. Hold Ice Skating 101 Classes

If you have a large backyard ice rink, it’s a great time to share the joy you get from skating.

Today, people are looking for new, unique experiences, so teach them how to skate!

Invite a few persons from the community to the rink to learn the fundamentals of moving on the ice, or you can create a social media channel that teaches and targets your skating skills.

Why not share what you know?

 

6. A Neighborhood Hockey Tournament

Now it’s time to ramp things up.

People are still looking for safe spaces to resume their skating training, practice, and even play 3-on-3 games.

If your kids have been training but aching to compete, set up a friendly tournament on home turf.

Invite neighborhood kids or a team from the next town to have some fun on the ice.  

 

 

7. Ice Skating Photoshoots

People love the Rink at Rockefeller not only for the fantastic tree and ambiance but for the memories they form going there again and again.

They usually capture to moment with their camera phones or photographers located at the rink. That got us thinking.

Rinks are some great backdrops for some photos!

A couples photoshoot or a family portrait of a hockey-crazed family will be an excellent gift for the holidays.

Ice rink owners can get the decorations, backdrops, and camera and start posting online about photoshoots. Take some sample photos and share them online.

It’s a great way to add some extra income from your rink. 

 

8. A Mixer On Ice

A mixer on ice is not a cocktail, but there are cocktails involved!

Mixers are great ways for specific groups or communities to interact and build friendships.

A backyard rink is a great place to have a Friday evening mixer.

If you’re running a commercial rink, you can arrange mixers with local groups, businesses or host mixer events on ice for charity. 

 

9. Ice Rink Exercise

Ice skating has a wonderful side effect. It keeps you in shape.

Not only can you build your cardio, but you can also strengthen your core, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Consistent practice even builds your endurance.

An outdoor ice rink doubles as a great space to improve your overall health.

Instead of heading to the gym, strap on some skates and spend 30 minutes with some high-intensity skating.

Commercial rinks can also encourage small groups to exercise on certain days of the week.

Exercise can get boring, and ice skating is a great way to mix things up.

 

10. A Movie Night On Ice

Get the projector screen ready because it’s time for a movie night!

Warm-up under some blankets and popcorn while you project a classic Christmas or ice movie (Mighty Ducks, anyone?).

Invite family, friends, or neighbors over and have fun on your backyard rink.

If you have a commercial space, you can combine skating with a movie of choice. Combine different offers for different group sizes or make it an Airbnb Experience (as mentioned in number three). 

 

11. Try Another Ice Sport

Do you know there are other sports you can play on your ice rink?

Some of these games have been around for decades, and most people are unaware they exist.

Here are some fun ones:

• Broomball: As the name implies, broomball game is played with a stick that looks like a broom and a ball. This game goes not need skates but tennis shoes. The goal is to use your broom to get the ball into the goal. Think of hockey but without the puck and skates.
• Ringette: Another hockey-like game, ringette uses a straight stick and a rubber, ring-like object. You’ll have some fun playing the game since there is no body-checking (although that does make hockey kinda fun!). 
• Curling: Curling is a popular ice sport, especially around the Winter Olympics. The sport involves sliding large stones to a target along the ice. Two teams compete in sliding large stones to a target. You can find curling kits online to go with your outdoor ice rink. 

Picking up another sport changes things up, and you may even find a new passion!

 

Conclusion

Now, with the proper budget and the suitable space, it’s easier than ever to set up an outdoor ice rink for business or personal use.

Rinks set up at home are often artificial, combining wood, liner, and lots of water.

Refrigerated rinks are more expensive and popular in commercial spaces.

They use a system similar to your home refrigerator to keep a consistent temperature but require constant maintenance. 

Synthetic ice tiles and panels use a unique polyethylene material to emulate the look and feel of ice.

These panels can be customized and connected like puzzle pieces to fit almost any space.

You can use your metal skates on synthetic ice with minimal friction.

What makes synthetic ice great is its durability and the ability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to use it year-round.

It’s also a great option to quickly host some of these fantastic outdoor ideas!

If you love ice skating and you’re ready to set up a rink for personal or business use, look at your space, figure out the pros and cons, then choose the best type of rink for you.