Whether or not you live in a wintry climate, your child can enjoy ice skating--from toddlerhood to adulthood.
The basics: Skating starts with learning how to balance on ice skates and move from point A to point B. From there, kids can branch out into figure skating, ice dancing, hockey, or speed skating. (And on dry land, roller skating or in-line skating!)
Age kids can start: Toddlers of two and three years old can begin to skate, usually with double-bladed skates for better balance. Lessons can begin at about age 4.
Skills needed/used: Flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, balance and coordination.
Best for kids who are: Patient and persistent—it can take time to see results. Figure skaters need to be both athletic and artistic.
Season/when played: Winter; many (but not all) indoor ice rinks are open year-round.
Team or individual? Figure skating is performed individually or in pairs; synchronized skaters compete in teams.
Levels: The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program has a series of levels that young skaters pass through depending on their performance of specific sets of skills. Competitive skaters also must pass a series of tests.
Appropriate for kids with special needs: Yes. Kids with mental and physical disabilities can even participate in a Special Olympics skating program.
Fitness factor: Recreational skating burns 250 calories or more per hour; the rate is higher for competitive skating. As with swimming, if your child is taking lessons, make sure she gets plenty of active ice time (vs. waiting-her-turn time).
Equipment: To start, skates (can be rented at ice rinks) and warm clothing, especially water-resistant mittens or gloves. Helmets are recommended for kids 6 and under and all beginning skaters. As figure skaters progress, they will need costumes for performances and competitions. Skates should be sharpened after about four to six hours of ice time.
Costs: Group lessons for beginning skaters cost about $10/half hour, often including rental skates. Rental skates cost a few dollars per session, as does open skate time. But competitive skating can be very expensive, when you add up costs for coaching, gear, rink time, competitive events, and travel. (Some financial assistance is available.)
Time commitment required: For beginning skaters, weekly lessons (usually 30 minutes) and some practice time. As skaters progress, they will spend significantly more time on the ice. Serious skaters practice or take lessons at least four to five days a week, plus train off the ice. Competitive skaters also travel for testing and competitions. Top figure skaters may turn to homeschooling or online learning to balance skating and school commitments.
Potential injuries: Falls onto the hard surface of the ice can be risky, which is why novice skaters should wear helmets—and learn the correct way to fall down and get back up.
How to find a program:
- US Figure Skating Basic Skills program locator
- Ice Skating Institute rink finder
- Your local parks and rec department or ice rink
Associations and governing bodies:
If your child likes ice skating, also try: Roller skating or in-line skating; ballet; ice hockey; speed skating.
