“With its appeal to both young and old, the experience of skating at the MetroParks Ice Rink is fast becoming a holiday tradition for Miami Valley families looking for something fun to do together,” said James Carter, RiverScape MetroPark rental concession supervisor. “With its location along the riverfront, the MetroParks Ice Rink also is a great way to experience the outdoors during cooler weather.”
But for the uninitiated, it can be intimidating. Here are some dos and don’ts to help prepare for an outdoor skating experience:
• Don't be afraid of falling. Use what MetroParks Ice Rink skating instructor Cheri Snyder of Kettering calls "tricks" to avoid falls.
“Keep your shoulders down, your knees loose and slightly bent, and use your hands to ‘push down’ toward the ice to maintain your balance,” Snyder said. “If you feel like you’re going to fall, move your body as if you’re about to sit down. Bend your knees to stop the motion.
“I want to take the fear out of skating, because it’s a fun and easy sport and a great way to pass the time,” Snyder added. “It’s really pretty easy when you come down to it.”
• Do check out the skating lessons for adults and children held at the rink throughout the season to learn more tricks, along with other basic skills that will have participants moving comfortably on the ice. Visit metroparks.org/skating for a list of lessons and other events that will be held at the MetroParks Ice Rink.
“I’ve had some people older than me take lessons for the first time,” said Snyder, who took up skating at age 44. “I give students some advice and tricks so they can skate without getting hurt or hurting someone else. It’s great to have people in lessons and then see them out at the rink during open skate.
“Although I will help anybody I see at the rink,” she added. “Sometimes, I’ll see an adult hanging on to a kid, and it looks like the adult is going to dislocate the kid’s shoulder, so I’ll offer some advice. The adults are always happy they don’t have to hang onto their kids anymore.”
• Do dress in layers. While it may be cold out, skaters warm up quickly while on the ice. Wear a wicking layer closest to the skin and an outer weather-resistant layer. Don't forget gloves and a hat!
• Do plan to warm up with some hot chocolate and other treats at Silver Fern Café, located next to the ice and open during the rink's hours.
• Do put your party on ice. Private ice rink rentals are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings and are a great activity for families, neighborhoods, clubs and other groups. The $300 rink rental includes 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate.
• Do save some money by getting a season pass: $75 family passes cover season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs for one person. Gift certificates also are available.
• Don't stay home if you absolutely can't be convinced to get on the ice. Visit the rink to watch other skaters or players during the broomball and curling leagues. Games for the Dayton Broomball Association's co-ed recreational and competitive leagues are held at the MetroParks Ice Rink on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 5-Feb. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Watch locals try their hands at Olympic sport curling during Curl Troy's league games held on Tuesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 3, from 6 to 10 p.m.
This article was provided by Five Rivers MetroParks. For more information about outdoor skating at RiverScape, visit metroparks.org/icerink or call 937-274-0126 for more information.
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