Where to go
Kettering Ice Arena: 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering
Open skating,lessons, ice hockey, competitive skating clubs. Skate rental available.
Information: Call 296-2587 or visit www.ketteringoh.org/.
Ice Rink at Riverscape MetroPark: 229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Open skating, lessons, theme nights, curling, broomball
Information: Call 278-2607 or visit www.metroparks.org
South Metro Sports Ice Haus: 10561 Success Lane, Centerville
Open skating, lessons, hockey, broomball
Information: Call 885-7590 or visit www.smetrosports.com
Even if a triple Salchow is an impossibility or the mere thought of a sit spin makes you dizzy, ice skating offers fun and fitness for the entire family.
“It’s such a fun family experience,” said Angie Riviello, Kettering Ice Arena supervisor. “When families leave and we overhear them talking about how they can’t wait to come back, it’s so great.”
The Kettering Recreation Center is just one of several local venues that offers open skating times as well as lessons. Hockey, curling and, even, broomball are also offered at various facilities.
And the MetroParks Ice Rink at Riverscape, the region’s largest outdoor skating rink, is slated to open for the season on Nov. 28 — barring unseasonably warm weather.
“With its appeal to both young and old, the experience of skating 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.
Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran skater, an afternoon on the ice can combine camaraderie and calorie burning.
Before you go
A little preparation will go a long way toward making your time on the ice comfortable and fun.
Apparel and equipment are the two main considerations. As with most cold-weather activities, dressing in layers is recommended. If you work up a sweat, then you can take off a jacket or sweatshirt and skate on.
“Gloves and hats are also good, even if you’re indoors,” Riviello said.
The right equipment is also critical.
“You need to make sure to start with properly fitting equipment,” Riviello said. “And you’re looking for support — a good leather upper boot.”
No skates? No problem, as many facilities offer skate rental for as little as $2.
Make sure to choose skates that fit snuggly and are laced up correctly.
Basic training
Adults and children alike can benefit from lessons.
“If you want to learn the basics, feel safe and have fun, that might be the way to go,” Riviello said.
Interestingly, one of the first things rookies often learn is not how to skate but how to fall. Yes, there is a right way or, at least, a better way to hit the ice.
“People tend to fight it when they feel like they are going to fall and that is usually when they end up getting hurt,” Riviello said. “If you feel like you’re going too fast or are out of control, bend your knees, get low and fall to the side.”
Slips can be inevitable, so learning to get back up on your feet is also important.
“I tell my students, get on your hands and knees and get up from there,” she said. “Get up on one knee and then the other.”
Above all else, pace yourself. Take it as slow as you need to in order to remain in control. And, remember, the toe pick is not a brake — don’t use it to stop yourself.
“The key is really to go at your own pace, relax and have fun,” Riviello said.
Physical benefits
Just 30 minutes of this low-impact sport can burn more than 200 calories. Physical benefits include muscle toning, improved flexibility, increased stamina and cardio conditioning.
“It’s also a great core workout,” Riviello said. “I hear people tell me all the time ‘I used muscles I didn’t know I had.’ ”
When and where
Ready to give it a try?
The Kettering Ice Arena, South Metro Sports Ice Haus (in Centerville) and the Riverscape MetroPark ice rink offer novices and veterans a place to skate. Lessons are available for all ages and abilities from beginners’ to advanced jump classes. South Metro Sports is even offering free open skating and group lessons to kick off the season on Nov. 24 from 7-8 p.m.
If you already know the basics, then finding an open skating time is easy, especially over the holidays when most facilities offer extended hours.
Experienced skaters can take it a step further by joining a recreational hockey league or a competitive or performance group such as the South Dayton Figure Skating Club and the Kettering Ice Kadettes.
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