Can You Ice Skate in the Summer?
Summer is usually a time for water sports. Pools, beaches, and trips to the water park fill many people’s calendars during the warmer months. However, figure skaters often spend their summer training with off-ice workouts. Building strength and flexibility away from the rink is an excellent way to stay in shape and become more in tune with your body. Yet, many skaters dream of getting back on the ice, even during the summer. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get your skating fix despite the summer heat!
Can You Go Ice Skating in the Summer?
Once local ponds thaw and swimmers take over the spaces that serve as ice skating sanctuaries during the winter months, skaters have to find other ways to get on the ice. While skating in the chilly winter air has its benefits, there are also hidden advantages to ice skating in the summer.
Summer Ice Skating Options
During the summer, skaters have a couple of options to keep practicing and enjoying their sport. While most outdoor rinks are closed during the summer, indoor rinks and synthetic ice surfaces offer an ideal environment for skaters to stay on the ice even in the heat of summer. Let’s explore these options and how they can help skaters maintain their skills year-round.
Ice Rinks
Many ice rinks are open year-round, providing controlled environments that keep the ice frozen despite high temperatures outside. However, some rinks may close during part of the summer or only allow skaters involved in specific activities, such as skating camps or summer programs, to use the ice. Skaters can contact their local rinks to find one open to the public or talk to their coach to find a location suitable for their needs.
Ice Skating During Summer: Synthetic Ice
Another option to consider is using synthetic ice! With synthetic ice tiles, skaters can set up a rink in their homes or yards, making it as big or small as needed. These tiles are excellent for training and offer a ton of benefits, including:
- Synthetic ice tiles create more friction, helping skaters build muscle.
- They’re available in the comfort of your home any time of the day or night.
- Skaters don’t have to worry about crowded rinks, as it’s a space just for them.
- It’s a customizable environment that skaters can change as they practice different moves and skills.
Ice Skating in Summer: Pros & Cons
Summer might traditionally be a time for fun in the sun, but there’s no reason skaters can’t get some on-ice time in as well. Skating in the summer comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to see if it’s worth it to hit the ice this season.
Pros:
- Year-Round Practice: Skaters can maintain and improve their skills without a long break, ensuring they stay fit and ready for competitions.
- Cool Escape: Ice rinks offer an ideal environment to get relief from the summer heat.
- Less Crowded Rinks: There might be fewer skaters in the summer, giving you more space and time to practice.
- Special Programs: Some rinks offer summer camps and specialized training programs that aren’t available during other seasons.
- Consistency: Keeping a regular skating schedule can help skaters stay consistent with their training and reach their goals more quickly than those who take a break over the summer.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Some rinks might have restricted hours or only be open for specific programs, making it harder to find open ice time.
- Cost: Indoor ice time might be more expensive in the summer due to higher maintenance costs and fewer available rinks.
- Synthetic Ice Challenges: Synthetic ice has a different feel and more friction than typical ice, which could cause an adjustment period for skaters using it to practice.
Train During Every Season with Riedell
Whether you train using synthetic tiles or an indoor ice rink, it’s essential to have the right gear to support your journey. Riedell offers high-quality skates and boots guaranteed to provide you with the support and precision needed to excel during practice sessions and competitions.