How Long Does it Take to Learn Ice Skating?

Written By: Riedell | March 16, 2023

Ice skating is a unique and rewarding skill that can give you hours of fun through the cold winter months. In this article, we will explore how long it takes to go from basic to advanced ice skating skills. Basic skills are skating forward, skating backward, gliding, and stopping. Advanced skills might be one foot glides, turns, spins, and crossovers. How long it will take for someone to learn these skills depends on the individual skater, their ability, and dedication to improving their skills.

Learning Ice Skating: How Long Does It Take for Adults Compared to Children?

Adults take longer than children to learn the basics of ice skating, on average. Children can do some activities easier than adults — keeping one’s balance while skating is one of those activities. 

Generally, an adult learner will take 8-10 weeks to learn the basics of ice skating. Kids pick up the skill a bit quicker, usually between 4-8 weeks.

Adults may also have more difficulty learning to skate due to a lack of practice. Kids have more free time to learn a new skill, while adults may have to fit skating lessons into their busy lives.

Managing Expectations: What is a Realistic Timeline to Learn How to Skate?

Ice skating is not an easy skill to learn and mastering the finer aspects will take time and require continued practice. To make progress, you need to be willing to accept feedback from experienced skaters and coaches, and to learn the fundamentals of skating form. When you can practice proper posture and movements, you will gain the full benefit from your effort. 

Keep in mind that skating is a physical activity and requires a certain level of physical fitness. Warm-up and stretching is recommended before each session. Take breaks when needed. Always wear the proper safety gear (such as a helmet and pads) to protect yourself from potential injuries.

Ice Skating Lessons: Is it Better to Learn on Your Own or with a Class?

Another factor that affects learning speed is the method chosen for learning ice skating. Generally, those who take classes or private lessons will find that they develop their skills much faster since they can receive feedback and advice from an experienced coach. An experienced guide can help you identify and correct mistakes before they become habits.

However, those who choose to learn on their own can still make tangible progress with the fundamentals of skating by regularly practicing. With patience and persistence, an adult learner can expect to reach advanced levels within 12-24 months. A child learner can reach this point in 6-12 months.

Learning on your own requires a great deal of self-discipline and dedication. Without the guidance of an instructor, it can be difficult to stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.

Choosing the Right Ice Skates to Improve Training

It is also important to select the right type of skates for ice skating. The skates chosen should fit properly, be made from strong materials, and have quality runners. Skates that are too big or too small, or made from poor-quality materials, can cause problems and risk injury. A beginner should invest in a good pair of skates that are suitable for their level; buying quality equipment will make it easier and more enjoyable to learn ice skating.

When selecting skates, consider the type of ice skating you plan to do and invest in the gear that is specialized for your activity. For example, figure skating requires a different type of skate than hockey, and competitive skaters will want a more advanced skate than someone just starting out. 

It is also important to consider the type of blade on the skate. Blades come in different shapes and sizes, and the right blade can make a big difference in your skating performance.

Becoming an Expert Ice Skater: The Role of Practice in Improving Ice Skating Skills

Practice plays an important role in becoming an expert ice skater. To become proficient, practice must be frequent and focused. Regularly attending classes or investing time in a figure eight helps develop skills faster than simply daydreaming while on the ice. 

Moments of relaxation will help you enjoy this learning process. But pushing yourself will bring quicker results and make your work more rewarding. Taking your improvement seriously will allow you to progress from a casual level to an avid, serious skater in no time! 

How long it will take for someone to learn to skate depends on the individual skater, their ability and dedication to improving their skills. But with patience and practice, anyone can become a proficient ice skater. No matter your skill level, Riedell Skates has the right gear to meet your needs and allow you to achieve your very best!