Must Have Tips on Local Skating Rinks And Staying Safe

<strong>Must</strong> <strong>Have</strong> <strong>Tips</strong> on Local Skating Rinks And Staying Safe
Skating rinks in the Hamilton & Niagara area a great way to enjoy the
winter season!
Nothing says winter like a nice long ice skate, followed by hot chocolate and marshmallows. It’s
quintessentially Canadian, what with our love for hockey and winter sports.
It’s also great exercise, even if you’re not particularly good at it! (Just staying upright is work for
many of us!)
Actually, this low impact exercise can help with your balance coordination, forcing you to use
muscles to stay upright that you don’t use for walking, or even running, to say nothing of toning
up those larger muscle groups in your legs and your core.
Gearing Up For A Winter Skate
What to wear: The key with staying warm without overheating while you’re skating is to
leverage the power of layers. Leave the super size parka at home or in the car and opt for fleece
and a wind breaking layer, if you’re at an outdoor rink. Even with an indoor rink, make sure you
layer up and don’t forget gloves: if you fall, your hands will need some protection.
Buy good skates: Next, if you plan to go out on the ice more than once or twice a season,
investing in a pair of skates is worthwhile: they’ll fit better and you’ll be more comfortable.
Hockey skates are ideal as they are light and well built, instead of figure skates. If you’re buying
used, make sure you have the blades sharpened before you head out. Dull blades are actually
harder, and more dangerous, to skate with.
Protect your head: Finally, a helmet, particularly for a new skater, is a good idea. If you fall
backwards, you run the risk of hitting your head on the ice. A hockey helmet will do the trick,

whether or not you ever plan to play the game. If you’re planning on taking skating lessons,
a CSA approved helmet designed for skating will be required.
Safety For A Winter Skate
Lessons are a great idea for kids and adults who are new to the sport. There are safer ways of
falling that will minimize the chance of injury, which you can learn in a lesson.
Also, you can get to a point of being proficient on the blades sooner, dragging your ankles on
the ice less, if you take some lessons.
Skate in the same direction as everyone else at the rink and teach your kids to do the same. A
lot of accidents happen when someone is goofing off going in all directions, getting in the way
of other skaters.
If you’re skating on a pond or lake, you need to watch for ice safety. Popular natural skating
areas will usually have a marked area where skating is allowed and has been deemed safe: stay
within the markers! Ice needs to be at least four inches thick to be considered safe, so check in
with locals who are maintaining the ice, before heading out.
Skating Options In The Hamilton Area
The Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink Pier 8 —
This is a great spot for a skate, with rentals available if you need them! Usually open in
December, you can check in on conditions online. Don’t forget to stop in at Williams Fresh
Cafe for some coffee or a hot chocolate, right on the waterfront!
Wentworth Arenas —
This is a great option if you want to get a group together for a skating birthday party or are
interested in joining a hockey league.
Mountain Arena —
With open skate times for individuals, adults, and families, check out the times and dates online
and plan an outing. Helmets are required for kids 6 and under (and recommended for everyone
else!). Other city run rinks and arenas?
• Olympic Arena
• Morgan Firestone Arena
• Saltfleet Arena
• Stoney Creek Arena
• And others… check here for more information!
For those closer to Burlington: you can search for public skating options here!

Skating is a great way to stay in shape and have some fun through the long winter months, so
gear up and stay safe out on the ice!
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