Outdoor Skating
Get ready to glide and have fun at the outdoor rink! Whether you’re practicing your hockey skills, doing some figure skating tricks, or just enjoying the fresh air, skating outdoors is a fantastic way to stay active, connect with friends, and feel the joy of winter.
What Do you Do?
- Check with your municipality or local community center for outdoor rinks available for public use. Many towns and cities across Saskatchewan offer free outdoor rinks during the winter months. These can be great for both leisurely skating and more active play such as hockey or figure skating.
- Here are some outdoor rinks
- https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/blog/2022/3/7/Outdoor-Rinks-in-Saskatchewan
- https://www.regina.ca/parks-recreation-culture/recreation-facilities/skating-rinks/
- https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/recreational-facilities-sport-fields/skating-rinks/outdoor-rinks
- https://moosejaw.ca/parks-recreation-culture/outdoor-rinks-crokicurl/
- https://www.swiftcurrent.ca/i-want-to/find/outdoor-rinks
- https://weyburn.ca/outdoor-rink/
- https://www.citypa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/community-clubs.aspx
- Dress warmly in layers—base layers, insulating layers, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a hat, gloves or mittens, warm socks, and a scarf. Wear a helmet.
- Ensure the ice is cleared of snow and debris before skating. Look for signs of safety, such as barriers around the rink, which can prevent accidental falls into nearby paths or roads.
- Begin with some gentle stretches to warm up your muscles. Skating can be a low-impact cardiovascular workout, so take it slow if you're not used to regular exercise. Practice different skating techniques—forward and backward skating, crossovers, or gliding on one foot—to improve your balance and coordination.
What You Need:
- Skates: Warm, comfortable skates that fit well.
- Protective Gear: Helmet, gloves or mittens, ski pants, and warm clothing.
Safety Considerations:
Always check the ice for cracks, soft spots, or areas where water has pooled, as these can be hazardous. Dress warmly and in layers to regulate body heat. If it’s particularly cold, be cautious of frostbite; take breaks to warm up if needed. Use protective gear and practice falling techniques safely to avoid injuries. Always wear a helmet. Teach children the proper way to fall to reduce impact. If skating with young children or beginners, supervise closely to prevent accidents.
Physical: Skating is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs. Engages the legs, core, and even the arms when using poles for balance. Enhances balance, which is beneficial for overall mobility.
Emotional: The rhythmic movement of skating can be meditative, reducing stress and anxiety. Skating outdoors can evoke feelings of freedom and connection to nature, providing a break from the indoors.
Spiritual: Skating outdoors can encourage mindfulness, allowing for a quiet, reflective space to clear the mind and appreciate the surroundings.Being outside in natural environments during the winter can foster a sense of grounding and connection to the earth.
Intellectual: Skating improves problem-solving skills and enhances spatial awareness as skaters adjust to different ice conditions and obstacles.