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Although as children we have all slid on ice wearing our ordinary shoes, this is sliding rather than skating. Ice skating is travelling on ice with skates, (narrow blade-like devices moulded into special boots). recreationally or as a sport.
Popularity
There are over fifty ice rinks spread across the UK, with an equal number of clubs. It is estimated that 3 million people in the UK skate on a regular basis.
Location
In some countries ice skating is possible on frozen rivers and lakes, which can be very dangerous if not fully frozen. In most countries however (UK included) it takes place in purpose built indoor and outdoor skating rinks with artificial cooling.
Age
Although children from a very young age can be introduced to the ice, it must be recognized as a potentially dangerous activity, with plenty of falls through using such a slippery surface. (skating is an activity with a high risk of broken bones).
Ability
A novice skater needs confidence but not over confidence, and the ability to take advice. A natural sense of balance is also a distinct advantage.
Description
Although originally a means of fast travel over frozen water, ice skating is now almost exclusively a casual recreational activity, for the pure enjoyment of gliding over the ice. Or as a sport. Ice skating as a sport is split into various disciplines; dance, figure and speed. Figure and dance are competed individualy and as mixed sex pairs. Speed is competeted individualy or in teams. The ability to skate has also led to team games (sports) such as ice hockey and bandy.
Dedication
For a skater to progress through the levels of competition, needs much and regular practice. As most ice rinks are open to the public for leisure skating, this will mean using the ice rink at times of the day not popular with the public,(mostly very early mornings).
Potential
Although skating has many competitions both at local, national and international levels, the ultimate goal must, however be the four yearly Winter Olympics, in which skating is well represented, with most disciplines and games being competed.
Closely
Related Activities
Ice dancing, figure skating 546, speed skating 547, ice hockey 339, bandy 687. Ice skating also requires the many of the skills of the gymnast 293, the dancer 181 and the athlete 32.
Cost
As a casual skater, rink fees and the hire of skates, is from around £10 per session (2hrs). To progress through the disciplines to a competition level can be expensive, as you will not only require your own skates. There are regular rink hire and tuition fees to consider, also the cost of travel if you are not fortunate enough to live near a local rink.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
 Energy |
| Arms
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| Legs
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| Sight
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| Hearing
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| Speech |
| Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.
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