Ice skating general

Wondering if ice skating is dangerous? Looking for ice skating tips for beginners to avoid injury? I have gathered in this article all the basic information for you or your kid to stay safe while learning to stake. Focus on having fun!

Is ice skating Dangerous?

If you or your kids want to start ice skating, you may have some apprehension.
The idea of balancing on a slippery surface over a blade can lead you to wonder about safety.
This is normal. I will try answering your questions.

Is ice skating dangerous?

Ice skating (hockey, figure skating or speed skating) does carry risks:

However, at a beginner level, your speed is quite slow, you are not doing crazy acrobatics and not yet fighting to score. Therefore, even if injuries happen, the seriousness is normally low.
It is no more dangerous than doing rollerblading in the street and a lot less risk than skiing!

The highest risk of injury is a bruised ego due to falling...

Serious ice skating injuries mostly happen at high level:

• A missed landing after a jump
• A strong push by anther hockey player
• A missed step at high speed

Risk increases a lot as the skaters take more risks, speed, and height. 

How sharp are ice skates? Can ice skates cut you?

Ice skating blades are not sharp like knives at all.
First, they are thicker than knives' blades.
Second, there is a curvature with 2 edges - see the picture below. Even with a small radius, those edges are quite small.
Therefore:

Yes, it can cut skins and tendons. Depth of the cut is impacted by speed and the force applied at the same time.
But there is very very little chance it would cut off a finger entirely. It would require a lot of force (weight of the person wearing the skate) with a really sharp blade over a tiny finger.

Most common ice skating injuries for beginners

How can you get injured as a beginner ice skater?

You may injure yourself in several ways.

• Simply by falling - Repeated falls can hurt. Ice skating requires balance and you may have difficulty finding it at first
• Collisions are another danger on a rink crowded with skaters. Collisions may occur with other skaters. Beginner skaters are often unable to stop fast.
• Entering the ice with your skate guards on - the plastic guards are essential to protect your blades off the ice but are fully slippery on the ice (don’t laugh, I have done it and ended up with a knee sprain – plastics does not hold on the ice…)
• You may be using a pond as a skating rink. If the ice is very thin, you are in danger. The ice may break suddenly.

What are the most frequent injuries for ice skating beginners?

Do not let internet stories about skating injuries scare you away! They do not concern you. Most articles refer to injuries of athlete skaters doing stunts or participating in international games. For them the risks are higher.

As a beginner, you might face –

• Bruises are the most common injuries for ice skating beginners - at first, when trying to find balance, you fall a lot. And as written earlier, the ice is hard.
• Blisters on feet - the friction of the hard boot on the socks and feet often creates blisters
• Small cuts due to the sharpness of the blades - however no, it won't cut your finger (see section above) - wear gloves to avoid small cuts
• Sprains do happen – but less often - ankle and knee mainly, but depending on how you fall wrists and elbows as well
• More rarely fractures for beginner
• Head injuries (concussions or other head injuries) - rarely as well, but yes, the ice is hard

Similar injuries may occur during other sporting activities too - they are typical of basket, roller skating, tennis...

Essential ice skating tips for beginners to avoid injury

Safety tips #2 – Good lacing

Tight boots can prevent injuries to the ankles, therefore, always check the tightness. Skates should be:

• slightly loose above the feet (so that toes can wiggle)
• tight around the ankle for proper support
• Not too tight at the top to be able to bend forward your leg - Push your fingers into the space between the ankle and the tongue. Only two fingers should go into this space.

Learn more on my article on how to tie ice skates (for figure skates).

Safety tips #3 – Warm up

You should always warm-up.
It will help to loosen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They will react better to abrupt activities and small unbalanced events will not cause injuries.

Here are some warm-up exercises that you can try, to keep your muscles safe and cozy.

• Do ankle rotations prior to putting on your ice skates.
• Perform rotation exercise of the shoulders, hips and knees. The rotations must be in two sets. One promotes clockwise movements. The other is for anti-clockwise movements.
• Stretching exercises are also advisable. Perform them on your neck, shoulders, arms, back, thighs and calves. All the muscles and joints will become more flexible. In turn, movements are stronger and improved.

Safety tips #4 – Wear good socks

Let's be honest, your highest injury risk are blisters... Ice skates are really not comfortable!

To avoid blisters, make sure to choose proper socks. They must be:

• thin so that you can feel the pressure point under your feet and find balance
• without big seams (this is where friction increase)
• Reaching above your boot (again, the limit of the boot is where friction increases)

And make sure to wear warm clothes (but not bulky).

Safety tips #5 – Wear protective equipment

Essentials are gloves. They will be of use!
They can protect your hands against cut, but also against the cold of the ice as your hand may end up having a lot of contact with the ice.

Other protective equipment to consider when ice skating with a toddler includes:

• Helmet
• Protective gear for the wrists
• Pads over the elbows
• Pads over the knees

You can also consider padded shorts and padded gloves. Check out my article on the best figure skating protective gear.

Safety tips #6 - Hydrate

Ice skating causes sweating and loss of bodily fluids. Therefore, it is critical to hydrate before, during and after training sessions. Drink water before you even feel thirsty.

Just because it is cold does not mean you won’t need hydration. Ice skating is a demanding activity. Even if you are just a beginner and doing simple movements. It requires the use of many muscles (and muscles you are not used to activate a lot).

Make sure you drink water, not caffeinated products.

Safety tips #7 – Take lessons

The best way to stay safe is of course to take lessons so as to learn the proper techniques to keep your balance, to move forward, backward and to stop.
You will still fall at first, but you should learn control more quickly and thus be safer.

If you have opted for a public ice skating session – make sure children are removed when it is overcrowded or if you see reckless skaters.

Safety tips #8 – Learn to fall and get back up

First, the tips for when you fall (which are applicable for everywhere) - try to roll yourself into a ball:

• Try not to use your hands to break your fall. 
• Try tucking your head, chin tucked into your chest
• Bend elbows and knees
• Try falling on the side

Once you are down, to get back up:

• Laugh it up
• Roll your fingers inside your hands 
• Turn around to be on your knees
• Lift one leg, place the blade on the ice between your hands
• Push and lift the other leg
• but do not go all the way standing, keep your knees bent to regain your balance.

First time on the ice? Check out my article with ice skating beginner tips

What to do in case of injury?

If the injury occurs during a lesson, let the coach handle it. A certified coach has been trained to first aid.
Then, always ask a doctor's opinion.

I am not a doctor, so I won't give medical advice here 🙂

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Wondering if an ice skating date is a good idea? Need help planning your ice skating first date to have a great time? Below are my top tips to increase your chance of having a memorable experience and launch a new relationship: where to go, what to wear, how to behave...

Is ice skating romantic? Is ice skating as a date a good idea?

In theory

In the mind of many, ice skating is very romantic. You can imagine the 2 persons holding hands gliding as well as they can. One falling in slow motion… the other one laughing but with loving eyes seeing the other a little vulnerable.

You imagine that it is a great Ice breaking!

In practice – when to avoid an ice-skating first date

It is generally a great idea to go for a romantic ice-skating date but there can be exceptions to this too.

When to avoid ice skating?
Answer - When one person in the date is a really good skater - and this is why:

• The good ice skater will be bored, as she / he is waiting for the other one; moving like a snail around the rink is not fun for a proficient skater
• The good ice skater could be a little turned off looking at the date, falling on their bottom all the time. Even if you don't want to judge, you do. I was 15 and a national level skater when I had an ice skating first date. Looking at my date struggling to stand straight was not sexy because I know what good skating looked like.

In those cases, it might not carry the best memories intended for a first date.

Tip #1 When is it a good idea to propose and ice-skating date?

Well, if you are quite sure of the person already and want to take your relationship to the next level or want to commit to something on an ice skating date, the plan needs to be made carefully. Suggest an this type of date only in the following cases:

• If both partners can at least stand up on the ice without falling all the time and also manage to move a little, at least.
• If both are equally inexperienced in the sport/activity and may bond well taking the lesson together, trying to stay up together and bond over it.
• If it is a fairly mature relationship, long term preferably and both want a moment to cherish where both partners can be holding hands, being giggly and fresh, and are past judgments (in the falling over context!)
• If you think that intense and emotional dates are the best ones, especially at the start.

Tips to organize your ice skate date

Tip #2 - Have the right mindset

Mindset to have for a successful ice skating date:

You have to want to get to know the other person - not to impress

Imagine a person being too good at something and feeling intimidated versus being on an equal ground of similar inability and feeling relaxed and free of ego! The vulnerability of both the partners being at loss of expertise on a matter like ice skating helps them be themselves, instead of feeling pressured to pretend.

Both of you can laugh at how the other person is falling over. How much both of you are bad at it! The most important thing is, it gives you the power of laughter and confidence too, and how you are brave and forsaking your ego for the other person too. Humility and being open-minded are key, so is the openness to try something new despite the chance of falling… Just have fun!

Tip #3 Choose the rink

Choose one where there is enough space for you two to skate and fall and be as free as possible.  The very small crowded Christmas temporary rink will not be enjoyable, especially for a first date.

The outdoor ones have more feel and vibe and there are bands or DJ’s playing as well, to add to the flavor!

Tip #4 Check if tickets should be reserved

You must be sure of how they will grant you entry. If there is a ticket that needs to be booked in advance, make sure you do that to save from embarrassment. If there are multiple rinks in the area or your town is small, there might be no need for this, but in big cities timed tickets with pre-booking or reservation is a must.

If you don’t do that you might need to wait in the line, and it gets really cold and unpleasant to wait so much. Do your research instead of just showing up without.

Tip #5 Keep warm

It’s important to be warm because nobody wants to fall sick the moment, they are done with their first date. Be reasonable and keep warm enough for the ice-skating rink. If surprising the date, ensure you ask them to wear something which will keep them nicely warm. Check out the next section for tips on what to wear.

Just be careful. Many articles written by journalists or date coaches (and not ice skaters) mention wearing thick socks. DO NOT! You must wear thin clothes for your feet to keep moving and stay warm.

Tip #6 Plan your budget

Include tickets, skate rental, food and beverages in your expense plan for the date. If going Dutch on this, make sure you still have the other person’s share just in case they forget their wallet or don’t have enough.

Tip #7 Bring tissues

The cold and the wind as you skate can give you the sniffles. Don’t forget to bring tissues so that you remain elegant.

Tip #9 Choose your skates

At some rinks you may have a choice of rental skates between figure type skates or hockey type skates.
Hockey skates are often seen cooler. However, for beginners they offer a lot less balance and make it harder to learn.
If this is really you first time, I recommend figure type skates.

Next we will have a look at what to wear when going ice skating as a date.

Outfit for ice skating date – tips for the guys and girls

Tip #10 Wear thin socks

The first thing is to NOT listen to anyone who tells you to wear thick socks at the rink. This is a BAD idea. Nobody in a sane mind will ever tell you to wear thick socks at the skating rink as it hinders your balance and even though you might initially think it is warmer, it is not. Wear thin socks that go high on the calves to go over the skating boot and avoid friction.

Tip #11 Choose the best types of clothes to wear at an ice skating date

• Warm clothes – are a must when you are skating
• Loose clothes – must be worn for you to feel free to move and want to get back up easily if you fall.
• Hats are nice if you are skating outdoors, and they can add a cute touch to your overall look.
• Layers, layers, layers! – this is based on the intensity of your skating, the number of people on the rink or even the weather (if you are skating outside).
• Do not wear a floating scarf. All the pictures of ice skater on the internet include a scarf floating in the wind. It is beautiful on the picture but dangerous in reality. Choose a turtleneck or a neck warmer.

Tip #12 Jeans or no jeans? - can you skate in jeans?

If you are sure you won’t fall much, you can skate in your jeans!
If this is not the case, here is when you should not wear jeans:

• If you know how to and you want to try out some fancy moves.
• If you cannot skate well and might fall a lot… cold ice and jeans are not a great combination!

Tip #13 Gloves or no gloves? - Complex question when it comes to ice skating as a date

Well, normally I always recommend wearing gloves when ice skating. It protects your hands from the cold and from cuts if you fall.

However, this is a date, and you may want to hold the other person’s hand…

If it is a first date, I would wear the gloves at the beginning of the date and see how things progress. You can always remove them later, if you feel there is an opening for holding hands.

Suggested ice-skating date outfit for a girl / woman

You can have a great time at the ice-skating rink and still totally smash the looks department on the date if you keep these points in mind:

• Wear some warm leggings or warm pants and don’t pick that skirt, if you want no free show when you fall!
• You must consider leg warmers, more so, if you are using those horrible rental skates – they will not only keep you warm while hiding the top of the boots, but they will make your legs look longer too!
• A turtleneck top is a good idea which serves a dual purpose of keeping your neck warn while helping you avoid the scarf that would fly around and be annoying. 
• When skating outside you should add another layer. No long coat because of safety reasons but a short wind breaker jacket would be in order.
• You can dress up anyway, just make sure you keep warm and functional and never wear flowy stuff.

What to wear at an ice-skating date for a guy: 

For men, these are good clothes and accessories to go for:

• Bottoms which are warm but not too tight and allows you to move easily.
• A turtleneck sweater looks great and you can also ditch excess warm clothes like scarves if you wear this.
• Skating outside means you would want to add another layer but avoid a long coat, instead, choose a short wind breaker jacket.
• You can also stick to your own style. There is no one way to dress for a skating date, no rules apart from avoiding flowing stuff that might be a reason for you to fall. You can show your personality rather than trying to be someone else.

Ice skating first date moves…

Tip #14 - Suggested move if you fall

Be cool!
Flash your best smile and show that you are not afraid to be vulnerable.

Tip #15 - Suggested move if the other person falls

Offer your hand to help the other person stand up. But only if you are stable yourself, otherwise you could both end up on the ice.

Tip #16 - Suggested move while skating side by side

“Do you want to try skating in unison like a pair? Might be easier if we hold hand so that we feel the rhythm…”

“Do you want to try skating backwards, I can hold your hands”

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Discovering the world of figure skating can feel overwhelming. Take a deep breath, below are 10 tips for ice skating moms and dads to help you take your first steps into this new environment.

Note - this is an article for beginner ice skaters. If you are looking for figure skating parent tips when the skater starts competition, check out my other article.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

#1 - Ice skating moms or dads: Book lessons

Why book lessons

If you yourself cannot skate properly or are self learnt, i.e. not well-versed on technical aspects, you must consider professional training for your child.
To start with the right basis and not take bad forms or habits from the start, lessons are a must.

You can get your kid a private tutor or encourage him/her to join group classes where kids generally make friends and stay motivated as well.
Most classes have play-way training methods, and the entertainment adds on to finesse in applying the techniques.

Which figure skating sport to choose?

Figure skating is a varied sport with different things to do for different personalities and you can pick one according to your child’s preferences.
The basic choices for beginners are Figure Skating or Ice Dance (Synchronized skaters and ice ballet dancers are taken from those 2).

• If the club has common classes for beginners, then you start there
• If the sports are separated from beginner level: Choose figure skating for a more acrobatic child who loves jumping around - or choose ice dance for a less daredevil child who enjoys self-expression and dancing.

Figure Skating is an acrobatic sport, and Ice Dance is more inclined towards the dance element for self-expression.
See the Main differences in this article.

Best age to start

You can start at any age and have a lot of fun.
Any kid who can walk can also skate. However, lessons normally start from 4 years old.
Learn more about the best age for ice skating in this article, and you can learn more about figure skating levels and ages here.

#2 - Send your kid to lessons with proper equipment

#3 - Learn to tie the skates (for when they are young)

Lacing and tying up the skate is important for anyone who is trying out figure skating. The kids need to understand that, just like they cannot run if their shoes aren’t tied properly, they can't skate if their skating shoes are not properly tied up. They can even get blisters and chafes if they are tied the wrong way.

The foot must be locked within the shoe on the skate in a natural position, in the right way. This makes sure the skates work efficiently. It also ensures that the skates wear well, have an extended life too. Ankle support is crucial. If the child falls, the ankle is vulnerable to twists and sprains and it can put them out of action for long.

As a parent, you can tie the skates if they are too young. Make sure the child is seated on a bench and you are standing in front of them with their foot raised to your thighs while tying – with this position, your back will thank you.

This is how you need to gauge if the skate is fitted properly.

• Check if the skate is loose in the toe box.
• The laces are firmly fitting when you check around the hooks and the instep portion is snug.
• The top of the skate has some room, i.e. not tight.

Learn more on my article about how to tie ice skates.

#4 - Ice skating mums should purchase good skates

There is not much point in buying skates straightaway for little children who have started recently, they can manage just fine on rental skates.

However, as soon as you know that your child likes the sport, you should buy a pair of skates. Rental skates can help only so much, as the wear and tear are high, and performance is quite low in these skates. You can follow this guide to buy your child their first pair:

• They must not be too big because figure skating requires a high degree of control. The fit must be exactly right, not too tight either. If the skates are fully loosened up and the foot is pushed forward, there must be one finger space between the heel and the shoe.
• The skates must not be from the adjustable variety as they are not very good for learning more technical figure skating moves.
• Check if the child is comfortable. For sport or even as a hobby, you don’t want your kid to be suffering in a poorly fitted skate. Check if the padding is present, if it is enough for the child to feel good in, and whether is it high density foam to protect their little feet.  
• And don't forget to have them sharpened!

The Jackson brand is a solid well-known brand for beginners and intermediates.

#5 - Learn the basics but do not pretend to be a coach

#6 - Teach your skater how to take care of the skates

#7 - Make sure your child stays hydrated

For any sport, hydration is must. Always carry a bottle of water for the skater as it can be taxing for their little bodies.
Sometimes because it is cold and the child does not go fast, we don't realize the effort involved. But trust me it is a workout! Hydration is required. It is essential to avoid injuries.

Parents you must always bring/pack a nice bottle of water for the end of practice and make sure your kids hydrate.

#8 - Make sure your skater warms up and stretches

Warming up before and stretching after any activity should be an automatism. We are not taught this enough.

Sports is all about muscle performance, and this can increase, and injury be avoided if warm-up and stretching are done properly.

Make sure to do a few exercises with your kid:

Warm up with a few 

• Squats, 
• Rotations of the back,
• Rotation of the shoulders,
• Rotations of the neck

And Stretch especially:

• The thighs (there is a lot of ups and downs in ice skating)
• The calves

If you make it an automatism for your kid to do those things before and after a sport session, this is a huge win!

You can find my figure skating stretching routines in this article (for both warm-up and post-practice).

#9 - Check your skater's feet

Ice skates can be uncomfortable if they get sweaty and create friction. This can also lead to blisters and sore feet.
Make sure to:

• Check for and take care of the blisters.
• Change socks often and not use the same socks over and over again.
• Use socks without seams and reaching over the boot.
• Double-check how well the skates fit.
• Learn how to tie the skates in a better way.
• Ask the child’s coach for tips.

#10 - KEEP IT FUN! What to say and what not to say

Before it is a sport, ice skating should be fun. Don't be impatient and don't rush at the first fall.
Consider the following:

• Let them fall. Most of the time falling is mostly surprising more than it is painful and it is a part of the learning curve. Encourage them to get back up with a smile.
• Do not congratulate that they did not fall at all. This will induce shame if they fall. Normalize falling.
• Ask and make sure they had fun
• If you kid start crying a little, invent a story, make up a character and ask them to imagine if they were feeling like a penguin (for small children). However, if it is at each lesson, maybe this is not the right sport.
• Congratulate on a good move / good control.

Never force them. Let them be. If they are not okay even after a few sessions, maybe this sport is not for them. It is alright if it isn’t.

Extra tips for yourself

Now, we have talked a lot about your kid but not much about you.
Here are a few tips to consider in order to take care of yourself:

• Wear warm clothes - no need to try and be fancy - nice heels are not the most comfortable while waiting at the rink!
• Find other parents which are not too intense. Stay away from the politics of the club at the beginning.
• Depending on the quality of the stands at your rink, you may want to bring a seat cushion (see the example below)
• Watch your kid a little, but also take advantage of this time to do something for you - read a good book, listen to a podcast...

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Going ice skating for the first time? Great this is a wonderful activity with lots of benefits. 
But as a beginner, the first steps on the ice can be dauntin. How to ice skate? 
I have gathered below my top "First time ice skating tips" for you to have a wonderful time and feel in control as much as possible.
Have fun!

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).

#1 - Dress for comfort and safety

The way you dress will have an impact on your first ice skating experience. Your clothes must ensure comfort, warmth, safety.
Below are the essential dos and don'ts of ice skating beginner clothes:

• DON'T wear thick socks - this is the #1 mistake people make because so many websites recommend it... and people are afraid that their feet will get cold. But thick socks will not be breathable and will limit your movements. At the end your feet will get colder. Plus, the thickness hinders your balance.
• DO wear socks that reach above the boot to avoid friction and blisters
• DO wear layers - depending on how fast you are going to move you might need more or less warmth - wear layers so that you can easily remove or add depending on how you feel
• DON'T wear a jean as a beginner - they limit movements and if the ice is wet and you fall, it will become very uncomfortable
• DO wear gloves - they will keep you warm and protect your hands if you fall
• DON'T wear a hanging scarf or a hat that does not hold well to your head - do not wear anything loose that can fall and make somebody else fall or that can get stuck in another piece of clothing and be dangerous for you.

#2 - Choose the right skates - essential First time ice skating tips

Now, let's talk ice skate tips.

2b - Choose the right size of skates

Finding the right size of skates is critical. Here are some tips for your first-time ice skating:

• If they are too small your toes and feet will be sore quickly and you will only be thinking of removing them making the experience not fun
• If they are too big, you won't have proper ankle support and will increase risk of injury

In theory, it is your normal size or larger. Try them to find the most appropriate. They should feel snug. But they should not feel too tight. You must be able to move your toes (so that they don't go numb).

Learn more on my article about the best hockey skates for adults and teens.

#3 - Lace your skate for comfort and ankle support

Once you have the right size of skates, it is as essential to lace them / fasten them up properly.
The same objectives apply:

• you don't want your feet to feel compressed and your toes not to move
• you do want your ankle to be supported.

If you have proper skates with laces:

•  Sit down on a bench,
• Leave your heel on the ground and bend your back,
• Don't lace too tight at the bottom,
• Make a knot in the middle to hold the ankle in place,
• Secure the ankle firmly but make sure you can still bend your ankle,
• Finish with a secure knot that will not become unlaced during skating,
• Tuck the ends into the top of your skates or fold your sock around the top of the boot (if you have long socks) to hold everything in place

Learn more on my article about how to lace your ice skates.

#4 - Start slowly

4a - Warm up

I always think it is a good idea to warm up before any kind of activity.
People do feel embarrassed doing it when they are beginners, but this is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of injury.
Make sure to move your back, neck and shoulders.
Warm up and stretch your legs

4b - Check direction and breathe

Even before entering the rink, take your time. Look at the other skaters. Make sure you enter the rink to skate in the same direction.
Take a deep breath to relax before stepping on the ice

4c - At first, stay close to the barrier

Be patient. At first, stay close to the barrier to feel safer and be able to catch it if needed.
Get a feel for the ice and how your body react to movements.
As soon as you have just a little bit more confidence, try not holding the barrier. You need to find balance without it. Just stay close.

#5 - Think Penguin - how to ice skate for the first time

Ice skating is about balancing your body weight and using it to provide momentum and change direction.
At first don't even try the basic push step. Just try walking like a penguin. Think penguin

I mean:

• keep you skates apart but under your shoulder (not touching but not to wide open)
• have your feet point forward or slightly toes opened out
• move your body weight from one foot to the other and back to the first and so on and so on. But careful! I mean slight moves. Do not try throw yourself on each foot of course. Any abrupt move reduces your balance.

And just like that you are taking your first steps on the ice!

#6 - Don't look down - Ice skating tip for beginner

I know it is a reflex. you want to look at what your feet are doing.
After all it is quite incredible to be able to balance on such a narrow blade!

However, one of the best tips for beginning ice skating is to keep your head up and look straight ahead. In the direction where you want to go. 

If you look down, you lose control of the direction and you move your body weight forward and lose balance.

#7 - Bend your knees

This is where we start getting serious. LOL.
Even without skates, you know that if someone pushes you, you are more stable when bending the knees that when standing straight.
The lower your center of gravity, the more balance and control you have.
So you must bend your knees, even just a little when you are gliding so that you keep better balance.

Now if you feel comfortable you can try opening your feet as you balance your body weight from one side to the other, in other to push and glide!

#8 - If you start going faster, learn to stop

By this point, you are probably gaining confidence and going a little faster.
Therefore you have to learn to stop!

To stop:

• keep your feet straight under your shoulders,
• bend your knees,
• turn the toes of each foot inwards (and thus, point your heels out)
• and push out on the middle of the feet.
• Do not lean forward and keep looking where you are going!

Make sure to practice before you need it. Because if you are about to bump into another skater, you won't have time to think about the various stages of the brake. It must become a reflex.

#9 - Know how to stand up

Let's be honest. There is a significant probability that you can end up with your bottom on the ice.
To feel in control of your experience, it is better to know how to stand back up. Because when your feet slide, getting back up is not the same as on solid ground.
Learning to fall and to stand up with reduce the risk of injury.

First, the tips for when you fall (which are applicable for everywhere) - try to roll yourself into a ball

• Try not to use your hands to break your fall. 
• Try tucking your head, chin tucked into your chest
• Bend elbows and knees
• Try falling on the side

Once you are down, to get back up:

• Laugh it up
• Roll your fingers inside your hands 
• Turn around to be on your knees
• Lift one leg, place the blade on the ice between your hands
• Push and lift the other leg
• but do not go all the way standing, keep your knees bent to regain your balance.

#10 - Have fun!

I know it is an easy tip...But it is essential.
What's the point if you are not having fun.
Try to relax. This is not about performance. This is about the experience.
In my opinion even just gliding a little provides a lot of satisfaction. 
Ice skating is the best feeling in the World!

Extra ice skating beginner tips if ice skating as a family

And a few more first-time ice skating tips if you are trying out the activity as a family with toddlers:

• Don't hold hands at the beginning
  Everyone must find his balance on his own: adults and kids
  If you have very little kids, you can use some of the skating aids - they can help them feel more comfortable with balance.
  However if they are a little older and have to bend over to hold the aid, then it is not a good idea because it is messing up their balance
• Don't be scared if your kid is falling
  If there is no injury, have a big smile laugh and make it a normal part of the experience.

Now, if you have enjoyed that first experience, maybe you want to make it a frequent activity! Here are some articles that can help you:

• Figure skates vs hockey skates
• Best hockey skates for kids
• How to take care of your skates
• Essential figure skating equipment
• Ice skating gift ideas
• Ice Hockey gifts for kids (boys and girls)