Synthetic Ice Rinks For All Times of the Year

Synthetic Ice, also known by the more ambiguous name ‘artificial ice’, is most commonly defined as being a solid polymer which is designed for being skated upon with normal skates with traditional metal blades. The first appearance of Synthetic Ice for use as a substitute for ice during Ice Skating came during the 1960s. However, the use of the polyoxymethylene plastic (developed during the 1950s) in Synthetic Ice Rinks had several drawbacks, namely that skaters could not glide on surfaces made of this synthetic plastic without the regular application of a certain silicone compound which, when left on the surface of the synthetic ice, would regularly build up a layer on the surface and collect dirt and grime.

 In the mid-1990s, however, the first full size synthetic skating floor was launched. This Synthetic Skating Rink was made of interlocking panels made of high density polyethylene which, when sprayed with a gliding fluid, has similar gliding properties to a real ice rink.

 When skating on natural ice, the friction caused by the movement of the skate’s blade on the surface of the ice increases the temperature of the microscopic layers on the top of the ice, causing this layer to melt, thereby reducing drag and allowing the skating blade to glide on the surface of the ice. As this melting would not occur on a plastic ice rink (or any ice rink made from an artificial substance) liquid is used to optimise gliding, although some synthetic ice rinks do allow the users to skate on the surface without liquid having to be applied.

 There are other noticeable differences when comparing the use of artificial ice with that of natural ice. For example, more effort is typically required to skate on an artificial ice surface than on a natural one but this can prove to be beneficial for skaters as this side effect can be incorporated in resistance training. However, a notable disadvantage to using synthetic ice rinks (one which is often reported by skaters) is that skates become worn out much faster. If the synthetic ice rink is being used for a wide range of ice-based activities and sports (ranging from normal ice skating, ice hockey and curling) yet another advantage of using synthetic Ice Rinks becomes evident as the temporary markings that are applied for hockey or other sports wear off easily (although permanently embedded markings do not scratch off) meaning that this surface can be used for a variety of purposes.

Ice Skating is a Leisure and a Sport

Ice Skating is a source of enjoyment for all ages in all areas. It is enjoyed nearly everywhere and can be done for pleasure or for a profession as a sport. Ice skating is possible because the thin blade attached to the shoe can move over the ice with little friction, but to control and adapt movement, it is possible to lean over and dig an edge into the ice, whilst increasing friction, allowing you to slow down and stop.

There are many different ways that a person can enjoy themselves on ice, not just the well-known figure skating. Ice hockey is very competitive and enjoyed in many countries including the US where the National Hockey League is a professional league of the highest standard. Canada has a similar league which is their National Winter Sport. There is also Speed Skating, Tour Skating, Ringette and Kite Ice Skating. Kite and Tour Ice-skating are generally held outside on naturally frozen ice as large areas of ice are required with other elements such as wind a necessity. Ringette is generally played by women and is a team sport played by women in which a rubber ring must be placed into the opposing teams net. This is most common in Canada.

When skating on ice it is important to wear the correct footwear, this will ensure that you are able to move in the safest and quickest manner. When fitting the footwear, make sure that you take note of the shape and width of the heel, depth of instep and forefoot, length of the skate and the width of the forefoot. If you do not have the correct skate, lack of support, cramping, less efficient use of your energy and even soreness can occur. Boot manufactures do build their boots with this in mind but it is important to check yourself also.

There are dangerous attached to ice-skating, especially when not practising the art in a controlled area or acting silly. The most universal danger is that of falling, a skater could fall through the ice if outdoors, catch themselves on their skate or even crack their head if inside. If falling through the ice, it is often very difficult to get out and thus can die as they are unable to get out due to heavy clothes, being unable to find a route out, going into shock or contracting Hypothermia to name but a few.  Therefore when skating outside it is important that the ice will generally be thinner near bridges, near the edges of the body of water or where the sun is shining on, this is due to the temperature being higher. Also, the wind can make weak spots in the ice by making holes which thus freeze over but are still far weaker. Therefore, make sure that you are careful when outside, and never go alone.