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Sports and Fitness
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Ice Skating
How to Try Ice Skating for the First Time Download Article Co-authored by Eva Erickson
Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Approved
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Choosing Correct Attire
|
Learning How to Be Safe
|
Getting on the Ice
|
Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Eva Erickson. Eva Erickson is a Survivor and reality TV contestant based in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for being the first openly autistic contestant on CBS’ Survivor and the Survivor 48 runner-up, Eva has a passion for inspiring others through her experiences and has since cultivated a social media presence highlighting Survivor, hockey, and autism advocacy. Eva is pursuing a PhD in Engineering Fluid and Thermal Science and is currently researching vortex- and wake-induced vibrations of elastically mounted seal whisker-inspired objects at Brown University for her PhD thesis. She has a BS in Physics from Georgia Tech, where she was also the first and only woman to play on the men’s hockey team. She also works as an NCAA Division I hockey official for the Hockey East conference. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 138,119 times.
Ice skating is a go-to winter activity for kids and adults. What a fantastic way to spend a wintry afternoon! Imagine how fun it would be gliding gracefully on the ice, performing magnificent spins and triple toe loops. It will take a while to get there, however. This classic pastime is one that is filled with thrills and chills. As a newbie, you may be eager to dive right in but taking things slow is in your best interest here. By having a little patience and learning the basics, you can ensure your time on the ice is a breeze and one you'll be dying to repeat.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Choosing Correct Attire
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1 Wear proper clothes. There's no need to run out and purchase a leotard, but there are some things to keep in mind when going ice skating for the first time. Wear clothes that are easy to move around in, like a t-shirt and loose-fitting pants.
Don’t wear jeans. They will become damp when you fall on the ice.
2 Select warm outerwear. The ice gets cold, as you can imagine, so don’t forget the items that will keep you warm like gloves, a hat, a scarf and a light jacket.
Remember, you'll be moving around quite a bit. Choose a jacket that is warm but light. Also, a coat that hangs to the ground is a hazard.
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3 Wear socks or tights. Keep your feet happy by wearing a thick pair of socks or tights. Skip the cotton socks as they do not absorb moisture very well. They also tend to be bulky which can cause blistering on the feet.
Instead, thin wool socks will work great. They should stretch up to your calf so they don't fall down while skating.
4 Choose proper skates. Ask the rink attendant to give you two sizes to try. These should be your normal, everyday shoe size, plus one size larger. Put both pairs on to see how they feel laced up. Skates that are too loose will not provide the proper ankle support needed.[1]XResearch source They should feel snug but not so tight that they strangle your feet and cause your toes to go numb.
Lace the skates from the toe up. Tie the final knot firmly so that they do not become unlaced during skating. You can even tuck the ends into the top of the skates for extra security.
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Learning How to Be Safe
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1 Have a lesson with a trainer. This is a great way to understand some of the fundamentals of the activity. A lot of rinks offer short, introductory classes for all age groups. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and interact to get the most out of it.
Take friends along too. Even if they're pros, having buddies will make the time more enjoyable.
2 Try walking. With your skates on, work on your balance by walking around the venue on the carpet. If the venue offers blade guards, use them, as they will protect the blade. You may notice right away that you can’t walk standing straight up, nor should you. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent and put your weight on the balls of your feet.[2]X Expert Source Eva EricksonSurvivor and Reality TV ContestantExpert Interview
Never take ice skates onto concrete. Falling will really hurt and you will ruin the blades.
3 Practice to fall. Falling is a natural part of the sport and it is bound to happen a couple of times. Even the greatest skaters fall. By learning to fall properly, you will reduce the possibility of a serious injury. While on the carpeted area, bend your knees and do a squat. Slowly fall backwards to the ground, landing on your bottom. Keep your chin tucked into your chest. This will keep your head from snapping back and hitting the cold, hard ice.
Try not to use your hands to break your fall. While on the ice, another skater could come flying by and run over your fingers. You could also badly injure your wrists.
Instead, leave your arms out at your sides or out in front of you.
Practice this several times before heading to the ice.
4 Practice getting up. Roll over onto your hands and knees. Place one foot beneath you, between your hands. Bring the other foot forward and push up slowly. When upright, keep your knees slightly bent to regain full balance.[3]XResearch source
It’s important you get this technique down before getting onto the ice. When on the ice, try not to enlist the help of others to get you up. You could lose your balance again and pull them down with you.
Try to get up quickly as the ice is cold and may make you feel uncomfortable.
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Getting on the Ice
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1 Check ice thickness. When skating outdoors, it's critically that you check the pond/lake thickness. You can do this by simply calling the park administrators. Four inches is the recommended thickness for activities like these.[4]XResearch source
Once they've checked, ask them to remove any debris like tree limbs that may have fallen onto the ice. You will want a clear path at all times.
2 Enter rink door. Never jump over the wall to get access to the ice. Other skaters may not see you. You could end up hurting yourself, as well as someone else.
When entering, notice the direction the traffic is flowing and head in the same direction.
3 Stay close to the wall. Walk around the edge of the rink. Hold onto the wall if necessary until you get a feel for the ice, your skates and overall balance. Remain relaxed and don’t rush to start zipping around the rink.
As you build confidence, slowly distance yourself from the wall but never going too far. Keep your arms out at your sides for balance.
4 Try gliding. Keep your skates about shoulder width apart and knees slightly over your toes. Make sure that your chin remains parallel to the ice. Start with both feet pointing forward, then slightly turn the right foot out to create a 45 degree angle. This will be your pushing foot. Keep your weight centered directly over the skates.[5]X Expert Source Eva EricksonSurvivor and Reality TV ContestantExpert Interview When ready, bend deeper onto the left knee and push out with your right foot.[6]XResearch source
Hold the position and you’re gliding!
5 Practice stopping. Work on a two-foot stop in the beginning. To do so, point your knees slightly inward and press on the outside edges of your blades. Your toes will point inward towards each other as well. A little snow will kick up if done correctly. Don’t press too hard and jam your feet into the ice. Applying a tiny bit of pressure will slow you done and create a full stop.[7]XResearch source
When practicing, notice your posture and try not to lean forward.
Try to get this technique down before moving on to more advanced skills.
6 Continue to practice. Most people do not nail ice skating the first time out so keep trying to improve. Work on your balance and getting comfortable with the fundamentals. Watch others that are doing well to hone your skills.[8]X Expert Source Eva EricksonSurvivor and Reality TV ContestantExpert Interview
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Community Q&A
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Question How do I keep my balance so as not to fall? Xoang Community Answer When starting out, you can hold onto the wall or another person. Some rinks have aids that you can push around on the ice to keep you upright. After a while, your legs will soon learn the new skill. Also, falling is a fundamental of the skating world -- it shows you're trying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 41
Question What if I break a bone? Community Answer You could break a bone crossing the street or taking the garbage out. There are risks in life and sure, while donning ice skates and going on the ice increases the risks, provided you are careful, you'll be just fine. Falling over will happen, it's part of the learning process, so learn how to fall safely and you should be fine. Don't go in there with the mindset you'll break anything -- think confidently about mastering this new skill, skate cautiously, fall safely and pick yourself up each time and just keep practicing. You're going to be just fine. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 52
Question What do I do if someone runs over my hand? Community Answer There might be a cut that could require some gauze or a band-aid. The angle of an ice-skate is not like a knife, so you're not likely to get seriously hurt. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 34
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Warnings
Take your time and go slowly in the beginning. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
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How to Ice Skate: Basic Techniques, What to Wear & MoreHow toLearn Ice Skating by YourselfHow toInline SkateHow toFigure Skate (for Beginners)How toRoller SkateHow toBecome a Figure SkaterHow to Teach a Kid to Roller Skate in 14 Easy and Safe StepsHow toRollerbladeHow toAlpine Ski if You Are a BeginnerHow toWalk on IceHow to Stop When Roller SkatingHow toStop on Ice SkatesHow toRoller Skate BackwardsHow toAvoid Slipping in Snow Advertisement
↑ Eva Erickson. Survivor and Reality TV Contestant. Expert Interview
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RM9EFLfzEM
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUW1hWyliKk
↑ Eva Erickson. Survivor and Reality TV Contestant. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Eva Erickson Survivor and Reality TV Contestant This article was co-authored by Eva Erickson. Eva Erickson is a Survivor and reality TV contestant based in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for being the first openly autistic contestant on CBS’ Survivor and the Survivor 48 runner-up, Eva has a passion for inspiring others through her experiences and has since cultivated a social media presence highlighting Survivor, hockey, and autism advocacy. Eva is pursuing a PhD in Engineering Fluid and Thermal Science and is currently researching vortex- and wake-induced vibrations of elastically mounted seal whisker-inspired objects at Brown University for her PhD thesis. She has a BS in Physics from Georgia Tech, where she was also the first and only woman to play on the men’s hockey team. She also works as an NCAA Division I hockey official for the Hockey East conference. This article has been viewed 138,119 times. 172 votes - 86% Co-authors: 20Updated: October 30, 2025 Views: 138,119 Categories: Ice Skating In other languages German French Dutch Indonesian Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Kheang Souheang
Oct 23, 2017
"After I watched a YouTube video about a skater (Evgenia Armanora Medvedeva), I want to be like her. She's the one who changed my dreams."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Eva Erickson Survivor and Reality TV Contestant Co-authors: 20Updated: October 30, 2025 Views: 138,11986% of readers found this article helpful. 172 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote
Kheang Souheang
Oct 23, 2017
"After I watched a YouTube video about a skater (Evgenia Armanora Medvedeva), I want to be like her. She's the one who changed my dreams."..." more
Breanna Oppong
Dec 29, 2016
"It was very good information on how to skate, and it was really elaborate on the things that you should and should not do."..." more
Ke'Andra Walden
Jan 3, 2017
"I was thinking about going ice skating this weekend, but I don't know how to skate on ice. This was very helpful! "..." more
A. Cila
May 15, 2017
"It gives a good perspective on ice skating. One can even picture oneself skating."
Lynn Creek
Aug 12, 2017
"The article advised me what I should wear - not jeans or cotton socks." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Eva Erickson Survivor and Reality TV Contestant This article was co-authored by Eva Erickson. Eva Erickson is a Survivor and reality TV contestant based in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for being the first openly autistic contestant on CBS’ Survivor and the Survivor 48 runner-up, Eva has a passion for inspiring others through her experiences and has since cultivated a social media presence highlighting Survivor, hockey, and autism advocacy. Eva is pursuing a PhD in Engineering Fluid and Thermal Science and is currently researching vortex- and wake-induced vibrations of elastically mounted seal whisker-inspired objects at Brown University for her PhD thesis. She has a BS in Physics from Georgia Tech, where she was also the first and only woman to play on the men’s hockey team. She also works as an NCAA Division I hockey official for the Hockey East conference. This article has been viewed 138,119 times. 172 votes - 86% Co-authors: 20 Updated: October 30, 2025 Views: 138,119 Categories: Ice Skating In other languages German French Dutch Indonesian Japanese 
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1 Wear proper clothes. There's no need to run out and purchase a leotard, but there are some things to keep in mind when going ice skating for the first time. Wear clothes that are easy to move around in, like a t-shirt and loose-fitting pants. 
2 Select warm outerwear. The ice gets cold, as you can imagine, so don’t forget the items that will keep you warm like gloves, a hat, a scarf and a light jacket. 
3 Wear socks or tights. Keep your feet happy by wearing a thick pair of socks or tights. Skip the cotton socks as they do not absorb moisture very well. They also tend to be bulky which can cause blistering on the feet. 
4 Choose proper skates. Ask the rink attendant to give you two sizes to try. These should be your normal, everyday shoe size, plus one size larger. Put both pairs on to see how they feel laced up. Skates that are too loose will not provide the proper ankle support needed.[1] They should feel snug but not so tight that they strangle your feet and cause your toes to go numb. 
1 Have a lesson with a trainer. This is a great way to understand some of the fundamentals of the activity. A lot of rinks offer short, introductory classes for all age groups. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and interact to get the most out of it. 
2 Try walking. With your skates on, work on your balance by walking around the venue on the carpet. If the venue offers blade guards, use them, as they will protect the blade. You may notice right away that you can’t walk standing straight up, nor should you. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent and put your weight on the balls of your feet.[2] 
3 Practice to fall. Falling is a natural part of the sport and it is bound to happen a couple of times. Even the greatest skaters fall. By learning to fall properly, you will reduce the possibility of a serious injury. While on the carpeted area, bend your knees and do a squat. Slowly fall backwards to the ground, landing on your bottom. Keep your chin tucked into your chest. This will keep your head from snapping back and hitting the cold, hard ice. 
4 Practice getting up. Roll over onto your hands and knees. Place one foot beneath you, between your hands. Bring the other foot forward and push up slowly. When upright, keep your knees slightly bent to regain full balance.[3] 
1 Check ice thickness. When skating outdoors, it's critically that you check the pond/lake thickness. You can do this by simply calling the park administrators. Four inches is the recommended thickness for activities like these.[4] 
2 Enter rink door. Never jump over the wall to get access to the ice. Other skaters may not see you. You could end up hurting yourself, as well as someone else. 
3 Stay close to the wall. Walk around the edge of the rink. Hold onto the wall if necessary until you get a feel for the ice, your skates and overall balance. Remain relaxed and don’t rush to start zipping around the rink. 
4 Try gliding. Keep your skates about shoulder width apart and knees slightly over your toes. Make sure that your chin remains parallel to the ice. Start with both feet pointing forward, then slightly turn the right foot out to create a 45 degree angle. This will be your pushing foot. Keep your weight centered directly over the skates.[5] When ready, bend deeper onto the left knee and push out with your right foot.[6] 
5 Practice stopping. Work on a two-foot stop in the beginning. To do so, point your knees slightly inward and press on the outside edges of your blades. Your toes will point inward towards each other as well. A little snow will kick up if done correctly. Don’t press too hard and jam your feet into the ice. Applying a tiny bit of pressure will slow you done and create a full stop.[7] 
6 Continue to practice. Most people do not nail ice skating the first time out so keep trying to improve. Work on your balance and getting comfortable with the fundamentals. Watch others that are doing well to hone your skills.[8] Advertisement 
Xoang Community Answer When starting out, you can hold onto the wall or another person. Some rinks have aids that you can push around on the ice to keep you upright. After a while, your legs will soon learn the new skill. Also, falling is a fundamental of the skating world -- it shows you're trying. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 41 
Community Answer You could break a bone crossing the street or taking the garbage out. There are risks in life and sure, while donning ice skates and going on the ice increases the risks, provided you are careful, you'll be just fine. Falling over will happen, it's part of the learning process, so learn how to fall safely and you should be fine. Don't go in there with the mindset you'll break anything -- think confidently about mastering this new skill, skate cautiously, fall safely and pick yourself up each time and just keep practicing. You're going to be just fine. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 52 
Community Answer There might be a cut that could require some gauze or a band-aid. The angle of an ice-skate is not like a knife, so you're not likely to get seriously hurt. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 34 
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