LEARN TO SKATE

Think about comfort, movement and warmth when you are planning your outfit. You’ll need to be able to move freely and perhaps protect your skin if you fall, so it’s a good idea to wear clothing with plenty of stretch and a degree of water resistance - most sports leggings and tops will serve you well. It's also a good idea to choose clothing without loose cords or anything that might obstruct your movement. Gloves, preferably waterproof, are also an essential for most skaters.

When you are first starting out you will probably be practicing small movements a lot so it might be a bit colder than a skater who is practicing skating their program to music. Wearing several layers is a great option as you can add or remove them depending on how hard you are working or how cold the rink is that day.

If you're worried about falling (we've all been there!) you can buy padded shorts, knee and elbow pads. You can also buy silicone protection sleeves for inside your boots if friction or pressure points are a problem.

There is a huge industry devoted to fashion for skaters, so feel free to indulge and brighten your skating wardrobe!

Of course! You can attend open skating sessions where you just pay for some time on the ice at most ice rinks - most will also offer ice skate rental so you don't need to buy any equipment to give it a try. Don't be discouraged if you find it challenging on your own, though - getting lessons from trained coaches can make a world of difference in how quickly you gain confidence on the ice!

Many adults attend group classes (learn to skate) or learn from each other before they find a coach. Getting coached, in a group or individually, will help you improve and prevent bad habits from forming - though this shouldn't stop you practicing with your friends or alone!

Most rinks will offer ice skate rental, so you don't need to commit to buying skates right away. However, once you have decided that you would like to continue your skating journey it’s a good idea to buy your own boots and blades. Owning your own equipment gives you the consistency of having a great fit and the same feeling on your feet whenever you practice.

In the beginning it isn’t necessary to choose the top of the range option, and you can often find second hand skates online or perhaps from your local skate club - the coaches and staff at your rink may also be able to point you in the right direction. However it is a good idea to get properly fitted for skates before you buy any - search for your local skate shop where they will be able to carry out a fitting and offer plenty of advice. Keep in mind that different skate brands have different fits, so what suits your friend might not be the best for you.

There is nothing quite like getting your first pair of ice skates, so take your time and enjoy the process!

This will vary rink to rink but a good way would be to ask the rink front desk if there is a head coach or skating club you can contact.