Every newbie has a question in their mind when looking to start ice skates. It is common for them to ask, is ice skating hard or they can learn it easily. Undoubtedly, ice skating is a challenging sport that demands a lot of focus and control to avoid accidents.
Multiple factors make it hard for newbies to learn the right way to ice skate and perform well on the ground. Being a beginner, you might be looking for the reasons that make it hard to enjoy this sport.
You have landed on the right page as we are going to explain 5 reasons that make ice skating a hard sport. Let’s have a look at the following sections!
Why Is Ice Skating Hard?
Undoubtedly, ice skating is harder than all other types of skating. You must be a master of this sport to perform well on the ground and get applause from the people. Here we have enlisted 5 solid reasons that show you why is ice skating hard, especially for beginners.
(Some helpful items just for you!)
1. Difficult Balancing
The most challenging task in ice skating is balancing while skating. For a beginner, it is difficult to understand the position according to which they should adjust their bodies for proper balancing.
For example, the basic step to balance your body for proper ice skating is lowering your knees. You can also learn multiple other exercises and ways to balance your body for proper skating over the ice.
Due to difficult exercises, it is hard to ice skate for a beginner. That’s why many people say ice skating is challenging as compared to other types like roller skating.
2. Multiple Postures
Whether you are just learning how to skate smoothly on ice or tips to skate faster, you will get multiple postures to practice. For example, you will be instructed to lower your knees, bend your back, and spread your hands for proper skating.
The postures that you must adopt in ice skating keep on changing with your goal. In simple words, you have to pick a specific posture for balancing your body. Similarly, you have to switch to another posture to skate faster or slower than your normal speed.
For many people, multiple postures aren’t difficult to understand. But the main thing that makes ice skating challenging is setting their bodies in the exact posture for the required results.
3. Difficult Braking System
It is right to say that ice skating is the most challenging type of skating when it comes to braking. You can’t stop your movement simply just like you do in roller skating or skateboarding.
You may have to learn how to stop while skating over ice from your instructor. The reason is you have to move your feet in a proper direction as well as your entire body’s posture will involve in it.
As a rider has to adopt different steps for stopping ice skates, it makes the sport hard. Many riders have faced problems while doing so and claim that ice skating is hard for them.
4. Slippery Surface
If it is said that surface is the main reason that makes ice skating challenging, it will be right. The reason is your skates will remain in direct connection with the surface, and you have to ride over there.
Being ice on the surface will keep your feet cold and give you a challenge to roll over slippery surfaces. In simple words, you have to overcome two major problems at a time. The first one is keeping your feet warm, while the second one is keeping your movement stable.
Undoubtedly, you can wear the best socks in skates for keeping your feet warm. But you still have to face problems while riding over a slipper surface. That’s why, it is considered a real-time challenge to enjoy ice skating.
5. Falling Problems
If someone is saying that they haven’t fallen even once during ice skate, they are lying. It is impossible to be a master of this sport without falling on the cold surface. The reason is improper balancing, slipper surface, and wrong posture.
You can either fall due to an instant brake or the extra sharpness of your ice skates. It depends on different factors, but the final result remains the same i.e. you are falling on the surface.
Due to this reason, you will find ice skating is hard without enough grip on your skates. You can avoid such issues by learning how to control your body and movement while ice skating.
Read more: How To Lace Ice Skates?
Tips To Make Ice Skating Easier
By reading the above guide, you have understood now whether ice skating is hard or not. You might be facing issues while skating on ice. Therefore, we have enlisted some tips here to let you skate properly over ice.
Choose The Right Skates
You can overcome multiple issues like speed control, body adjustment, and others by choosing the right pair of skates. When you have comfortable skates that fit your size, you will be able to learn the art of ice skating easily.
Warm Up First
It is recommended to warm up before ice skating. The reason is your body won’t adjust to the cold surface quickly when you start riding. To adjust your body to the conditions, you have to keep it warm, which is only possible through this approach.
Learn The Right Way To Fall
As mentioned, it is impossible to ice skate without falling. But you can still make it entertaining and enjoyable by learning how to fall on the surface. You only have to understand the right way to do so to enjoy it as well as keep yourself safe.
Do March First
To understand different tips while ice skating and letting your body warm up, you should go for the march first. In this regard, you will do a round of ice skating surface with your team by hands joining each other. It will help you balance yourself and resolve any issue you might be facing during your ride.
Read more: Top Skating Tips For Beginners.
Is Ice Skating Hard: Final Words
Ice skating is hard because of multiple factors that many newbies may not be able to understand. That’s why, it is termed as the hardest skating type over the others. For your assistance, we shared some tips to let you ice skate properly. We bet these tips will definitely make you a better ice skater.
Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions left.
Goodbye & Keep Skating Like A Pro With SkatersDen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes ice skating hard?
Ice skating is considered challenging due to the need for balance on thin blades while moving on a slippery surface. Stopping and controlling speed can be difficult without a direct stopping mechanism. The fear of falling and unfamiliar sensation can also add to the difficulty. So, regular practice is essential to master this skill.
Q: Can I make hard ice skating easy?
Yes, you can make ice skating easier through regular practice, which will help improve your balance, strength, and coordination over time. Taking lessons from a professional can provide you with the proper techniques and safety measures. Wearing appropriate gear, like well-fitted skates and protective padding, can also enhance your comfort and confidence on the ice.
Q: Is ice skating hard for kids?
Ice skating can initially be challenging for children due to the balance and coordination required. However, kids often adapt quickly due to their lower center of gravity and fearlessness. With proper equipment, supportive teaching methods, and regular practice, they can overcome the initial difficulty and enjoy ice skating.