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Rockefeller Center, Central Park, the Olympic Ring at Lake Placid-nothing beats skating at an outdoor rink, especially a famous outdoor rink! When presented with the chance to skate a an historic and symbolic outdoor rink, jump at it! Skating rink etiquette is the same at all rinks; however, outdoor skating rinks present unique challenges due to weather and size.

During free skate at all rinks, skaters skate counter-clockwise. Think of the rink like a highway-beginners stay to the right (close to the wall). Faster, more advanced skaters skate to the left and experienced skaters perform jumps and turns in the center of the rink.

Outdoor rinks are different than indoor rinks because of weather.

-Dress in layers so that as you skate, you can remove layers to keep from overheating. It is more important to wear a hat while skating outdoors to retain warmth.

-Skate at the beginning of a session then the ice is fresh and smooth. If it is extremely cold outside, the ice will melt and re-freeze quickly as people skate on it, making it bumpy and more difficult to skate.

-If you stop for a break, make it a short one, or take a break indoors so that you do not get chilled. As soon as you stop moving, your sweat will begin to cool off and you will get cold quickly!

Outdoor rinks are usually smaller than indoor rinks.

-At smaller rinks with more people, skating etiquette is more important than ever. Adhering to "skating lanes" will ensure that everyone has fun.

-At smaller rinks, it is also much easier to skate at the beginning of a session, or after the ice has been "zambonied," as it will be smoother, with fewer ankle-twisting ruts.

Outdoor skating in the "Wild"

-Skating on a frozen lake, pond or river is risky, but can be fun. Always make sure to test the ice before skating.

-Never skate on a lake or pond alone. Always take someone with you so that you will have help if the ice breaks.

-Always take a whistle or cell phone so that you or someone else can call for help if needed.

Preparing for an outdoor skating experience makes it more fun. Depending on where you are going to skate, different precautions must be taken. Whether in the wilds of Minnesota, or the jungle of New York city, even if you are wearing your party dress straight from the theater, if you are at Rockefeller Center during free skate, and there is room on the ice, lace up some skates and go!

Learn more about this author, Katherine Elzer-Peters.
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