It’s National Skating Month!

Have you ever wanted to lace up a pair of skates and get out on the ice? Now is your chance! Throughout January and February, rinks and programs across the country will celebrate National Skating Month — an annual campaign designed to provide fun-filled days at the rink to communities nationwide.

Keep an eye out for local media promoting National Skating Month events in your area, or check with your local ice rink to inquire about upcoming events. The whole day will be planned for you — all you need to do is give the ice a try! Having a blast? Don’t forget to share your experience with #NationalSkatingMonth for your chance to be featured on Learn to Skate USA social media or in an upcoming edition of Learn to Skate USA The Magazine.

Already have an event in mind? Here are some tips to make your first time on the ice a success:

Getting Started

A lot more happens than skating the moment you step on the ice. Friendships are formed. Courage is found. Passion is discovered. But what do you wear? How should your skates fit? As you prepare for your first skating experience, check out our tips and tricks for getting started, including proper attire, equipment fitting, safe skating rules and more, here.

Basic Techniques

Okay, you’re dressed appropriately and you’ve made it out on the ice. Now what? How do you move forward and what are these spikes on the front of your toes? It’s time to fall in love with skating, and we’re here to help. Check out some of the basic techniques you’ll need to glide where you want to go, including how-to tips for forward skating, backward skating and stops, here.

Next Steps

Now that you’re hooked, how can you continue your skating journey? Head to LearnToSkateUSA.com or talk to your local program to find the Learn to Skate USA curriculum that’s right for you.

Whether your goal is to learn to skate backward, spin really fast or even score a goal, National Skating Month is the perfect place to start! What are you waiting for? The ice is calling…