Spending time on an ice rink or frozen lake can be remarkably invigorating, but it also requires a big helping of courtesy and good manners.
Ice Rules
One of the most important unwritten rules of skating says that more-seasoned, experienced skaters are expected to do whatever it takes to avoid collisions. When coming up on slower skaters, pass them on the outside by a wide margin, saying “excuse me” if you’re unavoidably close to them. Don’t rocket past slower skaters—besides being rude, it could be dangerous if they unknowingly get in front of you. When approaching skaters coming in the opposite direction, pass to your right of them.Be Helpful
If you see a skater struggling to stay upright, or who has fallen, carefully approach them and offer a helping hand to get back up. They may well be embarrassed, so think twice before offering unsolicited advice or technique suggestions, making sure to phrase whatever you say so that it comes across as friendly, like, “It took me forever to learn to skate until a friend showed me this trick.” If they are receptive, give them a few pointers.Be Respectful
Not everyone on the ice has spent many years perfecting their skills, so it’s important that those with well-honed skills take care to not look down on those who are new to the ice or simply less talented. Just as sound travels across water, so, too, does it travel across ice, meaning that any less-than-flattering comments about awkward skaters might be heard by them and others. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.Control the Kids
An ice skating rink or frozen lake isn’t a substitute day care facility, so don’t simply turn the kids loose while you look for hot chocolate or check your email. Being a good parent, older sibling, or responsible babysitter means keeping an eye on your kids. This includes safety concerns and proper behavior; if they are having problems skating, make sure they don’t get hurt. Also make sure they politely share the ice with other skaters and don’t get rambunctious.Share the Ice
You may well be the next Wayne Gretzky, and yes, hockey is played on ice by folks wearing skates, but that doesn’t mean you should skate aggressively or in a manner that might intimidate those around you. That goes for budding Olympians who want to practice spins and leaps as well as coaches who are giving lessons. If you’re practicing a routine that requires you to cover a lot of ice, plan ahead to skate when the rink isn’t crowded.
