Wear suitable clothing
Wear casual and comfortable clothes that are practical for you to move in – some comfy trousers and a festive jumper would be perfect! Make sure you bring some thick socks to wear with your skates, which will help you to avoid blisters, and always remember a pair of gloves to keep you warm in the cold and to protect your hands from any falls.

Make sure your skates are the right size
Skates that are too big put you at risk of twisting your ankles, and if your skates are too small you’re going to have sore toes very quickly, so when you arrive at the rink be sure to select the right size. Don’t be afraid to try a couple of sizes to make sure they’re a good fit!

Secure your skates correctly
Just as important as finding the right size skates is making sure that they’re fastened correctly. You want your skates to be snug and secure; this will help you feel stable and steady on the ice and again will stop your feet turning inwards. Make sure that your skates feel comfortable before you get on the ice.

Take your time
If you’re a beginner it’s best to take your time and not expect too much from yourself straight away when you first step on the ice. Start by holding on to the side barrier and taking short, marching steps. This will help your balance and help you get used to the feeling of the ice beneath your skates.

Follow the rules of the rink
At every ice rink you go to there are always a series of rules that visitors must follow to keep everyone safe and to avoid accidents. You’ll be able to find all rules on posters around the rink, so make sure you’re familiar with them before you start skating.