Learning to ice skate for the first time can feel overwhelming — but with the right approach, you will be gliding confidently within your very first lesson.
Step 1: Choose the Right Skates
For complete beginners, recreational ice skates or figure skates work best. Hockey skates have a shorter blade and are harder to balance on. Make sure your skates fit snugly — no more than a half size down from your shoe size.
Step 2: Get on the Ice Safely
Hold the barrier with both hands. Bend your knees slightly — this is your most important habit. A straight-legged skater will always fall. Keep your weight centered and slightly forward.
Step 3: Learn the Penguin Walk
Before you glide, practice waddling. Point your toes slightly outward and take small, flat-footed steps. This trains your ankles and gets you comfortable with the feeling of ice beneath you.
Step 4: Your First Glide
Push off with one foot, glide on the other. Keep the gliding foot pointing straight forward. Think: push, glide, push, glide. Alternate feet rhythmically.
Step 5: Stopping
The snowplow stop: turn both toes inward and press the inside edges of your blades into the ice. You will feel resistance and slow down naturally.
Ready to progress faster? A certified Nova Ice Skating instructor can get you from wobbles to gliding in a single 60-minute session.