Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old to start skating?
You’re never too old to start skating! You might not make it to the Olympics, but with practice you can learn lots of impressive skills (including jumps, spins, and ice dance patterns) and perform or compete, as well as get in shape and have a great social experience. How much progress you make in skating and what you get out of the sport ultimately depends on YOU.How much time will I need?
You can put as much time into skating as you choose. If you’re really keen, you can take private lessons, practice on one or more of several skate-training sessions offered daily, participate in a variety of off-ice training classes, and aim for competitions. If you’re more of a recreational skater, just come along for an hour or two on Monday evenings and take a group lesson, or skate around and get to know some of the club members!How expensive is skating?
Like time, the amount of money you invest is up to you. The sport can be very cheap for the recreational skater—just club dues once a year and £3-6 for admission to the rink (which includes skate rental!), plus the cost of a lesson if you choose to take one. If you want to get more involved, you might pay additional fees for skate training sessions or private lessons. You also might want to purchase your own skates.What should I wear and what equipment do I need?
To start with, you’ll need a pair of skates. You can rent these from Oxford Ice Rink during public sessions, or you can buy your own. If you buy your own, you’ll need a pair of hard plastic blade guards as well as ‘soakers’. These are pretty cheap and can be purchased at the Oxford Ice Rink shop or online. When you’re on the ice, wear thin socks, a pair of gloves, and something warm like a fleece or a sweatshirt…but keep in mind that you’ll easily break a sweat, so dress in layers! For off-ice training, gym clothes and sneakers are all you need.What off-ice training can I do?
Once or twice a week, we offer off-ice classes focusing on aerobic and strength conditioning, improving flexibility, and perfecting jump technique. ALL levels are welcome to attend, even those who haven’t attempted jumps on-ice yet. Additionally, skaters are encouraged to participate in dance classes, especially ballet, offered by the University Dance Society (we’ll make the schedule available to you). We’re also working on getting a dance instructor to come work with us at the rink, as well as a personal trainer who can teach us skating-specific drills…so keep an eye on this space!Can I perform or compete?
Absolutely. There are lots of opportunities in the UK and abroad for skaters wanting to compete. For instance, the Oxford Ice Rink holds Spin, Spiral, Jump competitions at least once a year, which is very low-key and perfect for those new to the sport. Oxford Ice Rink also hosts several ice dance competitions each year. If you don’t want to compete but you want to show off your skills, you can perform in the annual Summer Gala. This past year Oxice skaters of all levels performed in a variety of group numbers.
