I have recently just gone ice skating for my first time. It was FANTASTIC, but there were a few things that I noticed that I felt like I need to bring up for any of you who are thinking about going ice skating for the first time- and also a few notes for those who have been skating for awhile. I shall also include a list for the things you need as a newbie.

What to remember (for newbies):

You WILL fall- so shove the idea out of your head that you will be a perfect pro at the beginning. And since you will be doing quite a bit of it... bring kneepads! (as I sit here rubbing my own purple, throbbing knees) And don't forget your gloves! (at least I was smart enough to have those)  But for those of you going "ugh, I'll never get better," shove that idea out the door too, since we're shoving things. You get better the more you practice, which goes for skating as well. So keep getting back up, and keep skating with your all.

ARMY CRAWL WITH YOUR ARMS UNDER YOU IF YOU FALL DURING A "FREE-SKATE-FOR-ALL" NIGHT. I cannot stress this enough! The last thing you need to have happen to you when ya fall is having someone skate across your fingers! (And possibly losing a few...) 

Your skates need to be VERY tight! You know that feeling when you tie your tennis shoes too tight? Well, guess what? Your skates need to be tighter than that because you need a lot of ankle support to keep you from wobbling and hi-fiving the ice with your face. So, yes- your skates are destined to make you uncomfortable and possibly cut off some circulation in your legs. I had to go around the rink in small one-round laps and take a rest. Which brings me to my next point...

Bring water! A cold environment + falling + dying feet + exercise = a very thirsty person.

Don't forget to hang onto the wall if you need some support, or use a trusty friend. I noticed that a lot of the newbie skaters stuck to the outside wall, while the more experienced skaters do their thing in the middle of the rink. So unless you're wanting to live your life in the fast lane, I'd say stay on the outside-ish.  

Another point I want to bring up is that if you rollerblade alot, you're probably going to be a better skater. You're going to have better balance and understanding of how your skates work because the shoes are similar to rollerblading footwear.

Also... wear clothes in layers if you're sensitive to cold. There is a reason why the Ice rink is able to stay icy.

Notes for the experienced:

If you are skating on a free-skate-for-all night, please be aware of the newbies floundering around on the outer rim. I know it's tempting to go fast around the perimeter and feel the artificial cold wind at your face and feeling awesome as you do it, but I'm pretty sure that you won't feel as awesome if you knock somebody over and they eat ice. So please be aware. Thank you. :3

Haha, so... What did you guys think? Want to try Ice skating sometimes soon, or did I scare you into not wanting to try it? Also, did I intrest in anyone telling them my first ice skating experience? Go ahead and talk to me in the comment section!