It is a good idea to wear what is comfortable and will keep you warm. Shorts or short sleeved tops are permitted but should you fall over you run the risk of scrapping your knees and elbows on the ice. Trousers and long sleeved tops are recommended. Gloves can help protect your hands and keep you warm too. Don’t wear: scarves or long coats. These can easily get caught in your own or someone else’s skates.

Make sure you select the right size skates. The boot should be a good fit - not too tight around the foot, but not too big around the ankle. When asking for skates please ask for the size you are and not a bigger size. You can always change the skates you get if they are not the right size.

Firstly loosen the laces or buckles to fit your foot into the boot. When your feet are in, tighten from the bottom all the way up to the top of the boot, ensuring laces/buckles are sufficiently tight around the ankle where you need the support. They should be firm but not too tight. Make sure you use all the hooks and buckles on the boot.

When returning your skates can you please undo all knots and tuck the laces into the boots, thank you.

It can feel odd when you get on the ice. When you are ready stand at the rink edge while holding onto the barrier and then step onto the ice. Keep your feet close together, with your toes turned out slightly to give you a better balance. Keep your arms out and slightly forward to maintain balance. Relax, bend your knees a little and with your body weight leaning forward take small steps on alternate feet. This will soon develop into a short glide on each foot. As your confidence builds your glides will become steadier and longer.