Facts About Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of the most graceful past times and sports. During the winter months, people will skate for fun or use ice skating as a sport. It has been around for much longer than a lot of us realize and has evolved over the years. Provided is some information for a more in depth understanding of ice skating.

Ice skating is a winter past time, sport, and a means of transportation for some. Ice skating used to be seen more in northern countries but rinks are now built in warmer climates for others to enjoy, especially during the holiday season. Ice skating was only done when lakes and rivers froze over, but in 1876, John Gamgee built an indoor refrigerated rink, which led to the increased availability of ice skating for people living in warmer climates.

In ice skating, one wears specialized shoes with attached blades for moving around on the ice. Skate blades can also be attached to everyday shoes, but are not recommended because most conventional shoes do not provide the ankle support needed to maneuver around on ice. Ice skaters may also wear knee pads, especially if they are a beginner. 

Ice skating dates all the way back to 3,000 BCE. Humans have been using blades for transportation around ice for thousands of years. The skates used to be made of bone, wood or stone. Skates made from metal emerged in the 1600s and the ice skating shoe came about in the 1800s. Now instead of just being used for transportation, ice skating has become a popular form of entertainment and also a sport.