Advice on new ice skates?

Friend is going ice skating for the first time?

• So my friend has never been ice skating before, but wants to go soon. She can't find anyone else to go, so she asked me to go with her and help her. I am an okay ice skater, and can stand up and move, but am not an expert. Since she really wants to go, I want to go and help her. So I have some questions about What I should give her for advice: What should I tell her to wear, because she said that she was worried she would met too cold? What should I tell her about skates, because I normally use hockey skates, but don't know hat she should use? What would be the best way to get her used to the ice? Is there any specific way I should tell her to fall? Please give any other advice on what to do/tell her. Thanks! Ps, my friend is a teen girl

• Answer:

  Clothing: You should wear flexible pants like yoga pants or leggings. Be sure that you are able to move in the pants, so I highly suggest that you don't wear jeans! Sweatpants are okay, but leggings/stretchy pants. Wear a shirt that is not too tight but not too loose because you dont want it to fall off. I think that you should wear a long sleeve because if you get hot wearing a sweatshirt you don't want to scrape your arms or get too cold.On top of your shirt, any sweatshirt will be fine. Wear a jacket on top because it is very possible that you could get cold otherwise. You can also wear a hat to skate. It is very important that you wear gloves or mitts so that your hands don't get cold. You can wear thin socks on your feet. Skates are all personal preference. She can use whatever she can get her hands on, if they are rented or borrowed. Just make sure that you and her tie the skates tightly around your ankles for support. Personally I prefer figure skates, but this is because I figure skate. The only way to get used to the ice is being on it. When she first gets on, she can hold on to the boards or onto your arm and you can skate around together. You can't get frustrated if she is going slowly because it is her first time and ice skating the first time can be scary. If she doesn't want to hold on to anything (she is used to the ice), she can take small marching steps with her knees bent and her arms in front. You should not tell her to fall because falling would not benefit her in any way, it would only inflict pain. If you want to teach her, you should sit down on the ice and practice getting up. It is very important that you tell her to wear a helmet. It might look a little bit stupid, but it is protecting her from head injury in case she falls. It might not be the best fashion statement, but is is essential. Also tell her to take her time when starting out. She likely won't get the hang of it immediately, but she will eventually get comfortable on the ice. I hope that you and your friend enjoy skating! :)