SPEED SKATING OUTDOORS on WILD ICE – PLAY IT SAFE!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Review skateNOW's Wild Ice post, and always play it safe and play it smart, check local conditions with your DNR (Department of Natural Resources) office before venturing out on the big stuff. Some Tips for Skating outdoor Ice.
Ice Depth:
minimum of 4” is recommended for walking and other foot sports, like skating, but this thinner ice will flex and could break through in areas where not solid or where gas bubbles have come up from decay on lake bottom, or in areas where there may be hot springs feeding the water or underneath currents. Wind can also move in and shift and destroy ice ice sheets. Most every state’s local DNR(department of natural resources) offices publish daily reports for ice fishing conditions, and have good general ice safety information. Using a long drill bit marked with depths of 1" increments is another good way to spot check ice depths. Always a good idea to check with local authorities for current ice conditions. And, have a safety plan before you go.
Flotation Devices, Ropes, and Picks:
mandatory precautionary items for exploration, and unless you know for certain ice is solid these are highly recommended. Know how to use them. Some skaters use a pole to test ice, which can also be used to extend if someone falls through.
Safety equipment:
helmets, knee pads, and first aid kit. It’s easy to get tripped up on unforeseen cracks, or air bubbles. When Ice is covered with a skiff of snow cracks are impossible to see. Explore ice cautiously. Be prepared for minor incidents, like bruised knee or chin.
The Buddy System:
Who doesn’t like to share a sweet stash with their skating friends! Make it a rule not to skate alone.
OUTDOORS SKATE EQUIPMENT
Recommendations are to use plow-profile fixed blades, with 19-meter to 21-meter radius, or flatter. While the professional marathon racers use claps on natural ice, there is risk of the claps getting caught up on cracks/bubbles, and prematurely opening, thus catapulting one to the ground if caught off guard. Nordic ice skates are an excellent option, typically with flatter radius of 26 to 30 meters than long track blade. And, while they are less maneuverable in turning, Nordic Ice blades offer greater stability and are lower profile than most long track blades. Nordic blades are compatible with most XC (cross country) ski boots and binding systems, so there is an array of options, and ability to use the same XC boot for both Nordic ice skating or XC skiing.
Dress for Success:
Stay warm but not over-heated. Too much sweat results in body chills. Like a cake, wear layers.
In Emergency:
Keep dry clothes, blankets and towels, and thermos of hot drinks in the event you or someone in your party falls through. Know what to do in case of fall through or injury. Be cool, keep level head, go about helping, assisting those in need. There is very limited time at hand to perform successful rescue. If you cannot be of help step aside and let others do these tasks. Maybe get dry clothes and blankets ready for the victim to help limit exposure time. Avoid getting too close and crashing through the ice yourself, use ropes and picks, and help keep the victim calm through this process. If they are able, let them assist themselves with ice picks to get back onto solid ice while you use ropes to pull and guide them up and out of the cold water. Rescue operators' advice suggests always travel back from the direction you came, to avoid further breaks though on untested ice. There are numerous, well documented safety videos presented by experts on ice rescues. Be sure you, and those in your group/party, are aware of consequences and risks in skating on natural ice, and are versed in what to do in event of any necessary, unexpected emergency ice rescue operation. It is suggested that someone in the group possess basic CPR training. Keep cell phones handy, and contact emergency rescue if warranted.
For more on Ice Safety, reach out to your local DNR office for information. There may also be groups or experienced skaters in your area who can assist you with where to go to find the ice best conditions