So....
We can only ice skate a few times per year in a typical winter, so you really want to take advantage of it when you can.
BTW - We have have fire... on the ice. Come see what it's all about and how we can warn up while still on skates!
One thing we want to do in the future... We have dreams of having a way to "flood" an area used for ramps and flatland with water in the winter and be able to extend our ice skating opportunities.
● Dress warm and
in layers.
● Follow instructions. Only skate where
the ice has been tested.
● Consider wearing protection for your head. Most injuries are
from falling and your head is the most susceptible to injury.
● Watch the fingers. Blades are fierce.
● Never skate
alone.
● If you are not sure if the ice is
thick enough, stay off it.
● Follow other Roxtreme rules.
Ice thickness and quality play both play an important role in safety on the ice. Clear ice (like glass) is much stronger than frosty or milky ice. 2" of clear ice will support one person. The recommendation for groups is 6" of clear ice.
The PA DCNR recommends 4" thick ice for skating. The Red Cross recommends an ice thickness of at least 6" for safety; the thicker the ice, the better. It's up to you to assess the thickness of the ice. The best way to do this is with a drill, and to check in several locations. We do not recommend skating on snow-covered ice because you cannot see how thick the ice is and the snow degrades the ice quality.
Water vapor above the ice indicates weak ice. Creaking or cracking noises indicates changing ice conditions. Thickening when very cold and weakening when warm.
The thickness of natural ice varies from place to place. Ice forms over shallow, still water first and is thinner over areas where the water is flowing. One pond may be in good condition while another one nearby is not safe. And ice thickness can vary from place to place on any pond. Be especially cautious around inflow and outflow areas. When the weather is warm, the thickness of natural ice can change from day to day.
Funny and interesting stuff:
Skating conditions are at their very best with clear smooth ice and a temperature of 19 degrees.
While researching ice thickness and ice
skating precautions we came across this bit of advise... really, we
are not making this up. "Precaution #1: Make sure you are not
skating on an abyss of toxic waste."
There is almost nothing better than skating under the stars and having a 4+ acre piece of ice under your runners.
We also have bonfires out on the ice... sweet!