Fun facts about ice skating and ice

Ice skating is a fun and relaxing activity, so this is why we thought today to share 5 fun facts about ice skating, ice rinks and ice! Everybody knows nowadays how an ice rink looks or has maybe skated at least once, but not so many know little bits from the history of it or how some of the hidden things work. So let´s get started! Did you know that:

1. Figure skates differ from hockey skates because of the large jagged teeth called toe picks on the front of the blade which allow the skater to jump.
2. The name “figure skating” comes from the compulsory part of the competition which requires skaters to trace perfect figures on the ice, including figure 8s.
3. The sustaining power of ice: At a thickness of two inches, it will support a man. At a thickness of four inches, it will support man on horseback. At a thickness of ten inches, it will support 1,000 pounds to the square foot.
   
4. In speed skating participants race one another around an oval track and the racers can reach up to speeds of 30 miles an hour! Male skaters race 500, 1000, 1500, 5000 and 10000 meters, whilst female speed skaters race 500, 1000, 1500, 3000 and 5000 meters.
   
5. On average, a Zamboni machine (ice resurfacing machine) “travels” close to 2,000 miles each year in the course of resurfacing. Hopefully you find our picked facts interesting and please comment and let us know which interesting facts you know! We wish you a great Thursday!