We see the same slip-ups happen week after week at Telford Ice Skating. Someone arrives in jeans thinking they'll be fine, or leans too far back expecting to catch their balance, or rushes straight onto the ice without any kind of warm-up. These aren't small things — they're the difference between enjoying your time on the rink and going home frustrated (or worse, injured).
The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable once you know what to watch for. Here's what we've noticed Telford residents getting wrong — and how to do it right instead.
This one catches people off guard more than anything else. You'd think ice skating would just need a winter coat, but that's not how it works at all. Jeans are the culprit most of the time — they're thick, restrictive, and they get cold and damp fast. Same goes for heavy winter coats that limit how freely you can move your arms and shoulders.
What actually works is layers. Wear thermal leggings or tracksuit bottoms under regular trousers — something that moves with you but keeps warmth in. Your top layer should be fitted and flexible, not a massive puffer jacket. Avoid cotton entirely; it holds moisture and makes you colder. And socks matter too — thick woolly ones are better than thin dress socks. Your feet will thank you.
Gloves are non-negotiable. You need grip and warmth, but not so much padding that you can't flex your fingers. A lot of beginners skip them and spend the whole session with numb hands.
This is the biggest balance mistake we see, and it comes from instinct working against you. When people start to slip, their natural reaction is to throw their weight back — but on ice, that's exactly backwards. Leaning back puts your centre of gravity in the wrong place and makes you much more likely to fall hard on your backside.
The correct position is to stay upright with a very slight forward lean from your ankles. Bend your knees a little — this gives you control and shock absorption. Think of your legs as shock absorbers, not rigid posts. Your arms should be out slightly to the sides for balance, not windmilling around. It feels weird at first because it's the opposite of what your body wants to do, but it's the foundation of staying steady on the ice. Read more here about common balance errors and how to correct them.
A lot of people show up, put their skates on, and head straight to the ice. Then they wonder why they feel stiff and can't move smoothly for the first 20 minutes. Your muscles and joints need preparation, especially in cold conditions.
Spend five minutes doing basic stretches before you skate — hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, shoulders. It doesn't need to be intense; just enough to get blood moving and your joints ready to work. Once you're on the ice, start slowly. Don't try to speed across the rink in your first lap. Build up gradually, and your body will loosen up naturally. You'll skate better and you're less likely to hurt yourself. This article explains why warm-up routines matter more than most people realise.
Tight skates cause blisters and pain that makes skating miserable. Too-loose skates mean your ankle isn't supported, which leads to falls and injury. A lot of people assume skates fit like regular shoes and buy online or grab whatever's available in their size.
The reality is that skate fit is specific and it matters enormously. Your heel should sit firmly in the back of the boot without sliding. Your toes shouldn't be cramped or curled up. There should be a tiny bit of room at the front — about the width of your thumb — but nowhere else. The ankle support is crucial; a loose boot means your ankle can roll sideways, which is how injuries happen.
Go and try skates on in person before you commit to a pair. If you're a regular skater in Telford, it's worth investing in your own rather than renting. Rental skates get worn down and stretched out, and they're never quite right. Getting properly fitted skates makes an immediate difference to how you feel on the ice and how long you can skate comfortably.
Beginners often shuffle their feet across the ice or push straight backwards instead of using proper stride technique. This uses way more energy, keeps you slow, and doesn't build the right muscle memory. Find out more about developing correct pushing technique from the start.
The correct push comes from your inner edge. You glide on one skate while pushing with the other leg extended out to the side and slightly behind you, using the inside edge of that skate to generate power. It feels smoother, covers more distance, and tires you out much less. It also looks more like actual skating rather than shuffling around. Ask one of the staff at Telford Ice Skating to show you this; it only takes a few minutes to understand, and it transforms how you move on the ice.
Most of these mistakes come down to either rushing or not knowing what to expect. The ice doesn't forgive sloppy technique the way dry land does, so getting the basics right from the start makes everything better. You'll have more fun, progress faster, and actually want to come back.
If you're new to ice skating in Telford or you've been skating a while and want to tighten up your technique, get in touch with Telford Ice Skating. The team can walk you through proper form, help you get fitted skates that actually work for your feet, and answer any questions about what to wear and how to prepare. Come down and skate properly — your balance and your confidence will be much better for it.
We have secure, flexible units available in the area. Get in touch with Telford Ice Skating today.
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