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29
November

How Much Does a Synthetic Ice Skating Rink Cost?

Posted by Brett
happy family ice skating on an artificial ice skating rink

When you were a child, you may have dreamed of having an ice skating rink in your backyard. With advancements in high-quality synthetic ice, this dream can now become a reality. However, you may question how much does a synthetic ice skating rink cost? 

KwikRink Synthetic Ice can help you build a customized rink in your home or public setting. We offer a range of options to fit your budget. Rinks are designed based on your needs, including space and athlete activity. 

We hope to put you at ease and answer your questions about how much a synthetic ice skating rink costs. If your questions aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom quote on the rink of your dreams!

woman contemplating how much does a synthetic ice skating rink cost

The Cost Dilemma

Perhaps your children have been begging for a rink of their own on which to practice. The holidays or maybe a birthday is approaching, and you would love to give them a gift that offers endless entertainment. An artificial ice rink could provide the athlete with the ultimate skating experience, sky-rocketing their sport to the next level. 

When you consider the cost of a home ice rink, don’t forget to factor in out-of-pocket expenses that you now spend to support your child’s activity. You may note that installing a synthetic ice rink may off-set some of these expenses. 

Some expenses you may not have considered include:

  • Cost driving to and from the rink (gas, public transportation costs, vehicle maintenance, parking costs, etc.)
  • The price of ice time at arenas
  • Expenses for care for your other children while you’re away at the rink
  • Money spent on fast-food meals because you are short on time

Not to mention, there is the sacrifice of time when your child only has access to practice outside the home:

  • Countless hours at the rink while the child practices
  • Time spent in the car driving to and from the rink
  • The effort spent arranging rides and carpools

Many families who decide to install a synthetic ice surface in their home find a reduction in stress levels and more time spent with family, and the cost of the home rink pays for itself with time. 

Comparison to Outdoor Rinks

Perhaps there is a real ice surface near you for your child to practice ice skating. You may be hesitant to purchase a synthetic ice skating rink due to cost, plus they have access to skating outdoors. 

Did you know there are benefits to synthetic ice panels compared to real ice? Artificial ice rinks have come a long way since the first one opened in 1844. 

Many hockey players boast increased speed and precise maneuvering when they practice on synthetic ice panels. Players see the benefit of increased stamina and endurance after regular practice on synthetic ice panels. 

Figure skaters appreciate the precision in turns and loops when practicing on synthetic services. There is less risk of the blade catching on the ice, which can impact accuracy when practicing figure skating techniques. 

Of course, synthetic ice rinks are not seasonal compared to pond and community outdoor rinks. Your athlete can practice year-round. The benefit offers improved skill as the athlete has more time to practice, with easy accessibility. 

Your athlete can scrimmage, work on drills, or practice their routine anytime during the year, right at home!

children and parents ice skating

How Much a Synthetic Ice Skating Rink Costs

How much a synthetic ice skating rink costs is truly up to you. Rinks are custom made and vary based on the number of tiles and if accessories such as dasher boards are added. 

Many find a small number of tiles are okay for athletes who use the rink to practice skating techniques and skills. A standard Olympic size rink is certainly not necessary for your home use! However, you may need a larger surface with more tiles if you have a speed skater or plan to use it for scrimmage ice hockey games. 

It is important to purchase quality synthetic ice tiles. These quality tiles will save you money over-time. Purchasing cheap synthetic ice tiles will not give your desired results in terms of quality surface. 

Benefits of a quality surface also include:

  • Increased use as it offers an ideal experience
  • Easy to install
  • Panels that fit together seamlessly
  • Smooth skating surface
  • Less friction
  • Longevity of product

If you are looking to reduce how much a synthetic ice skating rink costs, consider where you would like it installed. Many residential rink owners find a smaller space in the basement or the garage. You can even use a deck for a synthetic ice surface.

Of course, if you have space and a bit more in your budget, you may opt for a larger backyard rink. If you like, you can add accessories or reduce costs by opting out. You can always add accessories to your synthetic ice rink at a later time.

woman ice skating outdoors on a home ice skating rink

Another wonderful option for synthetic skating rinks is you can add to the size over time. You can start small and then build if the skater’s needs change or you find you have more in your budget. You can move the panels to different home locations if you want to go larger or smaller. 

It is also important to note that KwikRink Synthetic Ice rinks demand no water or electricity to maintain. The panels are made of durable plastic, which is very easy to maintain. You do not have to worry about extra out of pocket utility expenses to support your home ice rink. 

Understand that synthetic ice rinks are a long term investment. Many families appreciate the convenience, entertainment, and eventual savings in cost and time by having a rink at home. It is a dream for athletes to be able to practice and skate anytime that they want. 

Synthetic Ice Rink Will Help You With Synthetic Ice Skating Rink Cost

We offer quotes and transparency to help you build a rink that meets your needs. Our ice panels come in different thickness options and various sizes, customized to your space and budget. 

Why KwikRink Synthetic Ice? We offer residential rink installment to help your athlete stay in shape and improve their skills. Aspiring and professional athletes across five continents use our synthetic panels. Our panels provide 90% glide of real ice, with no Zamboni required!

Contact us today to discuss the cost of getting a synthetic ice skating rink in your home!

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12
August

How Is Hockey on Plastic Ice Different From Real Ice?

Posted by Brett
children play hockey on frozen pond outside

With so many recent innovations in synthetic ice technology, it’s natural to wonder how it feels to skate on “plastic ice.” There are many advantages to equipping your home or business with synthetic ice. With leading-edge materials and manufacturing, the skating “feel” of plastic ice has come a long way.

Though plastic ice won’t match the natural ice feel perfectly, synthetic ice offers many advantages that you cannot find skating on a sheet of frozen water.

We’ve assembled several useful tips for seamless transitions between skating on plastic and natural ice. Find out the advantages of getting customized plastic ice tiles for your home or commercial application. In doing so, you can supplement your natural ice skating experience to your benefit.

KwikRink Synthetic Ice is the leader in customized home and commercial synthetic ice rinks. Visit our website today for a free rink quote so you can skate year-round, any time you want.

What Is Plastic Ice?

Synthetic ice is a sheet or sheets of polyethylene plastic. This plastic is cut or molded to standard or custom tile sizes, with a variety of edges for assembly. 

Some tiles (like the ones KwikRink Synthetic Ice offers) have a “puzzle piece” assembly system. This system taps interlocking tiles in place with no additional tools. Other ice tile models feature dovetail, tongue-and-groove, or flush edges to join the tiles.

Since the 1960’s synthetic ice tiles have increased in popularity, due to innovations in plastics technology, like self-lubricating panels. KwikRink Synthetic Ice tiles are all self-lubricating. 

By staying on top of the latest developments in synthetic ice technology, KwikRink provides the smoothest, fastest skating experience in a synthetic ice rink. These self-lubricating panels also lead to lower maintenance — there’s no need to periodically add topical lubricants to it.

Think of how hockey skates work on natural ice (gliding, turning, quick stops). You can see why such a feature as self-lubricating panels would be an easy choice for replicating a natural ice feel.

But How Does Plastic Ice Feel When I Skate on It?

In the highest quality plastic ice rinks, synthetic ice retains about 90% or more of natural ice glide. Of course, there are several criteria to keep in mind when shooting for the most authentic ice feel on your plastic rink:

  1. Quality materials matter. Buying the cheapest rink will NOT pay off in the long haul. The softer the tiles, the more shavings, and friction will build up in a short time. The best investment is to purchase the hardest, most resilient tiles you can afford and insist on a self-lubricating product.
  2. Sharpen your skate blades often. A sharp edge performs the best on synthetic ice, for gliding, stopping, and quick turns.
  3. Ensure a clean surface. Though KwikRink Synthetic Ice tiles boast low maintenance requirements, you’ll still want to keep them clean before and after each use. You will need a cloth push-broom to clear away dust and dirt (especially on outdoor rinks). Additionally, a gentle cleaner to wipe down sweat or spills after each skate helps ensure a superior natural skating feel on your plastic rink.

hockey players in a hockey game on plastic ice with hockey sticks

How Can Plastic Ice Help Me Improve My Hockey Training?

All synthetic ice gives at least a hint of more friction than natural ice. By using plastic ice, you’ll develop some distinct training improvements when you practice regularly on plastic ice. Check it out:

  • Increased speed from pushing off more explosively on synthetic ice.
  • Increased cardio-vascular stamina and muscle endurance from working at slightly higher loads versus natural ice.
  • Enhanced maneuvering precision, direction changes, and stopping. This enhanced performance results from practicing in smaller spaces on synthetic ice (like in the basement or garage.)
  • Synthetic rink versatility leads to more practice time, which results in improved skills. (If you don’t have to wait for winter or reserve arena space to practice, you can work on hockey skills, drills, and scrimmages at any time.)

Other Comparisons to Consider

Playing hockey on plastic ice may also be different because you can customize the size of your rink.

For example, you might set up a small rink at home to work on shooting accuracy or footwork. Or, you could assemble an outdoor rink on a flat surface smaller than regulation size. This size is excellent for some one-on-one pick up games, or a neighborhood set-up for off-ice practice. Ice tiles may even come in handy for exercise at the office.

When deciding the rink you need, think carefully about what you’ll use it for the most. Also, consider what type of space you have available, and how your plastic ice can serve you the best.

ice hockey player in action with hockey pucks and sticks

Plastic Ice: The Clear Advantage for Hockey Players

Synthetic ice offers near-identical ice feel when you purchase a high-quality, self-lubricating system. If you keep the tiles clean and keep your blades sharp each time you skate, you’ll hardly see a difference. 

Further, synthetic ice tiles assemble and tear down in a snap (literally!) They can store away easily piled next to a wall for convenience and to promote effective use of space. When well-maintained, your tiles can last up to 10 years of hockey-skating excellence.

Plastic ice is not weather-dependent and doesn’t require the freezing systems used on indoor natural ice. You can customize your rink size for any function, space, or programming requirements.

Hockey players in every corner of the world can benefit from skating on plastic ice. Especially if you live in warm regions or places without access to indoor arena ice. For localities building their hockey programs from the ground up, synthetic ice can be a massive helping hand in promoting the best sport around (in our humble opinion).

ice hockey puck and sticks on ice with a view of hockey players' legs

KwikRink Is the Leader in Customized Plastic Ice Systems

For superior materials, custom sizing, and exemplary customer service, connect with the professionals at KwikRink Synthetic Ice. Our experienced rink-builders can help you select the products, size, and accessories that check every box on your hockey list.

We provide tool-free interlocking tiles with superior glide and resilience. We also offer top-of-the-line accessories to make your hockey rink everything you need and want. 

Stop by our website today for a free quote, and get skating this month!

 

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14
July

All You Need to Know About a Curling Rink

Posted by Brett
people playing on a curling rink

Curling is one of the oldest sports still played today. A winter staple in many countries, it is played on a curling rink and has four players per team. Curling may also be one of the only sports that uses a broom throughout the game.

Practicing and playing ice curling on natural ice is ideal, but it is not always an option or convenient.

A great option is a synthetic rink. It is easy to assemble, can fit in most flat surfaces, and is durable as well. Read on to find out how KwikRink Synthetic Ice can provide this for you.

In a Curling Rink: The Basics

According to The Winchester Curling Club, the traditional curling rink is 146 – 150 feet in length by 14.2 – 15.7 feet wide.

It consists of several sections marked under the ice with ribbon or paint. There are four players at each end.

To score, players must get their rock as close to the button or scoring area as possible. The center of this section is called the tee. It is where most points are scored.

As long as we are speaking on curling terms, it is good to point out that there are specific terms for everything in the sport of curling.

curling stones on a curling rink

  • Rock: The large stone with a handle that slides on the ice to score points. There are eight rocks per team, meaning that each player goes twice.
  • Hack: This is where the rock is slid and accompanied by players who sweep the ice to cut on friction. The sweeping gives a seamless path to the button for a score. 
  • Sheet: The actual playing surface of the rink.
  • House: The main features of the sheet. 
  • Hog Line: Where the rock is released. 
  • Button: Located in the middle of the rink and has three circles. Their diameters are four feet, eight feet, and twelve feet, respectively.
  • Tee: The middle of the button. 

Each side of the curling sheet has the areas listed above, one for each team. Each player also wears special shoes as part of their uniform that allows them to walk on the ice. They do not wear skates when on the ice.

The markings on a traditional curling rink are made with ribbon, vinyl, or paint placed under the ice.

Natural Ice

A curling rink is made out of ice, but how is such a big sheet of ice made? In most commercial and large arenas, water is piped into the area where the ice will go. Sensors are placed under the rink to alert to temperature and melting.

The sensors allow someone to fluctuate the temperature as needed, but it also requires monitoring. You would need someone to sit and monitor the rink temperature and fix it as needed.

Keeping up natural ice can also be labor-intensive. Zambonis, temperature monitoring — and it certainly is not mobile or malleable.

It does not have to be like that; there is an alternative.

Although natural ice is authentic to the sport and ambiance of curling, you can use an alternative. One that you can get anywhere and that can be used regardless of the weather.

curling lanes on synthetic ice tiles

Synthetic Ice Is Nice

KwikRink Synthetic Ice has produced an alternative to natural ice, and that is synthetic ice. Synthetic ice is convenient not only because it can go just about anywhere the client wants but also because it is easy to install. KwikRink has designed their synthetic ice to assemble like pieces of a puzzle.

KwikRink has made its synthetic ice to come in sheets called ice tiles. Their straightforward construction makes them ideal for storage or even moving the rink itself. Snap the tiles on or off, and before you know it, you can be curling on your rink.

Unlike ice, it also does not require temperature monitoring, which makes synthetic ice easier to use. You can play or train on it without wondering if it is melting or not, and let’s face it, peace of mind is priceless.

Synthetic ice can be used year-round regardless of the weather, which means that your curling season and training does not need to end. There is no off-season, and you can better yourself on your time and your terms.

Easy assembly means easy to take down and store when not used. Natural ice needs to be melted and cleaned up after. KwikRink’s tiles snap away from each other, quickly making clean up a breeze.

It also means that the rink can be added onto or made smaller. It can meet any needs you have; whether that is curling, playing hockey, skating, synthetic ice can handle all of it.

curling stones on indoor curling rink

 

Taking Care of Your Synthetic Rink

Maintaining the synthetic ice is just as easy as putting it together, making it ideal to use. You can even clean it with a broom and mop. No special cleaners or tools needed. The only cleaning supplies you need are a mop, broom, and mild detergent.

You cannot get much easier than that. Ease means having fun while you use your ice tiles. 

Why KwikRink Synthetic Ice?

KwikRink Synthetic Ice has been producing and improving this product since the mid-1990s. That’s almost 30 years of expertise used to construct rinks around the United States. They have proven their dedication and eye for quality.

They ship nationally, but they will also work with you to construct your ideal curling rink. They also work with budgets to give you the most bang for your buck.

When you receive your ice tiles, they will include everything you need to maintain your synthetic ice—no need to buy extra accessories or unique, expensive products.

The KwikRink is versatile as well. Perfect for curling at home and well-suited to commercial use, or you can even rent one if you only need it for a little while. It is a great year-round alternative to actual ice. One made by people who care and understand ice and winter sports.

Call KwikRink Synthetic Ice today to have your very own custom curling rink — no Zamboni required.

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07
July

7 Tips for Buying Your Own Ice Skates

Posted by Brett
old skates hanging on a ladder

So it’s time: Time to buy new ice skates! Whether it’s a new pair because you wore out your old pair or this is your first pair ever, buying your own ice skates requires you to consider some things before taking the plunge.

Keep reading for a list of questions you’ll want to ask yourself before buying new ice skates. Just like with any sporting good, you’ll want to think about how you’ll be using the skates.

Did you know whether you turn to the ice for slamming pucks or practicing your double axel, a personal ice rink from KwikRink Synthetic Ice can fulfill all your needs? It’s the perfect place to break in your new ice skates! 

What will your ice skates’ primary use be?

One of the most important things to consider before buying your own ice skates is their purpose.

What do you plan to do in the ice skates? 

Are you a hockey player or a figure skater? Maybe you’re a speed skater?

No matter what your favorite ice-based activity is, you’ll want to purchase a pair of skates that work best for your needs.

Now, let’s look at some of the differences between these different kinds of ice skates.

figure skates have toe pic

Figure Skates

Think about how a figure skater moves on the ice: jumping, gliding, spinning, stretching, turning. A figure skater needs a pair of skates that allow for a wide range of motion.

For this reason, figure skates need to be very flexible. Yet they also need to hug the foot and ankle snugly. 

They are often made of leather because it allows movement and a tight fit. However, some figure skates for beginners might be made out of vinyl or other materials.

It’s also essential for figure skate blades to be very sharp. Figure skaters need to make quick turns. Accuracy is crucial in figure skating, where tenths of a point may determine competition winners.

Ice skates designed for figure skating feature toe picks at the front. These toe picks (or small teeth) allow the skater to jump and spin with more control.

For example, toe picks are used to stop a spin, and as a take-off or landing point for jumps. However, for beginners, they can be easy to trip over.

new hockey skates

Ice Hockey Skates

Hockey players have different priorities from figure skaters — and they have the different ice skates to match.

Ice hockey skates usually fit slightly more loosely on the foot than figure skates do. They are often more streamlined — lighter, narrower, and flatter — so they don’t interfere with the gameplay.

Ice hockey skates don’t have a toe pick like figure skates, and their blades are narrower, too. However, they give the foot a little more support because their blades are rounded at the back and front of the foot.

This curved blade on ice hockey skates helps the skater increase speed, agility, and maneuverability whether the skater is moving backward or forward. 

new speed skates

Speed Skates

It’s no surprise that speed skates prioritize speed! Moving across the ice as quickly as possible is the primary goal, so of course, you need a pair of skates that provide little resistance and helps propel you forward.

And that’s precisely how speed skates are designed. They feature long, thin blades that extend beyond the boot of each skate.

In fact, on some speed skates, the blade only attaches to a hinge mechanism at the boot’s front! This detachment keeps the blade from digging down into the ice and creating friction (the enemy of speed).

Needless to say, speed skates aren’t for beginners! You should only buy speed skates if you know you specifically want to race on the ice.

7 Tips for Buying Your Own Ice Skates

Okay, so now that you know a little more about the different kinds of ice skates, here are seven tips for buying your own pair.

  1. Consider the skates’ primary use (ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, recreational, etc.). This detail is the most important because it narrows down what type of ice skate you need to purchase.
  2. Consider your skill and experience level. Some ice skates are better-suited to advanced skaters, while others work best for beginners. As your skill level progresses, you can try different skates. 
  3. Consider how often you’ll use the skates. If you simply need a pair of skates to wear on the rink a few times a year for fun, you probably don’t need to invest a lot of money. On the other hand, if you’re a figure skater competing at the national level and skating hours every day, you won’t mind investing a little more.
  4. Think about your foot size. Is your foot finished growing? If not (or if you’re buying skates for a child who’s still growing like a weed!), it might be best to stick to inexpensive options for now. Once your foot is at its forever-size, you can invest in a better pair if you want.
  5. Do some research on different brands. If you’re going to invest hundreds of dollars, it’s worth researching the best pair for you and your circumstances. Read reviews. Ask coaches or other athletes in your sport. Remember that some dealers earn a commission from specific brands, so you might not be able to trust the salesperson’s recommendation.
  6. Go for the Goldilocks fit. The skates should fit snugly, but you don’t want them to be too tight or too loose. They really do need to fit “just right.” Your ankles should feel supported, but they need a little flexibility, also. 
  7. Rent till you’re ready to buy. If you’re new to skating or not prepared to inject your new hobby with a cash infusion yet, simply keep renting. Until you get to more advanced levels, rental skates won’t hinder your general progress.

Got your new skates and ready to take them for a spin on the ice? KwikRink Synthetic Ice can help you create the perfect synthetic ice rink you can use year-round. Whether you need a regulation-size hockey rink or just enough ice to enjoy skating with your family, we’ll work together to create a customized plan for your personal synthetic ice rink.

 

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