When winter sports were first developed, people had to wait until temperatures dropped below freezing to participate. All the events were held outdoors and were dependent on natural ice surfaces and snowy conditions. Thanks to technology, however, this is no longer the case.
Today, construction of artificial ice rinks using concrete slab surfaces is widespread throughout the world. To accomplish this, brine water is pumped into pipes which are embedded in a chilled concrete slab. This allows water to spread onto the slab to freeze, thus creating a surface to skate on.
This, in turn, makes it possible to have indoor ice rinks that exist all year round. As a result, you need not wait for the winter months to come around to enjoy some fun on-ice activities. Here are some winter sports that you can try participating in at any time of the year at your nearest ice rink.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey matches involve two teams playing against each other, with the objective being to hit a small puck with a stick across the ice and into a goal. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match is declared the winner.
One of the most dynamic and fast-paced winter sports, ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, consistently drawing crowds both in amateur games, as well as in top-flight professional tournaments.
This is thanks to the tension that pervades throughout the games, as well as its close resemblance to other popular summer sports, such as football.
Figure Skating
The premise of figure skating involves athletes performing different tricks, such as jumps and spins, in front of a panel of judges to get the highest possible score. Everything they perform is evaluated for difficulty and quality, thus making up the score they get. Skaters may compete as individuals or as pairs.
Figure skating has long been one of the most popular winter sports, regularly making headlines and drawing crowds at major events. Then and now, it continues to inspire the most courageous and daring to attempt ever more difficult and mind-blowing tricks, as well as to bring out the inner artist in everyone.
Short Track Speed Skating
Colloquially dubbed “NASCAR on Ice,” short track speed skating involves skaters racing around an ice rink for a specified number of laps. The skater who ends up crossing the finish line first will be named the winner.
Thanks to the speed at which the athletes move, short track speed skating can be one of the most heart-racing and nerve-wracking sports to witness, especially as the skaters begin to overtake each other in pursuit of the finish line.
There is also the potential for slips, falls, and crashes among the skaters, making the sport truly unpredictable and exciting. Given that it is a relatively new sport, it is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Winter sports are truly something worth giving a try. Not only do they help you stay fit (and have fun while doing so), but they also provide you with different opportunities and experiences. Not many people partake in winter sports, and so you get to treat yourself to something that many others will not get to experience.
Thus, if you are feeling particularly adventurous and daring, you can easily visit an indoor ice rink any time and sign yourself up.
