Returning to the Ice: General Discussion; Helpful Hints and Tips

[tstop4me]

Most rinks were shutdown in mid March; and rinks started re-opening, in various degrees, during the summer.  There have been several threads related to returning to the ice; e.g.:

* Query started the thread "$22 for a 1 hour freestyle session!" (http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8555.0), in which he complained about the high cost of sessions after re-opening.  But responses indicated that the price was reasonable for a freestyle session; just considerably higher than the heavily discounted public session rates he was used to.   

* nicklaslo started the thread "Rink Reopening Rants and Raves" (http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8558.0).  Here a few people expressed joy that their rink had re-opened.  But no details.

* tstop4me (that's me) started the thread "CoVID Spread Traceable to Ice Rinks?" (http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8577.0); I posted the same thread on two other forums as well.  I mainly wanted to get a feel for how safe it was to return to the ice. There have been a few published reports concerning infections related to hockey games, but I was mainly interested in any outbreaks traceable to more run-of-the-mill rink operations (mainly freestyle and non-contact hockey practice, since they opened up first; public sessions and LTS later). Overall few responses.  I'll take that as, "No news is good news."  A couple of isolated, unsubstantiated posts along the lines of: "I heard that a skater at my rink came down with COVID, but I don't know for sure."  But certainly no reports so far (knock on wood) along the lines of:  "Twenty of us have been attending freestyle for the past two months, and ten of us came down with COVID."

* mjebos86 started the thread "Back on the ice after lockdown and having some boot issues" (http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8569.0). This thread discussed boot issues that cropped up after a long stint off ice.

I've recently returned to the ice, and I thought it would be useful to have a thread directed towards general issues related to returning to the ice; rather than tacking on discussions to mjebos86's thread.  I plan to have separate posts on:

* Preparations prior to returning to the ice
* Finding out what sessions are available
* Extra precautions in these pandemic times.

The main focus is on helpful hints and tips for those returning to the ice.  But the focus is broad, rather than narrow.

[tstop4me]

Preparations Prior to Returning to the Ice.  I.  Break in Your Boots Again.

I previously posted:

Last time I was on the ice was Mar. 13; I remember because it was a Fri the 13th.  A friend of mine convinced me it was time to get back on the ice.  She restarted last Wed.  I was planning to restart tomorrow.  But I just tried on my boots today for the first time in 6 mos.  Man, they hurt.  I know my feet have changed shape a bit from lumping at home barefoot most of the day (a couple of toes that were slightly bent actually straightened out); and the boots likely deformed somewhat from lumping around as well.  I'm going to try lacing/unlacing and walking around the house (guards on) for several days to re-break them in a bit before going back.

Well, for the next seven days, three times a day, I laced up, walked around the house for 15 min, did 20 or so deep knee bends, and unlaced.  Worked.  After a couple of days, no pain walking around the house.  No pain during or after my first session back on the ice (more on that later). 

[tstop4me]

Preparations Prior to Returning to the Ice.  II.  Break in Your Legs Again.

I don't work out in a gym (even when they were open).  I don't jog or bike or roller skate.  I have had various pieces of home exercise equipment in the past.  But at the start of the pandemic, I had only a treadmill and a set of free weights (from 2 to 15 lbs).  Earlier in the summer, I bought a Cubii mini-elliptical machine.  Too wimpy.  More recently, I bought a MagneTrainer-ER mini exercise bike (https://magnetrainer.com/); sold via Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Magnetrainer-Extended-Range-Exercise/dp/B000V53KD8).  I plan to post a separate, more detailed review on this unit.

In brief, if (a) you're a skater, (b) you don't already have a stationary bike, (c) you don't want to spend ~$2000 on a good stationary bike (the MagneTrainer currently sells for $179), and (d) you don't have space for a stationary bike (the MagneTrainer is compact, weighs ~21 lbs, and can be stored out of the way when not in use), then I recommend that you consider the MagneTrainer. Its target customer base is not skaters, but PT patients.  Many of its design features, including one that many users consider a design flaw, however, make it advantageous for skaters:

* The stroke diameter is large enough to exercise ankle, knee, and hip joints; and associated muscles.

* The resistance is adjustable over a wide dynamic range, regardless of speed.  You can get a good workout even at low rpm's (e.g., 40 rpm); other units expect you to rev up to 120 rpm or so to get a good workout (I don't care for such insane speeds).

*  The pedal motion is unintuitive.  To keep the machine stable (not rocking, not sliding), the manufacturer exhorts you (via detailed printed instructions, illustrations, and videos) to pedal down, not forward; and to point your toes forward, not up.  My first reaction was, "Huh?"  But it turns out that those instructions are tantamount to my coach calling out, "Stretch your ankles! Point your toes!"  Perfect for figure skaters.

Anyway, I used the MagneTrainer for a couple of weeks before hitting the ice.  My first time back was a week ago.  I had planned to skate only 45 min; but I ended up skating 70 min at a leisurely pace.  No soreness or pain during skating, or afterwards (some stiffness afterwards, to be expected).  Yesterday, I skated 80 min at a more vigorous pace.  Again no soreness or pain during skating, or afterwards (some stiffness afterwards, to be expected).

I'm in my 60's.  A friend of mine, who's 30 yrs or so younger, has been walking and jogging regularly throughout the pandemic.  She thought she was in pretty good shape.  But after her first session back, she was stiff, sore, and in pain; and on Advil for several days.

What are other skaters' experiences concerning exercises prior to getting back on the ice, and how they felt after getting back on the ice for the first couple of times?

[dlbritton]

I posted in Injured Reserve about my experience several weeks back. Off ice for a year, but skiied twice a week til March.
Back surgery in March, PT started July along with lap swimming.
Been skating twice, first time I was terrified first 10 seconds because of balance. Just puttered around for about 40 minutes. Was not sore afterwards. Last week I felt totally comfortable on ice and started working on stroking, crossovers then back crossovers. Stayed out 45 minutes, again no pain afterwards. Monday I plan to try 1 foot spins and forward 3 turns.

[tstop4me]

Finding Out What Sessions Are Available.

In NJ, ice rinks were allowed to re-open, with restrictions, on July 2.  A ruling from the Governor's Office, however, was required to explicitly clear the way for ice rinks.  Re-opening of facilities here is controlled by the Governor's Executive Orders, which are often vague and ambiguous, even to attorneys (or, rather, especially to attorneys).  Indoor "recreational and entertainment" businesses, with significant exceptions, were allowed to re-open with restrictions.  The significant exceptions, not allowed to re-open, included "health clubs".  "Gyms" and "fitness centers" were explicitly cited as businesses falling under the category of "health clubs".  But the fate of ice rinks was in limbo, until someone in the Governor's Office decided they were OK to re-open.

I had no intention of returning to the ice until proper logistics and protocols were developed and debugged; i.e., I didn't want to be a guinea pig. I was in no hurry.  I monitored the websites of rinks in my area; in particular, the three [Rink A (my home rink), Rink B, and Rink C) that I go to.  No updates as of mid Aug.  I got in touch with my coach and staff at the rinks (fortunately, for two of the rinks, I had the personal cellphones of a staff member, since no one was picking up at the front desk).

What I found was that each rink had re-opened for limited freestyle in early to mid July, but had not updated their websites.  Each also had a separate link for advance reservations and pre-payments (they were not previously setup for this; looked like they were going through third parties for processing), and provided updates via email lists.  None had any plans for public sessions.  Freestyle sessions were in the $20 - $25/hr range.  A lot more than the heavily discounted weekday morning public sessions I was used to (I had multiple discounts, and paid on average $3 for a 2 hr session).  But fortunately, I could afford to spring for it if I wanted to.  I decided to hold off, though, because I didn't want to be on the ice with the high-level freestyle kids.  I figured I'd wait until Sept, when they'd be back in school; and, if there were weekday mid-morning sessions, they should be relatively uncrowded.

After Labor Day, just as I was psyching myself up to spring for freestyle sessions, a friend texted me that Rink C was starting up limited Adult Public Sessions; $10 for a session ranging from 1.5 to 2 hrs.  There was no announcement on their website, but she forwarded me the link for advanced reservations and pre-pay (she got that from a coach).  I've gone twice.  The schedules are still in a state of flux, and staff cautioned me to call the morning of the session to confirm session times.

I'd like to hear from others.  Did your state guidelines make it clear when ice rinks were allowed to re-open?  Did your rinks post updates on their websites, and were you able to reach office staff?  Or did you have to rely on personal contacts to get onto email lists and get links to advance reservations and pre-payment sites? 

[Bill_S]

My home rink at the university is still closed, and even if it were open, I would not attend until vaccines are available. I'm old, with an aging heart, so I'm in the high-risk category.

The Chiller rinks in Columbus, Ohio have been open for a couple months. They claim to adhere to the Responsible Restart Ohio program where specific requirements are in place. Here are their guidelines for freestyle practice...

   1. Effective immediately only ONLINE registrations and payments will be accepted for all freestyle sessions. Walk in or phone in registrations will not be allowed.
   2. Punch cards will NOT be accepted for Freestyle sessions. If you have punch cards bring them to a manager on duty and we will apply account credits for any unused value.
   3. Skaters may only purchase 30-minute or one-hour sessions of Freestyle ice. At this time we will no longer offer ice in 15-minute increments.
   4. If you purchase a 30-minute ice session you may not enter the ice before/remain on the ice after your time begins/expires. If you do skate beyond the 30 minutes you registered for, you will be charged for the additional 30-minute session.
    5. Upon arrival at the rink, you will need to check in with staff at the front desk.
    6. Skaters, coaches and guests may not enter the buildings more than 15 minutes before their ice time begins. Skaters, coaches and guests must exit the facility no later than 15 minutes from the end of their ice time.
    7. Maximum 30 spots per Freestyle sessions including skaters and coaches. It is the responsibility of all skaters and coaches to observe and maintain proper social distancing while on the ice. Failure to do so may result in loss of ice time.
    8. No Refunds or Transfers
    9. Sessions may be cancelled due to insufficient registrations. We will provide as much notice as possible and apply credits or refunds as applicable.

As a general note, the rinks have non-contact thermometers for each visitor. They also claim that hand sanitizers are distributed around strategic areas, and that masks are required in all off-ice areas. Coaches have undergone COVID-19 education developed for them by the Ohio Department of Health. Spectator space is limited to 15% of capacity.

FWIW, there are 5 rink locations in Columbus, the majority have two sheets of ice. I don't know the session cost at this time. It's not published on the web unless you attempt to register for a session.

[Query]

* Query started the thread "$22 for a 1 hour freestyle session!" (http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=8555.0), in which he complained about the high cost of sessions after re-opening.  But responses indicated that the price was reasonable for a freestyle session; just considerably higher than the heavily discounted public session rates he was used to.   

Actually, it was not appropriate for this geographic area. It is about a couple times what their nearest neighbor charges for freestyles. But their nearest neighbor wasn't open yet. It depends what you mean by "heavily discounted" too - I think all the government run rinks are subsidized - and many private rinks are privately subsidized. Many just aren't very profitable, if at all.

I am out of town, and there is no ice skating available here now. I just did a little roller blading. Forward strokes are easy. Twizzles are hard - I must have lost the appropriate muscles, despite going to the gym, though snowplow stops are easy. Or maybe my timing is off.

[tstop4me]

Extra Precautions in These Pandemic Times.

Rinks that have re-opened have various protocols in place to deal with the on-going pandemic.  I'd like to discuss my limited experiences (3 sessions) at an adult public session at one rink (which I'll call Rink C).  Questions for other skaters are highlighted at the end.

For adult public, the maximum number of skaters was originally 20, then raised to 30 (freestyle remains at 20).  Advance registration and payment are required and are processed online.  The registration page shows how many skaters have previously registered, and the number of available slots remaining.  As long as the maximum hasn't been reached, however, you can register and pay even after the session has started; i.e., you can be a walk-in if you bring along your smartphone to register and pay. 

Rink C has two ice surfaces accessed via a common lobby.  To avoid co-mingling of different groups, you are not supposed to enter more than 15 min prior to your scheduled session start time, and you are supposed to leave no later than 15 min after your scheduled session end time.  Entrance and exit both occur via the common lobby.  My first two sessions, I was too early by about 10 min; so I dutifully waited in the car until 15 min before the scheduled session start time.  Both times, I was surprised to find several people on the ice already.  I figured as long as there was no conflict with another group leaving, the schedule was not tightly enforced.  The third time I was early by about 5 min.  This time, I didn't wait in the car.  I checked to see whether any skaters were still exiting.  None were; so I just entered.

Masks are required when you enter and when you are off ice; they are optional when you are on ice.  When I entered the lobby, a staff member took a temperature reading of my forehead.  There was no health screening questionnaire, either online in advance or in-person when I entered.  I did have to sign in (on a paper sheet) with name and phone number, however.  I thought this was peculiar, because most businesses have made efforts to be as "contactless" as possible.  OK with me, since I put on disposable gloves before I enter.  After the first session, though, I brought my own pen.

Skaters are allowed to bring in a bag and lace up inside.  There are chairs and benches around the boards.  One team room with benches and a single-occupancy bathroom was also open.  Seats were not marked and assigned.  Up to the skaters to separate themselves appropriately.  Skaters are also allowed to park items (e.g., water bottles, blade guards, and phones) along the boards and in the hockey boxes.  Again, no marked and assigned spots.

My first session, I didn't know what to expect, so I played it cautious.  I left my kit bag on a bench, and my water bottle in the kit bag.  I intentionally avoided drinking too much water, to avoid using the bathroom.  The second session, I placed the water bottle in a tote bag, and placed the tote bag in a hockey box.  The third session, I did the same.  But when I saw a janitor start to clean the hockey box, I moved the tote bag to another hockey box.  In the future, I think I'll leave the water bottle in the kit bag.

The rink is supposed to perform extra cleaning.  Each session, the floors and benches were indeed clean upon visual inspection.  But I was surprised each time to find a janitor actively at work cleaning.  Not sure whether that indicates an extra level of diligence, or whether that indicates that I can't assume everything is thoroughly cleaned prior to the start of the session (which would be my expectation). 

Hand sanitizer stations were available, but they were manual dispensers.  I don't care for those (why touch a lever that X other people have touched?), so I bring my own pocket-size bottle.  I try to avoid touching surfaces as much as possible.  Two scenarios are difficult to avoid, however.  When I lace up, the laces drag on the floor.  One option would be to bring a sheet of paper to line the floor, but I decided to forgo that.  Instead, after I laced up, I used hand sanitizer before putting on my leather gloves.  Blade guards, of course, contact the floor.  I take them on and off while I'm still wearing my leather gloves.  When I need to get a drink of water or adjust my mask, e.g., I take off my leather gloves and use hand sanitizer first.

Other precautions I've taken are the following.  I've emptied my kit bag of non-essentials.  Many of these items were for the benefit of other skaters anyway (e.g., extra water bottle, extra tissue pack, ...).  At the end of a session, I wrap my dirty blade guards in a plastic bag before putting them in my kit bag.  When I'm ready to leave, I use hand sanitizer again and put on a pair of disposable gloves (I need to grab door handles to exit).  When I get to the car, I remove the gloves, and place them in a trash bag. When I get home, I unload all my gear and park them on shelves in the garage to quarantine.  I don't want to degrade my skates and other gear with disinfectants.  This works for now because I've only gone once per week.  If I resume daily sessions (highly unlikely for now), I'll need to come up with something else.

So far, the sessions have gone smoothly, because there have been only around 6 of us.  I wear a mask on ice.  The first two sessions, there was only one skater on ice without a mask.  The third time, there were 2.  I know one of them. He likes to chit-chat a lot.  He recognized me, and started to approach me.  I waved hello, and skated away.  I think if the number grows to 10 or so, the current protocols would start to break down; certainly at 30,  I don't think they would be viable.  May be a moot point, because these sessions have been getting bumped for hockey.  May have to consider freestyle sessions if I want to skate regularly.

That's my story.  I'm interested in other skaters' experiences:  no need to identify the specific rink; but please identify the type of session (e.g., freestyle, public, or LTS).  I've read posted protocols for various other rinks.  I'm interested in not just a listing of protocols, but primarily in stories of personal experiences:  what you are happy with, what you are not happy with; special concerns; and how well the protocols are executed and enforced in practice, especially over time for those who have been back on the ice for several months.  [E.g., the supermarket I usually go to had strict and well-enforced protocols back in Mar – May.  Over time, they've gradually eroded; and, except for the "no mask, no service" mandate required by the Governor's Executive Order and plexiglass partitions shielding the cashiers, they were all absent when I went shopping last week.]  Besides rink protocols, what other changes (if any) have you made to your skating routine?

[Loops]

Our rink is doing something similar to Tstop's.  Dance and Hockey do have a separate entrance, so none of us ever use the main lobby.

The rink closed in March, and re-opened in August.  The skating club resumed operation for the summer camp the last two weeks of August.

Our entrance is protected by a key code.  Only a few people are supposed to have this (but info has leaked, and for legit reasons, explained below).

There are hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. 

A member of the board is supposed to be at the door, to let skaters (not parents) in, after taking their temperature. There is a number posted that rings the phone on the boards. Members of the board are expected to volunteer as much as we possibly can to work the door, and to lace/unlace skates for the little kids, and corral them to their parents.  This is becoming burdensome, but a fact of life.

There is a one way circuit in the rink.  Groups are not allowed to cross.  I have no idea how many are allowed on the ice at once (at least 2 synchro teams worth tho), but I'm sure it's more than in the US.  Masks are required when off the ice.  On the ice, coaches are supposed to be masked (but it's really not workable) and skaters not.

Then at the end of the session, skaters do the other half of the circuit and leave by a different entrance, where hopefully their parents are waiting.  For the wee ones, a member of the board, or a coach, accompanies them and waits until the parents collect them.

It's working reasonably well.  There are a few miffed parents, but that's life. Perhaps they'll be motivated to volunteer to help out.  The adults on Saturday at 6 45am were often forgotten at the door, so I think all of us know the code by now. This will eventually leak to the younger kids. The members of the board are taking the biggest hit.  But we're having a good time together, and it's good for bonding, so silver lining.

Dressing rooms are not allowed to be used, because of the disinfection situation.  The elite training program is having a problem with their off-ice training and dance classes, also because of this cleaning.  Apparently the rink charges a fortune for it (perhaps to recoup the cost of the handsanitizers!).  So we're looking for a more reasonable alternative.

Parents are not allowed in (except to enroll their kids and do paperwork). They aren't even allowed to sit in the bleachers.  This, we find bizarre because at hockey games it's OK and for hours.  Perhaps its related to the cleaning?  Probably, but it's not certain.  BUT at the hockey games, the fans are not allowed to leave their seats like they used to be to go find the cafeteria or leave the rink to get proper food.  So there are exploitable opportunities for shameless promotion.