Skating in Winter: Embrace the Cold and Keep Rolling!
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, it’s tempting to stay indoors and avoid the chill. But winter shouldn’t stop you from getting out on your skateboard. In fact, skating in the colder months can be a thrilling and invigorating experience—if you prepare correctly. Winter brings unique challenges that require extra precautions, but with the right approach, you can enjoy skating safely throughout the season. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your winter skating sessions.
The Importance of a Proper Warm-Up: Your Best Defense Against Injury
A proper warm-up is crucial in winter because our muscles need more time to reach optimal temperature. When it’s cold, your body’s blood flow slows down, and your muscles stiffen, increasing the risk of strains, sprains, or worse injuries. To combat this, start your session with a comprehensive warm-up routine that goes beyond the basics.
1. Start with Light Cardio
Begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio to increase your heart rate and warm up your entire body. This could be jogging, jumping jacks, high knees, or brisk walking. The goal is to get your blood pumping and your muscles moving.
2. Dynamic Stretching
Move into dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges. These stretches are active movements that gently push your muscles and joints through their full range of motion, loosening up tight areas and prepping your body for action.
3. Skating-Specific Warm-Ups
Incorporate movements that mimic the actions you’ll be doing on your skateboard, such as side-to-side lunges, ankle rotations, and squats. This will not only warm up your muscles but also activate the muscle groups you’ll rely on while skating, making you feel more coordinated and balanced.
Dress Warm: Smart Layering for Winter Skating
Your choice of clothing can make or break your winter skating experience. Dressing appropriately is about more than just staying warm—it’s about maintaining comfort, mobility, and safety. Here’s how to dress smartly for a successful winter skate:
1. Start with Thermal Base Layers
A good set of thermal underwear is the foundation of your winter wardrobe. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin to keep you dry, which is key to maintaining body heat.
2. Insulating Layers
Add an insulating layer on top of your base layer, like a fleece or a lightweight puffer jacket. These layers trap heat close to your body while still allowing you to move freely. Opt for breathable materials to prevent overheating.
3. Outer Shell for Wind and Water Resistance
Top it all off with an outer shell that’s both windproof and water-resistant. This could be a light jacket that protects you from icy winds and light snow or rain, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable.
4. Accessories: Hats, Gloves, and Warm Socks
Don’t forget the small stuff! Wear a hat or headband that covers your ears, as a significant amount of body heat can be lost through your head. Gloves are essential to keep your fingers warm, and thick, moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet cozy and warm.
Manage Your Breaks: Keep Them Short and Active
Winter skating isn’t just about staying warm while moving; it’s also about managing your rest periods wisely. The cold weather makes it easy for your body to cool down too quickly, which can lead to stiff muscles or cramps when you resume skating. Here’s how to keep your breaks efficient:
1. Short, Active Breaks
When you need to rest, keep your breaks brief—ideally just long enough to catch your breath and take a sip of hot tea. Stay standing or keep moving lightly, such as by pacing or doing light stretches, to maintain warmth in your muscles.
2. Hydrate, but Be Cautious
Staying hydrated is crucial, but drinking ice-cold water during winter can actually cool your body down faster. Opt for room temperature water or a warm drink like herbal tea in a thermos to maintain your body’s warmth. Personally i like ginger tea with lemon and honey.
3. Avoid Sitting on Cold Surfaces
Sitting down on a cold bench or ground can sap warmth from your body quickly. If you must sit, make sure it’s for a very short time and consider bringing a small, foldable pad to sit on to reduce heat loss. I mostly sit on my jacket to avoid the cold.
The Way Home: Be Smart About Your Cool-Down
After an intense skate session, you might feel tempted to take your time getting home, but in winter, it’s best to head back as soon as possible. Sweating from exertion and then being exposed to the cold air can cause your body temperature to drop rapidly, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
1. Plan Your Route
Choose the quickest route home to minimize exposure to the cold. Avoid unnecessary detours that might keep you outside longer than necessary.
2. Change Out of Wet Clothes Immediately
Once home, immediately change out of any damp or wet clothing to prevent chills. Sweaty clothes can make you feel much colder than the actual air temperature, so get into warm, dry gear as quickly as possible.
3. Take a Hot Shower
A hot shower not only warms you up but also helps relax and soothe your muscles after a workout. It’s an excellent way to transition from the cold outdoors back into the warmth of your home.
Enjoy the Ride: Don’t Let the Cold Hold You Back
Follow the Flow and trust yourself
Sven Schiefer 