Every holiday season for the past six years, I have passed the Santa Monica ice rink at the corner of 5th and Arizona, determined to skate “this year.” Each year, even though I swore I was going to, I just never got around to it.
I came close when I went to the opening night celebration last year, but I chickened out again. This year, I decided to write a story about my experience about skating at the ice rink, so I would actually do it.
I have not skated since I was seven years old (um, about 45 years ago) and really did not know how it would go. I rented some skates and purchased a pair of socks. Socks on. Skates on. Now, lace the skates. I needed help from one of young men who worked there, insuring that I was laced tight enough around my ankles.
I gingerly stepped on to the ice. It was pretty surreal – it was 85 degrees, sun was shining, palm trees swaying, amid a thoroughly frozen ice rink. I held on to the outer wall of the rink just to get the hang of it. Standing in skates, that is.
With the skill of standing in skates behind me, I started to move. Slowly at first.
Hanging on to the wall for the first lap around the rink. Second lap went a little faster, hanging on to the wall only when I needed to. Third lap, and woo hoo! I am skating without touching the wall. Slowly, but I’m doing it. I’m skating.
I must have gone about seven laps, getting more confident after each lap. I found out that it’s great exercise for your legs, ankles, tummy, feet, and heart. I found out first hand – after I finished, a couple of hours later I could feel pain building in my ankles, feet, and legs. But it was a good pain.
I loved to skate when I was a kid. When I was on the ice now, I felt like a kid. Off the ice for a couple of days was a different story. But still, so fun. Anyone who hasn’t skated in a while should do it. And don’t wait as long as I did to do it. It’s magical.
The ICE at Santa Monica rink will remain open through Jan. 19. The cost is $15, which includes skates.
General hours of operation are as follows:
Monday-Thursday: 2 pm – 10 pm
Friday: 2 pm – midnight
Saturday: 11 am – midnight
Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
For more information, visit www.downtownsm.com/ice.
Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 looking for insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues. Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor. We search for the best Santa Monica has to offer for women of any age to be sexy, smart, and savvy.
Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.
