Tour Skating as a hobby is a fun and exhilarating way to stay active during the winter months.
Whether you’re skating through frozen lakes or gliding on outdoor rinks, tour skating offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors. From the crisp winter air to the stunning scenery, tour skating is a hobby that will keep you coming back for more. So why not lace up your skates and hit the ice?
| See Also: What Are Some Sports Hobbies? |
What is Tour Skating?
Tour skating is a recreational activity that involves long-distance ice skating on natural ice.
This hobby is particularly popular in the Netherlands and Nordic countries but is also gaining popularity in North America, such as New England, Southcentral Alaska, and Nova Scotia.
Tour skating is different from other types of skating like roller skating and ice skating. It requires specialized equipment called tour skates, which have longer blades than those used for regular skating.
The skates come in two main styles: those with a fixed heel and those with a heel that can move freely. Skating with a ladder is a bit harder, but it allows you to skate faster.
Tour skating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active during the winter months. It can be done alone or with a group of friends, and there are many different routes and tours to choose from. Some tours are marked, and others require a bit of navigation skill.
If you are new to tour skating, it is important to have the right equipment. In addition to tour skates, you will need warm clothing, gloves, and a helmet. It is also a good idea to bring along some snacks and water.
When it comes to speed skates, there are different styles to choose from, depending on your skill level and preferences. Some popular styles include short track, long track, and marathon.
Short track skates are designed for tight turns and quick acceleration, while long track skates are built for speed and stability. Marathon skates are ideal for long-distance skating and are designed to be comfortable and efficient.
In conclusion, tour skating is a fun and exciting hobby that is perfect for winter enthusiasts who enjoy the great outdoors. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you can explore new places, stay active, and have fun with friends and family.
Benefits of Tour Skating as a Hobby
Tour skating is a fun and exciting way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. Not only is it a great hobby for those who love to skate, but it also provides numerous health benefits that can improve your physical and emotional well-being.
A Fun Way to Lose Weight and Burn Calories
Tour skating is a great way to burn calories and lose weight without feeling like you’re doing a workout.
Skating on natural ice requires more effort than skating on a smooth surface, which means you’ll burn more calories and get a better workout.
According to a study, skating can burn up to 500 calories per hour, making it an excellent way to stay in shape.
Improves Emotional Health
Tour skating can also have a positive impact on your emotional health. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Additionally, skating with like-minded people can provide a sense of community and belonging, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Meet Like-Minded People and Make Friends
Tour skating is a social activity that allows you to meet new people and make friends. Joining a skating club or group can provide a sense of camaraderie and support, as well as opportunities to participate in group activities and events.
Provides a Full-Body Workout
Tour skating engages all the major muscle groups in your body, making it an excellent full-body workout. Skating requires balance, coordination, and strength, which can help improve your overall fitness and physical performance.
Low-Impact Exercise
Tour skating is a low-impact exercise, which means it puts less stress on your joints than other forms of exercise like running or jumping. This makes it a great option for people who have joint pain or injuries.
Getting Started with Tour Skating
Tour skating is a thrilling and exciting hobby that allows you to explore the great outdoors on natural ice. If you are interested in trying out tour skating, there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Before you hit the ice, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Here are some of the essential items you will need:
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Skates | Tour skates are specially designed for long-distance skating. They have a longer blade than regular ice skates, which allows you to glide smoothly over rough ice. |
| Clothing | You should dress in layers to stay warm and dry. Wear a waterproof jacket, insulated pants, and thermal underwear. Don’t forget to wear a hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm. |
| Safety Gear | It’s important to wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall. You should also wear knee and elbow pads to protect your joints. |
If you don’t have tour skates, you can rent them from a local skate shop or online. Make sure to get the right size and choose a reputable brand.
Finding a Suitable Location
Once you have the right equipment, you need to find a suitable location to skate. Look for natural bodies of water that have frozen over, such as lakes, rivers, or marshes. Make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick and check for any cracks or holes.
You can also look for designated tour skating routes in your area. These routes are marked and maintained by local organizations and are a great way to explore new areas.
Before you start skating, make sure to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Avoid skating in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or freezing rain.
Tour Skating Workouts
In this section, we will discuss some tour skating workouts that can help you improve your strength, endurance, and speed on the ice.
Strength and Endurance Training
To improve your strength and endurance on the ice, it is important to incorporate strength training exercises into your workout routine. This can help you build the muscles you need to power through long distances and challenging terrain.
Some great strength training exercises for tour skating include:
- Lunges
- Squats
- Calf raises
- Leg curls
- Leg extensions
You can also incorporate endurance training exercises into your routine to help build your stamina on the ice. Some great endurance training exercises for tour skating include:
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Rowing
By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can improve your overall fitness level and become a stronger, more capable tour skater.
Speed Skating Workouts
If you’re looking to improve your speed on the ice, speed skating workouts are a great way to do so. These workouts can help you build the speed and agility you need to navigate the ice quickly and efficiently.
Some great speed skating workouts include:
- Interval training: This involves alternating between short bursts of high-intensity skating and periods of rest or low-intensity skating.
- Plyometric exercises: These exercises focus on explosive movements, such as jumping and bounding, to help you build power and speed.
- Hill training: Skating up hills can help you build the leg strength and endurance you need to skate faster and longer.
By incorporating these workouts into your routine, you can become a faster, more efficient tour skater and take your skills to the next level.
Tour Skating Reviews
If you are considering taking up tour skating as a hobby, it’s always a good idea to read reviews from other skaters to get an idea of what to expect. Here are some tour skating reviews from various sources:
Stockholm Adventures
Stockholm Adventures offers an introduction to tour skating in Stockholm, Sweden.
They have received positive reviews from tourists who have tried their tour skating experience. According to one reviewer on TripAdvisor, “The tour skating was a blast and a great way to see the city from a different perspective. Our guide was knowledgeable and helpful, and we had a lot of fun skating on the frozen canals and lakes.”
Tour Skating on Natural Ice
According to a Wikipedia article, tour skating on natural ice is becoming increasingly popular in areas of North America such as New England, Southcentral Alaska, and Nova Scotia.
Skaters follow marked routes and tour distances ranging from 10 to 200 kilometers. The article also notes that tour skating is particularly popular in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries.
Tour Skating Competitions
While tour skating is primarily a recreational activity, there are also competitive events for those who want to take their skating to the next level.
According to Board and Wheels, skateboarding competitions go back as far as the 60s, soon after skateboarding was created. Skateboarding as a sport is generally split into two categories; street and park.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tour skating is an excellent hobby that offers numerous benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skater, tour skating can be a great way to stay active, explore new places, and meet new people.
Overall, tour skating is a fantastic hobby that offers a wide range of benefits. Whether you are looking to stay active, explore new places, or simply have fun, there are countless reasons to give tour skating a try. So why not grab your skates and hit the trails today?