Is there anywhere in the UK that still does it?

https://queens.london/ice-karting <- empty page
https://www.trackdays.co.uk/experience/karting-on-ice-for-two/4466/ <- expired
John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell <- gone

A taste of what it's like; (Oxford ice rink)
Karting on ice! Yep - that's a Go Kart on Ice. Drift awayyyyyyyy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NznrfKJ8gXE (3:29)

Also I've thought it would make a great addition to an ice hockey game (intermission/end-of-the-game) three players from each team, three laps each with a pit changeover. One lap time trial for the 1st racer to determine starting position (inside/outside) and perhaps a running start like Le Mans!

I've noticed something curious in my ice skating experience, and I’m wondering if anyone else has faced this. Every time I skate at different rinks, I feel like there's a slight difference in how my body reacts. Some places, I feel super smooth and balanced, while at others, I feel like I’m struggling to keep up my usual flow. It’s not about the rink's surface itself but more about how my body feels, almost like the environment or the atmosphere affects my performance.

One thing I’ve been considering is the elevation of the rinks. I recently read something interesting about how elevation can impact physical activities. Ice skating, like most sports, demands a lot of energy and breath control. The higher the elevation, the thinner the air, meaning our bodies need to work harder to take in oxygen. I’ve always felt more out of breath when skating in certain places, and I wonder if this has something to do with the altitude of the rink. Has anyone else felt the same? Could elevation really be playing a role in how we experience ice skating?

For example, when I went to a rink in a higher-altitude city, I found myself getting winded much quicker than I normally would. My legs felt heavier, and I had to stop more frequently to catch my breath. I wasn’t sure if it was just me being out of shape or something else at play. It was really frustrating because I couldn’t enjoy the session as much as I usually do, and it left me wondering if others have had similar experiences. On the flip side, skating at lower-altitude locations, I’ve felt like I could skate forever without getting tired, almost like my energy levels were boosted.

The idea of elevation impacting how we skate actually inspired me positively because it made me more aware of the environments I skate in. I think paying attention to these details might help me prepare better for future sessions. For instance, if I know a rink is at a higher elevation, I can take it easier during warm-ups or practice breathing exercises before hitting the ice. Elevation, in geographic terms, refers to the height of a location relative to sea level. It’s an important measure in various fields, as it can influence weather, air pressure, and how our bodies function in different environments. A Web-based elevation finder for any location can easily help us identify the altitude of a skating rink or any place we visit. I found this tool on onlinecompass.net which is a popular website for providing navigation tools.

For example, skating in areas with higher elevations might require more effort due to the thinner air and reduced oxygen levels. But this is just an idea I’m toying with—does anyone else have strategies for dealing with the physical differences between rinks? Do you notice changes based on location, or am I overthinking this?


Another factor that might contribute to these differences is the climate around the rink. In colder places, the ice tends to be harder, while in warmer areas, it’s often softer or melts slightly quicker. I’ve definitely felt like my skates grip differently depending on where I am. This is another layer that might affect how we skate, but I wonder if it’s connected to the elevation or just the natural climate of the area. Is there a link between how cold it is and how high up we are?

Has anyone else experienced changes in their stamina or skating performance when traveling to different rinks? Maybe there are other factors I’m not considering, like humidity or the size of the rink. I’m really interested in hearing your thoughts, especially from those who skate regularly in various locations.

For me, it’s not just about skating well but about understanding the nuances of the sport and how the environment around us plays into it. If elevation, climate, and rink conditions all contribute to the experience, it would be great to have some tips on how to adjust. Do you train differently when you know you’ll be skating somewhere new, or do you just go with the flow?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s noticed similar things, whether you're a recreational skater or someone who competes. Let’s chat about how our environment shapes the way we skate and what we can do to make every skating session a great one, regardless of where we are!

My kids were in RF4s for a good while, pretty much until their feet had stopped growing.  I would think RF4s should be fine for all the single jumps, unless the skater is quite heavy which a 7 year old girl is unlikely to be.

My friend had Pianos and was happy with them.  Patrick Chan skated in Concertos so they are probably OK.  Why did your ex-coach recommend not to use Ice Fly?

Yes it's at basement level, no natural light.