NEVER ICE SKATED?

Most Australian's haven't grown up on the ice so if you've never skated before Medibank Icehouse has plenty of tips, expert guidance and recourses to get you started.

WHAT TO WEAR

Before you leave home you will need to know what to wear. The air temperature in Medibank Icehouse is a mild 16 degrees, it is best to dress snug. Comfortable, warm clothes are recommended:

Jeans, track suit or leggings
T-shirt and jumper are a good idea. Beanies are also a good idea, and gloves are highly recommended, especially for children.
A good pair of long socks are essential. Don’t worry if you forget them sports socks are available to purchase when you get here.

Layering your clothes is also advised – although you may feel cold when you arrive, a few laps around the rink will get you warm in no time. With world class ice quality there are no puddles which means you won’t require a change of clothes. Medibank Icehouse provides 3 hour lockers at a cost of $3 per locker, for storage of any personal belongings while you’re having a skate.

ICE SKATE HIRE

Before you hit the ice you just need one essential item – your ice skates! There are two types of skates, Figure Skates (standard) and Hockey Skates. The choice is up to you! What's the difference?
Standard figure skates - $4
Figure skates have a toe pick at the front and are the standard skate you are given unless you opt for Hockey Skates.
Hockey skates - $7
Hockey skates are more sturdy and don't have a toe pick at the front. Many first timers find this better to learn in.
Hockey skate upgrade - $3
If you hire Standard Skates and decide you would like to try Hockey Skates you can upgrade for just $3.

Sizes
Smallest - kid’s size 7
Largest - adult’s 14

FREE BEGINNERS LESSONS

If you’ve never been skating before, or you’re just looking for a refresher, Medibank Icehouse offer FREE 15 minute beginner lessons. Pull on your skates and let our Ice Ambassadors teach you the basics before you glide off to join the Public Skate. Taking part in a lesson will give you the confidence to maximise your experience.

Free lessons are conducted in groups with approximately 20 participants to 1 Ice Ambassador.

MORE INFO >

SKATE AID HIRE

Skate aids (like a Zimmer frame) are designed to help beginners build up their confidence as they learn to get comfortable in their skates on the ice. Skate Aids are an excellent way to maximize your experience, especially as a first timer.

Medibank Icehouse Ice Ambassadors recommend taking part in a FREE lesson to learn the basics of skating before you decide to hire a Skate Aid. Skate Aids can be hired from Skate Hire, a form of ID must be left as a deposit and the terms of use agreed to.

Half hour: $3
Hour: $5

Skate Aids cannot be pre-booked and are hired out on a first in basis, there are limited Skate Aids, staff will do their best to ensure you don’t have to wait too long if they are all in use.

TIPS TO GET STARTED -

Wear thin socks which will help your feet fit snugly into your skates. Don’t tuck your pants into the top of the boots. It will loosen your boots and give you less ankle support, making it harder to skate.
When hiring skates, make sure your skates are as small or smaller than your shoe size. If you are in-between sizes, it is best to go smaller. You want your skates to be snug, so be sure to tie them up tightly.
Don't chew gum, or carry key rings in your pockets while skating.
Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
Start out by just "marching" on the ice - lifting your knees and putting your feet back down flat in the same place.
Make sure your knees are bent at all times.
Hold your arms out slightly to your sides for good balance. You might feel silly at first, but if you look around you’ll see everyone else has their arms out too!
If you have been in-line skating or roller skating you will find that ice skating has a similar action.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT -

As this is your first time skating we highly recommend you were a helmet. It will make you feel more confident and help you progress faster. Medibank Icehouse have 400 helmets available to borrow for FREE.

Sizes - XXS - XL
You can also bring your own bike helmet. This is a good idea for small children as you may find the XXS to be too big.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE -

The first thing you need to do is purchase your ticket and a locker token from the front desk.
Once inside Medibank Icehouse, you will be directed to the Skate Hire area to be fitted for skates. After collecting your skates, go to the locker area and lock up your belongings.
Make your way over to the ice rink, enter via any of the open gates and get ready to have some fun!
If you have children who want to skate but you aren’t keen to get on the ice yourself, you do not have to accompany them on the ice. However, we do require that children under the age of six must be accompanied by either a parent, or an older child.
Skate Aids - a support devised to help first-time skaters on the ice - are also available for rent at the Ticketing Counter or at Skate Hire, prices start at $3 for a half hour rental public skating and identification must be left as a deposit.
It is recommended that all children under the age of 12 are supervised by a parent or guardian. A spectator-only fee of $4 will be charged for parents and guardians who are not skating. For more detail, see ticket pricing.
Medibank Icehouse has a fully functioning cafe serving delicious hot food, snacks and drinks, therefore it is a policy of Medibank Icehouse that no external food and beverages be brought into and consumed in the venue. For more information, visit Medibank Icehouse Igloo Cafe.