To begin with, you want to ensure that
your skates actually fit you properly. For one thing, comfort is key
in that being comfortable helps to ensure that you make safe
decisions by eliminating a source of distraction (discomfort). But
even more importantly, properly fitted skates give your ankles the
support they need, without which you could find yourself injured very
easily. For these reasons, you should take the time to try on your
skates beforehand (especially at the start of the season). To be
really sure of their fit, once you have them on, put some skate
guards on your blades and walk around in them for a few minutes. This
will give you a sense of their ability to support you.
Once you know you have the right fit,
it's time to attend to matters of maintenance. No dull, rusty blades
allowed! Bad blades make for loss of control on the ice, so we want
to avoid that. At the start of each skating season, take your skates
to a professional for sharpening. To maintain your blades throughout
the season, wipe them dry with a rag after each session on the ice.
Part of protecting your comfort and
health involves dressing appropriately. You want to dress warmly, and
you also want to be able to adjust your temperature as necessary.
This can be achieved by layering. Make sure you have mittens, and
warm socks that fit comfortably into your skates.
When you get to the actual skating,
only skate on ice that has been appropriately prepared (smoothed and
cleared), where you know, beyond all doubt, the ice is strong enough
to support your weight. Do your part in this regard by being on the
lookout for compromised ice: ice with holes, cracks, or with rubble
frozen into it.
If you have not skated in some time,
revisit your techniques for stopping and falling before you get into
the serious part of your skating excursion. Be sure that you never
skate entirely alone, and that you allow yourself resting periods
when you find yourself tiring.