SUMMER SKATING AT MOUILLE POINT ICE RINK

In sunny South Africa, we hardly ever experience icy cold snow and when we do, it’s for brief moments. While there is plenty of fun to be had in the sun, there is one thing we have been deprived of – outdoor ice skating.

For years we could only enjoy gliding on skates indoors, but thankfully, that has now changed. The Blue Train Park in Mouille Point have installed an outdoor, waterless ice rink and it’s the first of it’s kind in the country.

Since it’s opening on December, the synthetic Mouille Point ice rink has become hugely popular. We spoke to Sean Holmes from the Blue Train Park to find out what people think of the rink.

‘Many people who are intrigued by the concept of an ice rink on the seaboard with the ocean as your backdrop. People’s first reaction to the rink is usually ‘is that an ice rink?’ People are fascinated by the idea of the ice rink. Everyone wants to touch the surface and explore the experience of gliding.’

Incase you were wondering, the rink is not as cold as ice. The concept of an outdoor, waterless ice rink that is open in the height of summer is a strange one. How could this possibly work? Sean gave us a brief breakdown of the the rink to help us understand.

Basically the surface of the rink is made with a specialist synthetic material that was invented in Canada. It provides the lowest friction coefficient, allowing you to skate on it as if you were skating on ice.

The environmentally conscious people out there can rest at ease, as the product is eco-friendly. The rink requires no direct power source, and all it needs a daily wash, scrub and sweep to remove all the dust and dirt.

Now back to the fun stuff.

The Mouille Point ice rink caters to children aged 3–14 years-old, and has support apparatus available to help first time skaters balance and move around. It even comes with a very modest price tag of R30 for 30 minutes or R50 for an hour. Watch as your kids skate in the sun and have the time of their lives.

The rink was installed in the park as part of a restoration project and has really helped boost visitor numbers at the park. Sean says that there has been a tremendous amount of support from the local community.

So what are you waiting for? Take your kids out and make some great memories!

OF NOTE
When Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 am – 6 pm, Friday – Sunday 9:30 am – 6:30 am
Where The Rotary Blue Train Park, Beach Road, Mouille Point (80m south of lighthouse)
Cost R20 entrance, R30 – R50 for rink
Contact +27 84 314 9200, [email protected], www.thebluetrainpark.co.za

Photography courtesy