# Ice Skating Overview

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option A — Ice Skating*

> **2.** Option A—Ice Skating. Do ALL of the following: **Ice Skating**

Option A covers everything you need to skate safely and competently on ice — from understanding your equipment and the rink environment to executing specific skills in front of your counselor. Work through each subrequirement in order; the skills build on one another.

## What You'll Complete

- **[Req 2a1 — Ice Safety & Courtesy](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a1/)**: Explain the general safety rules and skater courtesy that keep everyone safe at the rink or on outdoor ice.
- **[Req 2a2 — Outdoor Ice & Ice Rescue](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a2/)**: Discuss preparations for outdoor ice skating and explain the steps to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice.
- **[Req 2a3 — Parts of Ice Skates](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a3/)**: Identify and explain the function of the parts of different types of ice skates.
- **[Req 2a4 — Carrying Skates](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a4/)**: Describe the safe way to carry ice skates at the rink and during travel.
- **[Req 2a5 — Storing Skates](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a5/)**: Describe proper long-term storage to protect blades and boots between seasons.
- **[Req 2a6 — Forward Skating & Stop](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a6/)**: Skate forward at least 40 feet and come to a complete stop using a snowplow stop.
- **[Req 2a7 — Forward Glide](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a7/)**: Glide forward on two feet and then on one foot, right and left.
- **[Req 2a8 — T-Position Stroking](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a8/)**: Start from a T position and stroke forward around the test area.
- **[Req 2a9 — Backward Glide](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a9/)**: Glide backward on two feet for a distance at least twice your height.
- **[Req 2a10 — Backward Skating](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-10/)**: Skate backward continuously for at least 20 feet on two skates.
- **[Req 2a11 — 180° Turn Around Cone](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-11/)**: Glide forward and make a 180° turn around a cone, first right then left.
- **[Req 2a12 — Forward Crossovers](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-12/)**: Perform forward crossovers in a figure-eight pattern.
- **[Req 2a13 — Ice Race Safety](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-13/)**: Explain safety considerations for participating in an ice-skating race.
- **[Req 2a14 — Hockey Stop](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-14/)**: Perform a hockey stop.

## Before You Begin

Make sure you have access to a rink (indoor or outdoor) and that your counselor can observe your skill demonstrations in person. Skates that fit properly make an enormous difference — your heel should be snug in the boot and there should be no more than a finger-width of space at the toe. Dull or damaged blades make many of these skills much harder, so have your skates sharpened if they have not been used recently.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Never skate alone on natural outdoor ice. Always have a buddy, know the ice thickness (at least four inches of clear ice for a single skater), and bring a throw rope or rescue device in case of emergency.

## Official Resources

Video: [How to Play Figure Skating (video)](https://youtu.be/-53axkfHUHk)

Video: [How to Ice Skate (video)](https://youtu.be/8uDfC7sZ7ag)

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- Previous: [Pick Your Option](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2/index.md)
- Next: [Ice Safety & Courtesy](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a1/index.md)