Skating on wild ice is exhilarating. There is a sense of freedom skating on frozen lakes you can’t experience anywhere else. The colors, clouds, sun, reflections in the ice and ice formations create a environment that fills your soul like no other. The swish of your skates as you glide over the frozen surface is meditative At times you can hear the ice moan and groan, crack and creak.
Before heading out on the ice do your homework. A few precautions can be the difference between the best day ever and your worst nightmare.
I want to draw your attention to important safety tips from the Department of Natural Resources. See photo below. Before heading out on the ice it is important to check the thickness. As you can see by the chart below anything below three inches should be avoided. Four inches can support ice fishing, walking and skiing, over five inches a snowmobile, and eight to 12 a small car. Double the thickness guidelines for white or snow covered ice!
By the time I get on the ice, fisherman have drilled holes and can give me information about ice thickness. If however you are the first person in the ice you must measure the thickness. I’m not a fisherman so I don’t own an ice auger. However, a hand held drill or chisel can be used. You will need to take measurements in several locations.
Pay attention to pressure ridges, slush and large cracks. Clear blue or green ice is stronger than white. White has air or snow trapped inside which makes it weaker.
Bubbles in the ice can be beautiful, appearing like a frozen jellyfish at times. These bubbles are actually methane gas. They are created when dead organic materials such as leaves fall into the water. As they decompose they get trapped beneath the surface as the ice freezes creating this trapped gas.
Know how to self-rescue and how to rescue your friend if they fall through the ice. First and foremost call 911 if your partner has fallen through the ice. Find a stick or something you can reach out to them. If you decide skating or biking on lakes is something you feel drawn to do, there are a few pieces of safety equipment you may want to take with you.
Rope to rescue another skater
Ice claws or picks (to pull yourself out of the water),
A cellphone in a waterproof bag or case. Make sure someone know where you are going and when you plan to be home.
Life jacket.
A friend…don’t skate alone.
Dress warmly in layers.
Know before you go. Don't travel in areas you are not familiar and don't travel at night or during reduced visibility.
Avoid inlets, outlets or narrow that may have current that can thin the ice.
Look for clear ice, which is generally stronger than ice with snow on it or bubbles in it.
If you choose to mountain bike on frozen lakes you will need studded snow tires as well as cleats on your feet. I discovered this the hard way. The first time I rode my mountain bike on the ice I did not have any cleats on my feet. When I went to put my foot down, it slipped quickly taking me and my bike to the ice. A little humbled by the experience but no damage to me or my bicycle.
If you are at all unsure of the ice conditions stay off! Safety always comes first.
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