Lately, the weather has been really hot. To cool off, you and your kids may like to try ice skating! One recent addition to skating rinks around the Klang Valley is the Blue Ice Skating Rink in 163 Retail Park Mall, Mont Kiara.
With young Malaysian role models finding success in snow and ice related sporting events, it is no surprise that more skating rinks have sprouted up around the Klang Valley and country. Two Malaysian alpine skiers represented Malaysia recently in the recent 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The Malaysian Ice Hockey Team made its debut at the 2022 World Championship Division IV in Kyrgyzstan, last March, where they won fourth place. Last but not least is Julian Yee, a Malaysian born figure skater who was the 2017 and 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medallist.
Some icy figures
The Blue Ice Skating Rink measures 24 meters x 12 meters rink, and is located on the third floor of this Mont Kiara neighbourhood mall. Blue Ice Skating Rink also has rinks in the KL East Mall in Melawati area in Kuala Lumpur and Paradigm Mall in Johor Bahru. There are plans for a fourth branch in Pavilion Bukit Jalil this coming June.
Blue Ice also has a full-fledge in-house academy that offers figure skating (in Johor and Kuala Lumpur), ice hockey (Johor) and short track speedskating (Kuala Lumpur) classes. See here for more details.
What can your child learn from skating?
Through skating, kids can develop stability, control, and endurance as skating improves posture, balance, flexibility, coordination and muscle strength. However, your child will probably fall down multiple times before getting the hang of balancing and moving smoothly through the ice. The good thing is it will probably teach them perseverance. My son started ice skating lessons at 5 years of age. We’ve found that his skating skills have helped him to also pick up roller skating and skateboarding more easily.
What to bring
Falls do sometimes lead to bruises, so learners should don a helmet, elbow and knee pads for protection. Also, dress kids in tops with long sleeves and long pants to help them keep warm, and speak to them on safe behaviour on the ice before starting. You will also need a pair of gloves and socks. If you do not bring your own socks and gloves, you can purchase these for RM7 a pair at the counter.
Rates
The 163 Retail Park skating rink may be on the smaller side, but it is more than adequate for a casual skating date or for kids to have some fun for a few hours. The rates are also very reasonable: RM30 for 2-hour session on a weekday that includes the rental of a pair of skates. They charge RM35 for the same deal on a weekend. First time or learner skaters can also rent a Bobby Seal skating aid for RM30 an hour. Push it along or be pushed around as you sit on it.
Planning to go often? You can consider membership for only RM55 per year (RM35 for subsequent renewals). Members enjoy a RM5 off regular fees and are entitled to other privileges like two free sessions. On their birthday month, members enjoy a free skating session, a free Bobby Seal and an additional 10% off the session fees.
When to go?
There are 5 daily sessions: 10am to 12pm, 12.30pm to 2.30pm, 3 to 5pm, 5.30pm to 7.30pm and 8pm to 10.30pm. The ice is resurfaced in between these sessions. Weekends are usually busy, so do call ahead to book slots (03 9771 4210 or 018 377 4033) to avoid disappointment. We went with a few friends for the 8pm session on a weeknight during the school holidays and had the whole rink to ourselves. The backdrop of this rink made from bright neon lights makes it very Instagram-worthy as well!
If ice skating is a bit too chilly for you, why don’t you try roller skating? Have a look at our review for the skating classes at The School by Jaya 1 here.
