5 Ice Jumps You’ll Encounter (and Probably Attempt) on the Rink
Strap on your skates and get ready for a wild ride. Whether you’re a graceful glider or more of a comedic tumbler, there’s a type of jump on the ice for everyone. From flashy aerials to flops that’ll have your friends in stitches, here’s your cheat sheet to mastering (or at least recognizing) these five memorable moves.
1. The Show Off 💃
Picture this: you’re center ice, the spotlight’s on you, and you jump like you’re auditioning for a blockbuster movie. The Show Off is all about drama arms flailing in a majestic arc, face beaming with confidence, and landing with a flourish that says, “Yes, this is my rink.” It’s high on flair, and even if you wobble on the landing, the crowd is usually too dazzled to notice.
Focus on form rather than pure height. Practice small jumps at first, gradually working your way to that show stopping lift. No one wants a memorable performance for the wrong reasons…like a dramatic tumble.
2. The Flyer 🪽
Ever dreamed of flying? Well, The Flyer is as close as you’ll get without leaving the ground—literally. This jump is all about maximizing airtime. Knees bent, arms tight, and a heart that believes you can soar. The rush of speed going into this jump is half the fun (and half the terror).
Build momentum with strong, even strokes leading up to your takeoff. Think of it like jumping off a swing at the playground - only this time, the ground beneath is solid ice, so brace yourself!
3. The Fail Jump 💥
We’ve all been there: you go for the glory, and the glory goes…somewhere else. The Fail Jump is that enthusiastic leap that doesn’t quite pan out. Maybe the legs get tangled, or your back foot decides to go rogue. This is the best kind of fail, though, because it usually ends with laughter (and maybe a sore backside).
Laugh it off. Seriously, that’s the tip. Embrace these moments as part of your skating journey. And hey, you’ve got an instant icebreaker for any future conversation - “Remember that time I tried to jump and accidentally invented a new spin?”
4. The Menace 😈
Cue the dramatic soundtrack. The Menace is the jump that looks a bit too aggressive for its own good like you’re charging the ice with a mischievous grin. This jump often involves arms pumping furiously and landing so firm you might make the ice vibrate. You’re not just jumping; you’re declaring war on gravity.
Channel that energy into a clean, smooth technique. Keep your arms controlled and your core engaged. If you feel like a storm is brewing inside you, that’s good, just make sure it doesn’t blow your balance off-course.
5. The Chicken 🐔
And last but certainly not least: The Chicken. This one’s for the cautious souls who want to try a jump…sort of. Knees barely bend, arms flap in comedic terror, and the jump height hovers somewhere between “was that a jump?” and “someone put a pebble under my skate.” But hey, a jump’s a jump, right?
Ease into your comfort zone—there’s no shame in baby steps. Over time, that mini pop will turn into a more confident leap. And if not, at least you’ve nailed the most entertaining jump on the rink.
Ready to Jump In?
Next time you head to the rink, try spotting (or attempting) these five jumps. Who knows—you might start with The Chicken and graduate to The Show Off before the Zamboni even comes out. The key is to keep having fun, keep pushing your boundaries (safely!), and don’t forget to clap it up for your fellow skaters fail jumps and all.
Have a favorite jump or an epic ice skating fail? Share your story in socials & tag us! And if you’re ready to level up your skills, follow us on TikTok for our weekly ice skating tips, where we promise to cover more ways to wow on the ice (and fewer ways to fall).
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