As the winter season starts, winter sports begin, both inside and outside of school. Between the fast-paced action of ice hockey, to sledding down large hills, to the thrill of skiing down snowy slopes, winter sports have something to love for ages. Although these are not school sports, students indulge in their beloved winter sports with family and friends.
Right next to UC High, in the Westfield UTC mall, there is an ice rink which offers a large array of options for people who want to don ice skates, from public skating to figure skating, as well as private one-on-one lessons and group classes for ice hockey. For students who are beginners, just starting to get comfortable on the ice, public skate is probably the best route to go, with skate rental at $30.00 with the option to rent a skate helper for $15.00 more. For people who consider themselves more comfortable on the ice, figure skating classes are $25.00 (utcice.com).
According to the UTC ice rink website, “This is the perfect lesson for first-time skaters! Our introductory skating class helps students to grasp the basics of ice skating (i.e. balance, movements, and terminology).” The class is only offered one time per skater, after which it is encouraged for participants to join their Figure or Hockey Academies to further their potential on the ice (utcice.com).
According to a website about ice hockey, “Ice hockey is a sport that pushes players to their limits. A confident mindset allows players to make quick decisions, trust their instincts, and seize opportunities.” Ice Hockey is just like field hockey but it is played in an ice rink with two teams competing wearing gear and ice skates, using hockey sticks to hit the ball. Both teams are usually composed of six players and the goal is to haul the puck past the goal line and into a net guarded by what is called a goaltender (usahockeyintelligym.com).
Having played ice hockey before, Senior Angel Reyes said, “My favorite spot to play was the San Diego Ice Arena.” Reyes played for a club when he was younger and said that he learned sportsmanship and teamwork. Reyes has a great passion for the sport and shared that his favorite position was center, which he argues is the most important. He added, “I’ve always wanted to play ice hockey full-time, but ever since I started working I don’t have enough time.”
San Diego has its own professional hockey Team called the Gulls. Games are played at the Pachanga Arena here in San Diego. Today, the San Diego Gulls compete in the AHL also known as the American Hockey League. When the team was first formed in 1966 the team was competing in the WHL (Western Hockey League). According to the Gulls’ official website, “The Gulls drew more than 315,000 fans for their inaugural season in 1966-67 as one of the top draws in America’s Finest City” (sandiegogulls.com). Students can purchase tickets to Gulls games on their website.
Ice skating is arguably one of the most intriguing sports, combining elegance with great skill. To ice skate you must master falling safely and later, building rhythm, style and grace. Senior Cynthia Posadas, a frequent ice skater said, “Ice skating is one of my favorite things to do during the wintertime. I always look forward to it.” Her favorite place to ice skate is the Kroc Center Ice Rink in La Mesa. She explained that ice skating is much more than just skating in circles. To ice skate, you must practice balance and precision. Many first-time ice skaters tend to give up when trying the sport because of its difficulty. But she explained that if you stick with it, it can be really fun.
For anyone who is interested in skiing or snowboarding this winter season, there are many different spots not too far of a drive from San Diego to go, starting with Big Bear Mountain. According to a tourism website, Big Bear Mountain is the number one most recommended and popular place for beginners and pros to build skill in skiing and snowboarding. Another great option is Snow Summit, which offers a great experience for everyone at a more affordable price than Big Bear. Although the park may not be as big, there are 31 different trails to experience and even a tube park for those who do not want to participate in skiing or snowboarding (theresandiego.com).
While sledding is considered to be less intense than other winter sports like ice hockey or skiing, it’s one of the most popular and beloved sports during the season. It’s easier than skiing, because you can just buy a sled and go, without specialized equipment or purchasing lift tickets. San Diegans often drive up to Julian when there is snow or head up to the San Bernardino mountains, just a two hour drive away. When thinking of sledding, you may just think of finding a hill to climb and enjoying the sport with your family, but for many students, sledding is a tradition.
Senior Sofia Reyes said, “Every year my whole family and I go up by San Francisco to a spot called Grizzly Peak just to sled for hours—it’s so fun and I look forward to it every year.” Although sledding doesn’t have as intense training as the other winter sports it brings people together and is a way for people to go outside and engage in a physical activity. Parent Norma Reyes, mother of Sofia says, “To me, it is so much more than just a sport. I was also a little girl who looked forward to it every year and I hope that when Sofia has kids she passes down our tradition.”
Whether you’re skating on the ice, riding down the slopes, or sledding on a hill, winter sports bring people together and can be the highlight of the winter season.