7 Tips for Wearing Masks on Ice
by Sami Winawer
As we’ve all started getting back on the ice and back into training, I think we have noticed that it’s been a little different. We’ve been standing and skating a little further away from our teammates than usual, some of us have had zoom off ice classes, and some of us are not even back to team practices yet. Most noticeably, face masks have become a new addition to our practice attire. The CDC recommends that people wear face coverings in public and when with people from outside of your household. This is because they are very likely to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used in public. As vital as they are to keeping everyone safe and healthy, they can also be a little difficult to skate and work out in. To try and help make this transition to mask-skating easier, I have compiled a list of tips for wearing a mask on the ice. These tips come from personal experience, reputable articles I have read, as well as CDC guidance for wearing a mask while exercising.
- Bring extra masks! This has been the most helpful for me during practices. Masks become less effective when they get wet; and honestly, they also become very uncomfortable. The last thing you want during a double run through is a wet mask. I try to bring one mask for warm up, at least two more masks for ice time, and another mask or two if we have any off ice or fitness training after ice. This may seem like overkill; but trust me, you’re going to be a lot happier in multiple dry masks than one wet one.
- Drink water! Drinking water is obviously always important. Seriously, please always drink water. However, since I have been wearing a mask during practice and on freestyle sessions, I have noticed that I am drinking less and less water. Maybe it is because I have to remove the mask to drink, or maybe it’s just because I need to get back into the swing of training. The more I have been reminding myself to drink the better I have felt. I don’t know about you, but my lips and mouth tend to get dry while I am wearing a mask, and staying hydrated has been a huge help for that. As simple as this may sound, drinking water often while training in a mask is so important!
- Avoid disposable, surgical masks! The mask you choose to wear is very important while exercising. Experts suggest that surgical masks are not ideal for exercising because they tend to become wet very quickly. This brings us back to the same issue as only bringing one mask with the mask becoming less effective and more uncomfortable when it gets wet. Avoiding surgical masks on the ice will not only help keep you dry, but it will also help out the environment a little bit!
- Wear thinner masks made of more breathable fabrics! We have established that cloth masks are better for exercising than disposable masks. However, not all cloth masks are equal. Masks that are made of synthetic, breathable fabric and are two layers or less are more ideal for exercising than thicker, less moisture-wicking masks. This helps to avoid overheating, wetness, and bunching of the fabric. This is probably a no-brainer, but I have noticed that masks made from athletic-wear brands have been a lot more comfortable to skate in than masks made from other retailers. I would recommend checking out your favorite sports wear brand to see if they have started making reusable face masks.
- Find a mask that fits YOUR face well! All masks are going to fit everyone differently, so it is really important to find one that you like and that fits you well. The CDC recommends that masks fit snugly around the face and cover both the nose and mouth to be effective. A well-fitted mask will help ensure it is effective, and it will also make sure that it stays in place while you are skating. Nothing is more annoying than your mask falling down your nose or winding up in your mouth on the ice. Try out a lot of different masks! If one doesn’t work for you, you can see if a family member or friend likes the fit. Just be sure to wash it before you give it away!
- Wash your masks often! This one also should be obvious. Just like you probably throw your dirty skating clothes right in the laundry after practice, you should also throw your masks in there. The CDC recommends that masks be washed after every use. This keeps the mask effective while keeping it smelling fresh. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to be smelling day old sweat for hours during a long practice. Most masks can be put in with the rest of your laundry; and you can either dry them on the highest heat setting, or you can hang them to dry. Masks can also be hand washed with warm water and household bleach if you need to use them before you do your next load of laundry. Keeping your mask clean is a really easy way to make sure your mask is effective and smells nice!
- Take it slow at the start! It’s going to be weird at first to skate in a mask. This is why you should ease into it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to be able to do a double long runthrough the first day you wear a mask on the ice. If you need to take a break, take a break! If you need to take it slow for a while, take it slow! It’s going to get easier the more you practice! Just like anything else in skating! Remember how hard the first runthrough of the season always is? And then, by the end of the season you’re doing at least a few every practice.
Wearing a face mask is such an important aspect of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Hopefully these tips for wearing one on the ice helps make skating during these weird times a little easier and a little more comfortable. Hey, if wearing a mask is what it takes for us to get back to training, I am more than happy to comply!
Sources:
Exercising While Wearing a Mask