Exemplified by its grace, skill and agility, ice skating has been used as a means of procrastination ever since Homo Sapiens took it upon themselves to conquer ice – which, if you’re interested, was around 4,000 years ago. Blimey. So why don’t you get in on this pastime: it has got quite the reassuring heritage, after all. And what with it being only a ten-minute stroll out of town, it’s procrastination which even the most stressed of students can commit to.
Oxford Ice Rink
Exemplified by its grace, skill and agility, ice skating has been used as a means of procrastination ever since Homo Sapiens took it upon themselves to conquer ice – which, if you’re interested, was around 4,000 years ago. Blimey. So why don’t you get in on this pastime: it has got quite the reassuring heritage, after all. And what with it being only a ten-minute stroll out of town, it’s procrastination which even the most stressed of students can commit to.
The Oxford Ice Rink is tucked modestly out of the way along Oxpens road. Unassuming, oblong and unknown to most students is the exhilarating experience contained within this building, achieved merely by shuffling around on a frozen body of water. The rink is open mornings till late(ish) at night, perfect for the nocturnal breed of finalist, or for the eager early bird. Student discount is, of course, readily available, with most sessions costing a manageable £5.40 including skate hire.
Skill is optional for participation. If, like me, you’re more Bambi on ice than anything else, do not despair. Indeed, I’m constantly and patronisingly reminded that I’ll ‘pick it up quite fast’, so there really is hope for all. If this is the case, however, do consider wearing appropriate clothing. I have learnt the hard and humiliating way that wearing a skirt plus ice skates plus face plummet equals unintentional flashing of underwear to the entire rink, a flashing exacerbated by the process of scrambling to stand up again (which can be quite a lengthy business when you start out.)
But you’ll be pleased to hear skating’s not the only activity you can participate in (let’s face it, skating in a circuit for two hours has the dangerous potential to get boring.) The rink also offers hours of entertainment in the form of simple and understated observation. During the day you will find a collection of figure skaters practicing for their next several hundred gold medals or so. Often wearing ridiculous costumes, these creatures showcase the very best of comedy, exhibiting face plants you can only dream of, impressive athleticism, superfluous crotch exposure, and skating drama to rival that of ‘Dancing on Ice’.
erhaps you’re already mid-way through finals and need a break from cramming for a minute (or sixty) or perhaps you’ve finally exhausted all good YouTube procrastination and need to move on to greater things. Whatever the reason, whether you’re a ice skating god or a destructive hazard to all, ice skating is the ideal work postponer
The Oxford Ice Rink is tucked modestly out of the way along Oxpens road. Unassuming, oblong and unknown to most students is the exhilarating experience contained within this building, achieved merely by shuffling around on a frozen body of water. The rink is open mornings till late(ish) at night, perfect for the nocturnal breed of finalist, or for the eager early bird. Student discount is, of course, readily available, with most sessions costing a manageable £5.40 including skate hire.
Skill is optional for participation. If, like me, you’re more Bambi on ice than anything else, do not despair. Indeed, I’m constantly and patronisingly reminded that I’ll ‘pick it up quite fast’, so there really is hope for all. If this is the case, however, do consider wearing appropriate clothing. I have learnt the hard and humiliating way that wearing a skirt plus ice skates plus face plummet equals unintentional flashing of underwear to the entire rink, a flashing exacerbated by the process of scrambling to stand up again (which can be quite a lengthy business when you start out.)
But you’ll be pleased to hear skating’s not the only activity you can participate in (let’s face it, skating in a circuit for two hours has the dangerous potential to get boring.) The rink also offers hours of entertainment in the form of simple and understated observation. During the day you will find a collection of figure skaters practicing for their next several hundred gold medals or so. Often wearing ridiculous costumes, these creatures showcase the very best of comedy, exhibiting face plants you can only dream of, impressive athleticism, superfluous crotch exposure, and skating drama to rival that of ‘Dancing on Ice’.
Perhaps you’re already mid-way through finals and need a break from cramming for a minute (or sixty) or perhaps you’ve finally exhausted all good YouTube procrastination and need to move on to greater things. Whatever the reason, whether you’re a ice skating god or a destructive hazard to all, ice skating is the ideal work postponer.
