Back to insights

Ice skating blade friction

Ice skating blade friction
When ice skaters glide, the pressure and friction from the blade actually melts a microscopic layer of ice beneath it, creating a self-lubricating water film. This natural lubricant lets skaters reach speeds over 50 km/h with minimal effort. The phenomenon works best at temperatures just below freezing - too cold, and the ice won't melt easily enough for smooth gliding.
Explore our lubricant product range
Back to insights