Wrapping Up the Learning Project: Building a Backyard Rink

Well, here we are! We’ve all made it to the end of our learning projects. Mine has been a rewarding and educational journey, filled with both successes and challenges, especially with the unusually warm weather we had leading up to the end of November. Here’s a breakdown of how my backyard rink project unfolded over the months, along with some key lessons I learned along the way.

---

If I Fix My Gate, Does That Make Me the Secretary of Defence?

This was my first playful thought as I ventured into the world of backyard rink construction. With winter sports being such a big part of Canadian culture, the idea of building a rink felt both ambitious and quintessentially Canadian. But like any good defense plan, success starts with preparation.

---

Poor Planning Leads to Poor Execution

When it comes to building a backyard rink, planning is everything. I quickly realized that without a solid plan, things can go off the rails fast. From choosing the right location to understanding the drainage and leveling of your yard, even the smallest oversight can lead to a rink that’s more puddle than paradise.

Lesson learned: Take the time to measure, map out your area, and prepare your materials. It’s a lot easier to fix problems on paper than on ice!

---

Ringette: Radically Canadian & Intro to OBS

While waiting for the weather to cooperate, I decided to dive into the history of ringette, a sport that’s uniquely Canadian. I also explored the basics of OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) to capture and share my learning journey. Ringette’s focus on teamwork and skill inspired me to think about how my rink could serve as a place to bring people together. OBS, on the other hand, was a helpful tool for documenting the process and learning something new along the way.

---

Waiting on Weather: Let’s Talk Equipment

By this point, it was clear that the warm weather wasn’t going to give me a break. While waiting for colder temperatures, I shifted focus to the specialized equipment used in ringette, including the unique stick design . This detour gave me a greater appreciation for the sport and its players while I continued to bide my time for ice-making weather.

---

Old-Fashioned Backyard Rink: The Walter Gretzky Method

When the weather finally started to cool down, I embraced the tried-and-true Walter Gretzky Method for rink building. This approach is as simple as it gets: use a sprinkler to lay down thin layers of water until a rink takes shape. It felt old-fashioned, but it worked! The simplicity of this method reminded me that sometimes, you don’t need fancy gadgets—just patience and persistence.

---

Making My Own Zamboni Out of PVC Pipe and a Garden Hose

With the rink finally forming, I faced a new challenge: maintaining a smooth surface. Enter my homemade Zamboni! Using PVC pipe and a garden hose, I crafted a DIY resurfacer to give the rink a fresh skating surface. It was a fun and creative project that made me feel like a true ice maintenance pro. Plus, it was a great example of how resourcefulness can turn a good idea into reality.

---

The Weather Must Be Changing—My Knee Hurts

Finally, the weather took a turn. Cold temperatures settled in, and my aching knee confirmed it was time to flood the rink properly. This stage felt like the culmination of weeks of waiting and planning. There’s nothing quite like seeing your vision start to take shape after so much anticipation.

---

Okay, I Have the Weather, But When Do I Find the Time?

As the semester neared its end, time management became my biggest challenge. Between assignments, exams, and rink flooding, finding the time to keep everything on track was tough. This phase of the project taught me a lot about prioritizing tasks and making the most of the limited hours in a day.

---

Ever Wonder Why We Use Hot Water to Flood a Rink Instead of Cold?

For my final learning post, I explored the science behind using hot water for rink flooding. While it might seem counterintuitive, hot water creates a smoother, clearer, and more durable ice surface by melting imperfections and reducing air bubbles. This step was the finishing touch to my backyard rink and a fitting way to wrap up the project.

---

Reflecting on the Journey

This project was about more than just building a rink—it was about learning, adapting, and finding joy in the process. From understanding the history of ringette to overcoming unexpected challenges, each phase taught me something new. While I didn’t achieve perfection, the experience was immensely rewarding, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.

Whether it’s skating with family or simply admiring the frozen expanse in my backyard, this rink is a testament to the value of patience, creativity, and determination.

Thanks for following along on my journey. Here’s to embracing challenges and learning something new every day!

 

 

We’ve all heard the saying that hot water boils faster than cold water. Next time you’re making some ramen, try starting with hot water and putting a lid on the pot—you’ll notice how much faster it reaches a boil. But does this logic also apply to freezing? At first glance, you might think cold water would freeze faster than hot water—and under most circumstances, you’d be right.

However, when it comes to creating an ice surface for skating, we should always aim to use hot water. While it may seem counterintuitive, flooding a rink with hot water is a widely accepted practice because it produces a smoother, more durable, and higher-quality ice surface.

Why Use Hot Water for Flooding a Rink?

1. Hot Water Melts Imperfections
   When hot water is poured onto an ice surface, it melts the top layer of rough or uneven ice. This brief melting process smooths out scratches, chips, and other imperfections. As the hot water refreezes, it creates a uniform surface, resulting in smoother and harder ice that is ideal for skating.
2. Air Bubbles Are Reduced
   Hot water contains less dissolved air than cold water. When it freezes, this reduced air content minimizes the formation of bubbles in the ice. The result is a denser, clearer ice surface that is stronger and less prone to chipping or cracking. Clear ice also enhances visibility, which is especially important for indoor rinks.
3. Faster Freezing
   While it may seem surprising, hot water can freeze faster than cold water under specific conditions, a phenomenon known as the Mpemba Effect. In the context of rink flooding, the key is not just the temperature but how evenly the water is applied. Hot water spreads out thinly on the cold ice, allowing it to freeze quickly and uniformly.
4. Better Ice Bonding
   Hot water temporarily melts the existing surface as it is applied, allowing it to bond seamlessly with the new layer of ice. This eliminates any weak points between layers that could lead to separation or cracking. Using cold water, by contrast, risks creating layers that don’t fully adhere to each other, resulting in weaker, less durable ice.
5. Improved Skating Performance
   Smooth, dense ice isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts the quality of skating. Skaters glide more efficiently on ice that is free of bubbles and rough patches. Whether for figure skating, hockey, or recreational skating, using hot water ensures a surface that enhances performance and reduces the risk of injury.

While cold water might seem like the obvious choice for freezing, when it comes to building a perfect skating rink, hot water is the way to go. It provides a smoother, denser, and more durable ice surface, improving both functionality and appearance. So, the next time you’re flooding a rink, remember that hot water is your best ally in creating a pristine skating experience.

What a difference a couple of weeks makes! Not long ago, we were enjoying snow-free days and relatively mild weather, but now we’re buried under tons of snow, and the chill has set in deeply. Winter has truly arrived. The problem is, where does one find the time to flood a rink when the semester grind is in full swing? Between assignments, projects, and exams, the to-do list feels endless.

This post isn’t just about the snow and rinks, though—it’s about survival. It’s about pushing through the fog of a long semester and making it to the finish line.

Surviving the End-of-Semester Grind

No matter how overwhelming the workload feels, it’s important to step back and breathe. As much as we have to do, we also have time. Sometimes, taking a moment to decompress can work wonders. Whether it’s a quick nap, a hot meal, or a short walk, these small breaks can help you refocus and recharge.

My Go-To Strategy: The BAC (Big-Ass Calendar)

One of the tools that keeps me sane is my trusty BAC (Big-Ass Calendar). Planning out tasks and deadlines visually helps me map out a realistic schedule, making sure I don’t overdo it or burn out. By breaking tasks into manageable chunks and spreading them over time, I can avoid that dreaded “running on fumes” feeling.

Sleep: The Ultimate Productivity Hack

Sleep is non-negotiable. It’s tempting to cut corners on rest to squeeze in more work, but it’s counterproductive. Good sleep—not just quantity but quality—helps keep your mind sharp and your body resilient. Find the amount that works for you, and prioritize it.

When Life Happens

The truth is, no matter how prepared you are, life sometimes throws a wrench into the plan. For me, the weather has been perfect for flooding the rink, but time has been my enemy. Between juggling coursework, especially the demanding workload of my ceramics class, and everything else on my plate, I just haven’t been able to get to it.

And that’s okay. Sometimes, we can’t do it all. The key is to focus on what we can control, tackle one thing at a time, and remember that this busy season is temporary.

Closing Thoughts

This one’s short but sweet. If you’re reading this, hang in there! The end is near, and you’re closer to the finish line than you think. Take care of yourself, stay organized, and don’t forget to take moments to rest and recharge.

Stay strong,

 

Since deciding to create a backyard rink, I’ve encountered one major hurdle: the weather. Building an ice rink relies heavily on Mother Nature, and up until recently, she hasn’t been cooperating. November has been unusually warm this year—10 degrees Celsius in mid-November feels downright strange. Then again, I’ve lived through enough winters to know that unpredictability is par for the course. I’ve seen snowstorms as early as October and, conversely, years where there’s no snow until well into December. Who really knows? One thing is for sure: I’m studying to become a teacher, not a meteorologist!

Thankfully, snow is finally in the forecast, and that’s a crucial first step for my backyard rink project. Snow plays an essential role in the process. In upcoming posts, I’ll share videos documenting my progress as I prepare the rink area. My initial steps will involve packing down the snow and lightly watering it to create a solid base layer of ice. Admittedly, this layer won’t be perfectly smooth—it’s more of a foundation. Once the base is in place, I’ll move on to flooding the rink, slowly building up thin layers of water that will freeze into a smoother skating surface.

This project has been a learning experience, not just in terms of technique but also in patience and adaptability. Weather is unpredictable, and there’s only so much I can control. But I’m optimistic! Winter is coming, and so is my ice rink. Stay tuned for updates, tips, and (hopefully) some smooth, glossy ice in the near future.

Stay Tuned

Rob

One of the best parts of attending a hockey game is watching the Zamboni resurface the ice. There’s something mesmerizing about the machine’s slow, steady passes, leaving a smooth, shiny surface behind. I actually have some experience with this, having run a Zamboni at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw—a real treat, even if it was just tax dollars at work. A hockey rink relies on an ice resurfacer, and while “Zamboni” is the most recognized brand name, it’s a specific type of machine. For my backyard rink, I need something similar but on a much smaller and simpler scale.

A traditional Zamboni does more than just flood the ice—it actually shaves a thin layer off with a steel razor, which smooths out the imperfections. Then, it lays down a thin layer of hot water, which bonds with the existing ice and freezes evenly, creating that pristine, glassy surface. My DIY version won’t be quite as advanced, but I’m planning to create a tool to flood the rink and level the surface, leaving it as smooth as possible.

Here’s what I’ll need for this setup:

• Lengths of PVC pipe for a lightweight, easily assembled frame.
• A towel that will be attached to the bottom of the frame and drag over the ice, smoothing and spreading the water as I pull the contraption.
• Zip ties to secure the towel firmly to the frame.
• A valve that will let me control the water flow, so I can adjust it as needed to get an even coat.
• A hose attachment to connect it all to a standard garden hose.

For the water, hot water is ideal since it melts into any tiny surface cracks and creates a smoother layer as it freezes. Figuring out how to get a supply of hot water out to the rink is a challenge, but I’m working on it. Learnign Project 8 perhaps!

Once I’ve got all my parts assembled, I’ll share a link to a video demonstrating the proof of concept so you can see how it’s supposed to work before I put it all together.

Now, I just need the weather to cooperate and bring on the cold so I can keep making progress. Can’t wait!

Rob

As I mentioned in previous posts, there are two main ways to create an ice rink. One approach involves building forms, almost like concrete molds, with a liner to direct water precisely where you want it. However, since this is my first attempt, I plan to go with something more economical and straightforward: flooding packed snow with water—a technique now known as the “Walter Gretzky Method.”

Much like Mr. Gretzky, I’m a broke student and need to keep expenses low. His method was incredibly simple, and no one explains it better than his son. Combining this bit of Canadiana with guidance from this resource on old-fashioned backyard ice rinks, I’ll try my best to make it work.

As we quickly approach mid-November, the long-term forecast shows no days with daytime temperatures below zero—my first challenge. The next hurdle is snow. Without a liner, I’ll need to wait for the ground to freeze, or at least for the frost to harden it enough for water to sit on top. The best way to prepare is to wait for fresh snowfall, then pack the snow down in the area that will become the rink.

For now, I’ll keep learning what’s required to maintain the ice (in theory, at least), and maybe I’ll get creative with the lighting setup.

That’s all for today. Hope you enjoyed the update!

Rob

Building an ice rink in my backyard at the end of October has been challenging due to record-high temperatures. I remember plenty of Halloweens as a kid when my costume had to fit over a snowsuit, but this year, the weather hasn’t been as cooperative. Since we’re waiting on cooler days, let’s talk about some of the essential equipment used in ringette. Of course, the stick is the most recognizable piece, but the cage worn by ringette players is quite unique. Unlike hockey cages, ringette cages are specifically designed to prevent a stick from passing through and contacting the player’s face. Take a look at the images below to see the differences—ringette cages provide a tailored level of protection that sets them apart.

 

Moving from protective equipment, we can also talk about the stick. Something unique about the sport of ringette is a lot of the gear in Saskatchewan is made by people with special needs, specifically, Saskabilities. So it is great for the sport that the tools of the trade are made by people who may have difficulty finding other work. So until then, I’ll post a picture of a prepped area ready to be flooded. Sorry for the blurry quality, but I am limited by the upload size!

Rob

 

So I’ve given a little background on Why OBS would be useful and I’ve done some learning about Ringette! In this post I will add a video that will contain a short Tutorial as to how to download and get started with OBS, I will then display a quick overview of how my rink is being planned.

Hope this helps for all of your recording and streaming needs!

Rob

Before I met my partner, I had heard about ringette, but it just seemed like hockey with a rubber ring and no blade on the stick. However, after seven years of being around the sport, I’ve naturally learned a lot more about it.

Similarities to Hockey

Let’s start with what’s familiar to the average person, especially if they’ve watched a hockey game. Ringette is played on a standard hockey rink, and many of the markings on the ice are the same. For example, you’ll notice the blue lines, center line, and goal crease look pretty similar to those in hockey.

Each team has five skaters and one goalie on the ice at any given time, just like in hockey. The goal nets are also identical in size and shape to those used in hockey. So, if someone were to walk into their first ringette game, they’d feel at least somewhat familiar with the rink setup and team structure.

Key Differences

Now, here’s where things start to diverge from hockey:

1. The Stick and Ring: The most noticeable difference is the equipment used to play. Instead of a puck, ringette is played with a rubber ring, and instead of a bladed hockey stick, players use a straight stick with no blade. The ring is much larger than a puck, and the stick has a specially designed tip to control the ring.
2. No Carrying the Ring Across the Blue Line: One of the biggest rule changes is that players are not allowed to carry the ring over the blue lines themselves. In hockey, players can skate the puck across the blue line, but in ringette, they must pass the ring across the line to a teammate. This promotes more team play and passing, which changes the dynamics of the game significantly. The rule forces teams to rely heavily on passing and teamwork rather than individual skill.
3. The Free Pass: Instead of face-offs like in hockey, ringette uses a “free pass” to start play after stoppages. The player taking the free pass is given five seconds to pass the ring to a teammate from a designated circle. This helps keep the game moving and emphasizes the passing nature of the sport.
4. The Shot Clock: Ringette introduces a shot clock, which is not found in hockey. Teams have a limited amount of time (usually 30 seconds) to take a shot on goal once they gain possession of the ring. If they don’t, the other team gains possession, similar to how shot clocks in basketball work. This adds an extra layer of urgency and strategy to the game, as teams need to set up offensive plays quickly.
5. No Body Checking: While hockey allows physical body checking, ringette is a non-contact sport. Players are not allowed to body check or use physical force to gain control of the ring. Instead, defensive strategies focus on positioning and stick play to intercept passes and block shooting lanes.
6. The Goalie’s Crease: Another key difference is the goalie’s crease. In ringette, players are not allowed to enter the crease at all, and only the goalie is allowed to play the ring while inside it. This rule is strictly enforced, and any violation results in a penalty or loss of possession. It makes defending the goal quite different compared to hockey, where players often scramble for loose pucks in front of the net.

After years of watching and learning about ringette, I’ve come to appreciate its unique pace and emphasis on strategy and teamwork. While it shares some commonalities with hockey, the differences really set it apart as its own fast-paced, dynamic sport and having a partner who is a player and Referee means I have a living Primary source for my information!

Rob

Further posts will include more Ringette related material, Right now I am thinking about how I will be making my backyard rink. Currently there is still a garden that is being harvested, but that won’t stop me from using a tape measure. I want my Rink to be 20 feet wide, by 30 feet long. As we can see from the picture there is some yardwork that needs to be done prior to the building of the rink. There are many methods, The Walter Gretzky Method was to simply just use a sprinkler until an icerink formed and then something a little more planned as noted from this blog, https://rogueengineer.com/how-to-build-a-backyard-ice-rink/ will be used. There will be some materials that need to be gathered. but the measuring portion is complete and the cleanup is underway. As mentioned in the Title, Poor planning leads to poor execution!

Rob