Introducing the New Skate Mates Range — Now Available from Marshalls International

Marshalls International is pleased to announce the arrival of a brand-new range of Skate Mates skating aids from Ice Skate Aids UK, now available directly through us as an official stockist.

Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, this latest generation of skating aids has been developed specifically for use in busy ice rink environments where durability, safety and ease of operation are essential.

The range supports beginners of all ages while helping rink operators improve the overall visitor experience and accessibility of their facilities.

From traditional push skating aids to innovative ride-on models for very young children, the Skate Mates range provides a practical and reliable solution for supporting first-time skaters with confidence.

Supporting First Experiences on the Ice

For many visitors, their first experience on the ice can be both exciting and challenging.

Providing high-quality skating aids helps facilities:

  • support beginner confidence
  • improve safety during early sessions
  • encourage family participation
  • increase session accessibility
  • enhance overall visitor satisfaction

Skate Mates products are designed to help rinks create welcoming environments where beginners feel supported from their very first steps on the ice.

This improves not only safety and enjoyment, but also customer retention and repeat visits.

Skate Mates, Polar Bears

Skate Mates, Penguins

Proudly Manufactured in the UK

One of the standout strengths of the Skate Mates range is that every product is designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom.

This ensures:

  • consistent production quality
  • reliable material standards
  • dependable product availability
  • equipment suited to UK rink conditions
  • long-term durability for commercial environments

For rink operators, choosing UK-manufactured equipment provides reassurance that products have been built specifically with demanding leisure environments in mind.

It also supports faster supply chains and dependable replacement availability when required.

Built for Professional Ice Rink Use

Unlike lightweight recreational skating aids designed for occasional use, Skate Mates are engineered for regular daily operation in busy rink environments.

Each product includes carefully considered design features such as:

  • strong and durable construction
  • stable bases for improved balance support
  • smooth movement across ice surfaces
  • ergonomically positioned handles
  • child-friendly shapes and finishes

These features ensure skating aids remain safe, reliable and easy to manage even during high-traffic public skating sessions.

Designed to Encourage Participation Across All Ages

Modern ice rinks increasingly focus on accessibility and family participation.

Providing the right skating support equipment allows facilities to welcome:

  • first-time skaters
  • school groups
  • families with young children
  • beginner adult skaters
  • seasonal visitors during winter events

By offering supportive skating aids, rinks can create a more inclusive skating experience while helping visitors develop confidence more quickly.

This often leads to longer sessions, improved visitor satisfaction and increased repeat attendance.

Introducing the Ride-On Skate Mates Range

One of the most exciting additions to the Skate Mates family is the introduction of ride-on skating aids designed specifically for very young children.

These include the Walrus and Olympia ride-on models.

Unlike traditional push skating aids, these allow toddlers and younger children to sit safely on the skating aid while being guided across the ice by an adult.

This makes it possible for even the youngest visitors to enjoy time on the ice in a safe and controlled way.

Skate Mates Walrus

The Walrus is a friendly and approachable ride-on skating aid designed for comfort and stability.

Key benefits include:

  • seated design suitable for younger children
  • stable base for smooth movement
  • easy push control for adults
  • attractive design that children immediately recognise and enjoy

This model helps rinks create inclusive skating sessions suitable for families with very young visitors.

SKATE MATES OLYMPIA RIDE-ON

The Olympia ride-on model offers another excellent solution for supporting early skating experiences.

Designed with safety and usability in mind, it provides:

  • comfortable seated support
  • controlled adult steering position
  • strong commercial-grade construction
  • reliable stability on ice surfaces

Ride-on models like Olympia allow facilities to expand their appeal to younger families and improve accessibility across beginner sessions.

Traditional Push Skate Mates for Beginner Confidence

Alongside ride-on models, the Skate Mates range includes a selection of traditional push skating aids designed to support children as they learn to balance independently.

These include:

  • Snowmen
  • Penguins
  • Polar Bears

Each design combines stability with a playful appearance that helps younger skaters feel confident on the ice.

Skate Mates Snowmen

The Snowmen skating aid is one of the most recognisable beginner support designs available.

It provides:

  • strong balance support
  • comfortable grip handles
  • smooth movement across the surface
  • a familiar and reassuring shape for younger users

This makes it an ideal addition to public skating sessions and beginner programmes.

Skate Mates Penguin

The Penguin skating aid combines stability with a fun character design that younger skaters immediately respond to.

Facilities benefit from:

  • durable construction for daily use
  • comfortable handle positioning
  • stable skating support
  • strong visual appeal for family sessions

Character-based skating aids often improve engagement during beginner sessions, especially for younger visitors.

Skate Mates Polar Bears

The Polar Bear skating aid is designed to support older children as they move confidently away from the rink barrier and begin skating more independently on the open ice.

Facilities benefit from:

• enhanced stability for developing skaters
• confidence-building support across the rink surface
• strong construction for regular rink use
• high popularity during family skating sessions

Character-based skating aids like the Polar Bear help encourage independence while adding fun and engagement to beginner skating sessions.

Designed for Busy Leisure Environments

Ice rinks operate equipment continuously throughout the season, particularly during peak visitor periods.

Skate Mates products are designed specifically for these demanding conditions.

Their construction ensures:

  • long service life
  • reliable stability
  • easy handling by rink staff
  • suitability for daily commercial use
  • strong return on investment for operators

This makes them a practical addition to facilities looking to expand their beginner support equipment.

Supporting Family-Friendly Skating Experiences

Family participation continues to play an important role in the success of modern skating venues.

Providing equipment suitable for toddlers, children and beginners helps facilities:

  • attract wider visitor groups
  • support inclusive skating sessions
  • increase session confidence levels
  • encourage repeat visits
  • enhance the overall visitor experience

Ride-on skating aids in particular allow even the youngest visitors to take part in skating sessions safely.

Available Now from Marshalls International

As an official stockist of the Skate Mates range from Ice Skate Aids UK, Marshalls International now supplies these products directly to ice rinks, leisure facilities and seasonal skating installations across the UK and internationally.

Facilities can now source:

  • ride-on skating aids
  • traditional beginner skating supports
  • durable rink-ready equipment
  • UK-manufactured skating aids designed for professional use

all through a trusted supplier with over 40 years’ experience supporting ice rink operators worldwide.

Helping Facilities Build Confidence on the Ice

Supporting beginners is one of the most effective ways to grow participation and improve visitor satisfaction within skating facilities.

By introducing high-quality skating aids designed specifically for rink environments, operators can create safer and more welcoming sessions for families, schools and first-time skaters.

The new Skate Mates range provides a reliable solution for facilities looking to improve accessibility, support early confidence and enhance the overall skating experience.

Marshalls International is proud to supply this UK-manufactured range as part of our continued commitment to supporting ice rinks with dependable equipment solutions across every level of operation.

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