ice skating has history dating as far back as 5000 years when people tied the bones of animals to their shoes as a way of gliding across frozen ponds and lakes. the oldest pair of skates, similar to the ones described above, were found in lake moss, switzerland - these skates are dated to about 3000 bc.

ice skating remiained relatively unchanged until the 14th century, when the dutch added sharp metal bars to the bottom of their shoes - this addition gave more control and speed on the ice. during the beginning stages of ice skating, poles were sometimes used to help propel skaters much in the same way modern skiers use poles.