YardRink Portable Skating Rink

They say you never forget your first rink. A neighbor had invited me over to the backyard for some fun. I knew it was going to be special, so I brought my 2 young kids along. As we turned the corner of the neighbor’s house into the backyard, we could see it in the freshly fallen snow. A beautiful 26’ x 52’ backyard rink that was recently groomed for a day of skating. We had heard about backyard rinks, but this was the first time seeing one up close and personal.

The boys and I quickly donned our skates and began our backyard ice rink journey. At first, it was just skating as fast as we could, then playing tag, and ultimately it devolved into gathering as much speed as we could, sliding headlong as far as possible on the smooth surface towards the other end.

The neighbors soon joined us and we began playing what some might call hockey. Being a complete bender (ankle bender) and barely able to skate, it must have been quite a treat for the neighbors to view, certainly worthy of a viral YouTube video these days. We played for nearly four hours that day in the December chill.

We returned home that evening exhausted, yet, I was consumed with having a rink in our own yard. It was so much fun, and it would keep the kids busy and active. I did some research and found the biggest one that I could find at 37’ by 77’. Within a week, we had it set up and began our own backyard traditions.

Each year would bring improvements. First came the net (puck retention system) on one end, then another on the opposing end, next came boards, lights and finally an expansion that would take up nearly the entire yard to 40’ x 100’. It was big enough for 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 with a goalie.

Time would also bring new experiences as well. Play dates, sleepovers, skills competitions, and ultimately annual Broomball parties with coworkers. For me, the rink became a celebration of Winter and family as well as a symbol of community. For the kids, the rink was a rite of passage to adolescence.

Eventually, the kids got to high school and ran out of time to use it. 12 years of wonderful Winter backyard experiences and memories came to an unceremonious close. Or so I thought.

This past Summer, I came across an old friend’s LinkedIn update and couldn’t believe what I saw. My friend took on a role with a new startup company, YardRink, which makes backyard rinks!

I connected with him as soon as possible and my passion had returned as strong as ever. After a few conversations, I was offered a role as Minnesota YardRink evangelist.

What makes YardRink unique?

It’s so easy! About 75 minutes to set up the 17’ x 35’ Starter Rink!
Boards fill and freeze with water providing a super sturdy wall of ice surrounding your rink
Tarp goes on the outside of the boards allowing the puck to travel freely around the boards
Free integrated Puck retention system (nets on each end) save the pucks
Official Licensed Product of the NHL allows for the ability to customize with decals of your favorite NHL team.
Available in Custom Sizes and 2 Stock Sizes

Use my discount code, ROTHFIVEPERCENT, at www.YardRink.com to save 5% on building your own rink and a lifetime of memories!

Simple, intuitive design with no brackets, straps, or kick plates

Your rink location should have no more than 10” of slope in any direction. If you are unsure about the slope of your yard, we can help. Please contact us.

Everything You Need

Starter Rink

Standard Rink

PARTS LIST (INCLUDED)

WARNING: Small parts are a choking hazard for pets and young children

Tarp	Straight  Panel	Curved Panel	Hex Bolts	Hex Bolt Driver	Cable Ties	Stakes

White, oval, triple-laminate with woven-in blue lines.	UV-resistant HDPE and a factory-installed Link.	UV-resistant HDPE and a factory-installed Link.	Supplied in pack of 50  + driver	Use with  a cordless drill	UV-resistant, high tensile strength(package  includes extra)	White fiberglass
Rink Size 17’ x 35’	12 (6 per side)	16	28 required	1	200	14
Rink Size 26’ x 53′	30  (12 per side, 3 on each end)	16	46 required	1	300	35(+1 spare)