Beat the heat by hitting the ice at Polar Ice Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Temperatures are expected to soar back into the nineties, with heat index values climbing even higher midweek. As WWAY’s Charles McKeller reports, many people are looking for creative ways to beat the summer heat.

“When the summer heat becomes too much to handle, some people are trading sunshine for a place that feels a lot more like winter. Come on, let’s go inside.”

When temperatures soar outside, Polar Ice Wilmington is keeping things cool, inside.

“Anywhere between 50 and 55, so it’s a lot colder than outside, said Lashomb

That’s the temperature General Manager Tyler Lashomb says makes the rink a perfect escape from the outdoors.

But as the heat index climbs, so does the number of people looking for a cool place to spend the day.

“The heat is so excessive that people just want to get out of the heat and go skating. Having the joy of just watching these kids have fun, families coming out and skating, it’s just a joy for me, said Lashomb.

While many people head to the beach or the pool, rising North Brunswick High School junior Claire Stephens has a different favorite way to beat the heat.

“Just like to come ice skate and have fun, kind of get out of the heat. Just find anything indoors, take your time, and don’t get a heat stroke,” said Stephens.

For Alexander Coffiey and his son, Thomas, a trip to the rink has become a family tradition. Thomas has played hockey here for three years, giving the two an opportunity to spend quality time together both on and off the ice.

“I play for the Junior Seahawks here,” said Thomas.  “I just enjoy coming to the Icehouse and getting out of the heat and spending time with my son doing it,” said Thomas.

“Now, it’s my turn to go skating in this winter wonderland.”

I had no idea how this was going to go because I’ve never been ice skating before and I was a little nervous.

With help from a skating trainer, I learned how to put on my skates and find my balance. Then it was time to hit the ice — starting with a training tool to help me stay upright.

“I’m too tall for this.”

It didn’t go well at first, but with a few tips from some young skaters, I was soon gliding across the ice on my own — all while staying cool.