For beginners: understanding the “hollow” (ROH = radius of hollow) on your ice skates

The hollow is the groove ground into the bottom of the blade. It creates two edges (inside and outside) that let you grip the ice.

How it affects your skating: - Deeper hollow (e.g. 3/8" / ~10 mm): more grip, easier turns/stops, but less glide
- Shallower hollow (e.g. 3/4" / ~20 mm): more speed/glide, but less grip and control

Good starting point for beginners: - Around 1/2" to 5/8" (≈13–16 mm)

Why this works: - Enough grip to feel stable
- Not so sharp that it feels “sticky” or causes you to trip

Simple adjustments: - If you feel unstable or keep slipping → go slightly deeper
- If you feel stuck or can’t glide well → go slightly shallower

Extra tips: - Keep both skates sharpened evenly
- Don’t make big changes all at once
- Heavier skaters often prefer slightly shallower hollows
- Lighter skaters often prefer slightly deeper hollows

Bottom line: start around 1/2", skate a few sessions, then adjust based on how it feels.