"Lots and lots of practice," I tell him, laughing a little as he clings to the boards. He's moving though, inch by careful inch, and that's definitely something. I honestly can barely even remember a time when being on the ice didn't feel like second nature, but I know it's not an easy skill at all for people just starting.

Glancing over my shoulder, I watch the girl for a second, silently critiquing her technique before turning my attention back on Simon with a grin.

"It doesn't have to be, no," I promise him. I can't seem to stop smiling. "I can do a quick, easy lap or two just so you can see though. Do you just want to stay here and watch?"