Practice patch size?

[Rusty Blades]

I am seriously planning a patch of practice ice in the backyard for next winter but water is in short supply (I am way out in the sticks on a shallow well).

I am trying to figure out what minimum size of ice sheet would be suitable for a relative novice to practice the basics (excluding jumps of course), up to Preliminary Skills (MITF).

(Of course I would LOVE to have a full-sized rink and I do have the space for it but a new well is EXPENSIVE!)

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

Dianne

[flippet]

Oh, if you're desperate, I'd think 15' X 15' or so would do, maybe not even that much.

Just for kicks, check this (http://www.nicerink.com/index.htm) out. Look at the 'competition' photos especially.