See Ice Skating On Frozen Jersey Shore Beach

WILDWOOD, NJ — Swimming and tanning are typical activities associated with Jersey Shore beaches. But with the recent stretch of frigid weather, ice skating and playing hockey have become beachgoing activities.

The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority shared photos of a group of friends playing a game of hockey on the beach, which turned into a natural ice rink thanks to the cold temperatures.

"Locals laced up and hit the ice for some unforgettable hockey action with the iconic boardwalk as their backdrop," the tourism group said.

Local figure skaters also enjoyed some moves on the icy beach.

According to the Facebook page Jersey Shore Hurricane News, there's an explanation for Wildwood's natural ice rink.

Snow, then rain, then below-freezing temperatures led to a shallow pool of water on the sand. That shallow water froze evenly, with sand underneath creating a smooth sheet of ice - perfect for skating.

It's not something normally seen in the winter, too. Mayor Ernie Troiano, Jr. told NJ.com that he didn't think he had ever seen ice skating on the beach.

While not unprecedented, it certainly is rare, New Jersey State Climatologist David Robinson told NJ.com.

With a warmup in store for New Jersey, the beach ice rink is likely to melt.