AT winter period skiing is not only an ideal option for fun, but also a great opportunity to work out, getting a load on all groups. It is important to know how to choose skis for skating to find the perfect inventory for you.
A feature of skating is that repulsion from the ground occurs inside ski tracks. The track is also important, which should be well-packed and wide. Skating skis differ from classic ones in that they are about 15 cm shorter, have a blunt toe, and the center of gravity is shifted by 2.5 cm.
How to choose the right skis for skating?
Experts recommend approaching the choice of equipment responsibly, based on individual indicators. To begin with, I would like to say about the price, since many people believe that the more expensive the skis, the better. In fact, this is not the case and experts advise beginners to purchase budget options, among which you can find good equipment. Another useful advice- if the athlete's weight is more than 70 kg, then it is better to choose skis from the average price category which are more durable.
If you are interested in which ones to choose for skating, then pay attention to the following indicators:
- Length. To calculate this value, you need to make a simple calculation, namely, you need to add 10-12 cm to your height.
- Rigidity. This parameter should be chosen depending on the weight of the skier. For example, if a person with a low weight chooses hard skis for himself, then they will not cling to the ground and the ride will be uncomfortable. Those who just want to go skiing should choose options with medium hardness. It is important to say that hard skis often slip, and they also bounce when pushed. There is one piece of advice on how to choose skating skis for stiffness - you need to flat surface put the skis on, put on the boots and stand on them. After the weight is evenly distributed, using a sheet of paper, you should measure the length of the gap that has formed between the ski track and the floor. You need to do this both in front and behind the boot. Perfect option- when the distance in front is 30-40 cm, and in the back - 10-15 cm. If you transfer the weight to one leg, then the clearance value should be no more than 10 cm. Not all stores have the opportunity to measure skis, so you can use another tip - fold the skis vertically, sliding surfaces towards each other. After that, put your hands on the pads and press them well. Skis are considered suitable if there is a gap of 1-2 mm between them.
- Strength. This indicator also depends on the weight of the person, and the larger it is, the stronger the equipment is needed.
Speaking about which skis for skating a beginner needs to choose, it is worth talking about the choice of sticks. It is worth giving preference to options that touch the shoulder.
To understand which skis to choose for a beginner skier, you must first decide what style of skiing you prefer. For the skating style, when, like a skater, they move along a wide prepared track, or the classic style, when the movement is made on a ski track, different skis are made. It is not recommended to buy skating skis, implying the possibility of skating also on the track or vice versa. It will be hard and it is unlikely that such a ride can be enjoyed.
What are notches for?
Having set out to figure out how to choose skis for a classic move, remember that there are models with and without notches. If you are a beginner and have no desire to figure out how to properly apply ski wax depending on the temperature of the snow, then choose classic notched skis for skiing. If you bought smooth skis without a notch, then be aware that they are used only in conjunction with holding ointment, otherwise they will slip.
While skiing middle part skis bend when repulsed and come into contact with the surface of the track. Notches are made in such a way that they do not allow the ski to slip back, holding it, but allow it to slide forward almost unhindered. It should be noted that the speed of riding will always be slightly lower than on smooth skis. AT difficult conditions, such as above zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with the kickback and the skis begin to slip backwards. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but are very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.
Lubricants for holding and sliding
Ski wax for plastic skis comes in two varieties: gliding and holding.
Ski lubricants are designed to improve gliding properties. They are applied only to the front and back of classic skis, whether they are notched or not. And for ridge skates, the entire sliding surface is lubricated.
The holding ointment is applied only to smooth skis intended for the classic move, and only to their central part (block). Such ski lubricant comes in solid or liquid form and is selected according to the temperature of the snow. Serves the same purpose as the notches - it does not allow you to slip back when pushing off.
It is not necessary to apply grip lubricant to notched skis, but glide lubricant is applied to any ski.
Selection of skis by stiffness
If you want to know how to choose the right skis, remember that the most important thing is to choose the right stiffness. Each ski has a deflection that determines driving performance by more than half. The stiffness of a ski is determined by how much force must be applied from above in order to push it through.
One of simple ways the definition of stiffness for the classics is to push the ski with both hands until the sliding surface under the block completely touches the floor. If you can’t push through, then choose with less rigidity. As for skis for skating, when compressed with one hand, the gap should be 1-2 mm. By the way, some models indicate the weight range of the skier for which they are designed.
Beginners and non-professionals are best suited for low and medium hard skis. If classic skis do not push through completely during repulsion, then the stiffness is not chosen correctly.
As for how to choose skis for skating, they are almost twice as stiff as classic ones, and should not be completely pressed through when pushing off. Moreover, they are usually shorter than the classic ones by 15-20 cm.
If you are planning walks on virgin lands, without skiing, then choose special walking or tourist (touring) skis. They are wider than the usual classic ones and on them you will lay your own track anywhere.
Ski length selection
The length of the skis are selected as follows:
- for a classic style, add 25-30 cm to your height;
- for ridge - add 10-15 cm to the height.
The question of how to choose the right skis for height is less important than choosing the stiffness. Generally, the longer the ski, the stiffer it is. Therefore, if the skis chosen for the length are soft, take longer ones.
Choice of ski boots
Before choosing ski boots, the right decision is to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them to try on boots.
Skating boots have a rigid cuff to support the ankle and a rigid sole. For classics, they should not be used, as the sole will not bend enough when pushing off. For a classic style, lower boots with soft soles are designed. In turn, it is not recommended to use them for skating style, because they will not provide the necessary support for the ankle.
Combined boots can be a good choice for amateurs, allowing you to ride both classic style and skating. They feature a mid-soled sole and, on select models, a removable cuff.
When choosing, be sure to consider the comfort of the boot. If possible, choose boots that have a zipper in addition to lacing to keep snow out.
Choosing fasteners
To date, three main types of mounts are produced:
- NNN (and her a new version NIS),
- Nordic 75 (the so-called "75 mm", the old standard from the times of the USSR).
The first two are practically the same, and the last one can be ignored at all. The main thing is to choose comfortable boots, and then choose the appropriate bindings and install them on your skis.
Choosing sticks
Now let's figure out how to choose ski poles. They are made in the following types:
- Carbon fiber. The most expensive. Lightweight and very tough.
- Fiberglass. The cheapest. Less rigid and less durable. Heavier and easier to bend. Suitable option for kids and beginners.
- Aluminum. Affordable. A good choice for beginners, amateurs, as well as for those who have a lot of weight.
- Composite of fiberglass and carbon fiber. The price and strength will greatly depend on the carbon content.
It is recommended to choose sticks whose hand loops are securely fastened with Velcro. It is not recommended to buy sticks with small support rings (paws). They will fall into the snow, because they are designed for specially prepared tracks.
The choice of the length (height) of skis depends on several factors: the height of the person, the goal pursued by the person involved, weight, age, the way of skiing. Consider all these criteria for a more correct choice.
How to choose skis for a child. We choose the size of the skis according to the height of the children, the table.
From correct selection children's skis, their length and material, the health of the child depends! Therefore, this part of the article is given Special attention.
How to choose skis for a child based on the material of the skis.
Determining the length (size) of skis for a child, you can start with the fact that skis are wooden, semi-plastic and plastic. So what is the best choice for a child? Skis of the first two types are now rare, even among children's ski options, but in vain, these are the skis that are suitable for beginners, especially for young children who even learned to walk a few years ago.
Many parents underestimate the importance of choosing the right skis for their children. They strive to immediately make a champion out of their child, thereby harming his health. And meanwhile, the most correct would be to choose wooden skis for your child. The thing is that the children's body is not yet properly formed, the necessary muscle groups are not developed in children, bones and ligaments are vulnerable. And only by choosing wooden skis for a child can you protect him.
Let the young athlete first gain confidence, develop balance, his ligaments will get stronger. This may take several months or years. After that, you can already pick up plastic skis for the child.
When choosing children's plastic skis for a child, it must be remembered that these skis are light - this is a plus, but at the same time they are "slippery", which in turn often causes injuries among children. Such skis can develop not correct technique movement.
Children's health is in your hands!
How to choose skis for the height of the child. The size of children's skis.
If your child is just taking his first steps in skiing, choosing skis for him, do not forget that this must be done taking into account the growth of children. If you do not seek to force the success of your child, first choose skis for him, the size of which is 20-40 centimeters higher than the height of the child. Skis of this length will give stability and confidence to the baby, especially on the descents.
For more prepared children, for those who are already mastering skating, it is necessary to choose shorter skis, where the length (height) of the skis is a little more growth child, centimeters by 5-10. This will allow him to confidently skate on loose and deep snow, as well as on slopes, where often excessive length leads to the fact that the backs of the skis begin to cling to each other, and the children fall.
Another point that I want to focus on is the noses of the skis. When choosing skis for a child, opt for those skis that have sharp, long, well-curved toes. Choosing such children's skis, the child will not encounter the problem of “stumbling” when moving in deep snow, when the nose of the ski is in a snowdrift and scoops up snow when the leg is lifted. Skis with small rounded noses are only suitable for well-trodden slopes.
How to choose skis for the height of the child table.
This table clearly demonstrates how to choose the right skis for the height of the child:
Table for choosing the length of skis for children.
We select the correct length of skis for an adult or how to choose skis by height and weight using the table.
Ski size sizing is the most popular way to choose ski length. At the same time, you can choose the required length of skis yourself, without anyone's help. To do this, you only need to know your height.
Table of selection of skis by height.
If there is a need to select skis by weight, usually starting from a more advanced level ski training, you need to know your weight, and choose skis according to the markings indicated on the skis yourself, or by contacting the seller.
Further in the choice of skis depends on how you are going to move on skis, skating or classic. We will talk about this further.
How to choose skis for skating.
When choosing skis for skating, in other words, for a skate, you should pay attention to the length of the skis, the material and the manufacturer.
Height and size of skate skis.
The choice of the length of skating skis comes down to a simple formula: a person's height plus 5-25 cm. Why is there such a large variation in height? And how to accurately determine your ski size? The fact is that the selection of the length of skating skis depends on both individual features skier, and on the terrain on which the person will ski (plain, mountains), on the conditions (rolled track or not), on the weather.
The individual characteristics of each skier can only be determined empirically. But with the weather and the track, everything is clear. When choosing skis for skating on a good track, you can take longer skis, especially if you have a good skating technique. This will allow you to move with a long step, the rental will be greater, respectively, and the speed.
If most often you move on loose snow, on a poorly rolled or narrow track, then you should not choose very long skis, as the ski toes will constantly cling to the snow along the edges of the track. In addition, the smaller the size of the skis, the lighter they are. The same is with the terrain, it is easier to climb uphill on shorter and lighter skis, but for flat skating you should choose longer skis.
Choosing skis for skating.
How to choose skis for skating by material.
To date, there are two types of skis, plastic and, already more rare, semi-plastic. I must say right away that semi-plastic skis are heavier, their sliding surface is worse, but they are cheaper. Beginners and children should choose such skis.
Plastic skis for skating are lighter, choosing such skis for skating you will achieve the greatest results, but they are also more expensive, the price of good skis can reach several tens of thousands, not everyone can buy such skis. It is almost impossible to skate on wooden skis, except perhaps on ice or crust, so you should not choose such skis for skating.
The choice of manufacturer of skis for skating.
There are quite a few ski companies. Today it is possible to purchase skis of all well-known manufacturers. The most popular of them are Fischer, Atomic, Rossignol, Madshus, Salomon, Nordway, Tisa, Elan, Sable, Karjala, Nordica, Swix. The first five ski manufacturers are the most popular among athletes, but they are also more expensive than the rest. Therefore, a beginner may not immediately choose expensive skis for himself, but hone his skating skills on cheaper options.
Only an athlete can understand the difference among the top ski manufacturers, someone likes and fits Fischer skis, and another Atomic or Rossignol. Therefore, in this moment the choice of a manufacturer of skis for skating for a person who does not set himself serious tasks comes down more to aesthetics, appearance and color design specific ski model.
The length of the skis with classic moves.
When choosing the length of skis for a classic run, you must be guided by a simple formula: ski size \u003d human height + 15-40cm. As we can see, the length of the skis for the classics is slightly longer than for the skate. This is due to the fact that with classic moves, the skier, most often, moves along the knurled track.
How to choose the right skis for classic skiing.
A large ski size gives a more straightforward movement, the skis do not “walk” from side to side. Also, the length of the skis affects the speed. But you should not choose very long skis, you can “get confused” in them, and besides, such skis are more difficult to manage, especially when cornering.
Classic ski width.
When choosing classic skis, one should not forget about their width. For example, if you are skiing in snowdrifts, then the width of the ski should be larger.
The choice of the sliding surface of the skis for the movement of the classic move.
The sliding surface of skis for classics may differ from skating. In the middle of the ski, under the block, there may be a scaly volumetric pattern that will prevent the skis from sliding back.
Selection of skis by temperature.
When choosing skis, you should not drop such important factor like the weather, especially if you want to get good results in skiing. The quality of sliding is influenced by factors of temperature, humidity and even the structure of the snow itself.
Now there are skis for both cold and warm weather. We will not go into technical details, just note that cold skis will “feel” worse in warm weather than special warm skis. Therefore, it is recommended, for best results, to purchase and have both “warm” and “cold” skis in your arsenal. Fortunately, buying such skis is not a problem now.
What are the differences when choosing walking and cross-country (cross-country) skis.
The choice of skis depends on the goals that you set for yourself. It can be just walks for health and relaxation, pastime with family or friends, or maybe classes in a sports school and performance at competitions.
When choosing walking skis, both for skating and for classics, it is necessary to be guided by reliability and comfort. Therefore, walking skis can be heavier, stronger, longer than racing skis. It all depends on the individual characteristics and financial possibilities to buy certain skis.
Skis of which manufacturer's company is more correct to choose.
Above, in the part of the article where we talked about how to choose skis for skating, the main ski manufacturers have already been listed. It was also said that at the moment such firms as Fischer, Atomic, Madshus and Rossignol are at about the same level. The rest of the ski manufacturers are lagging behind or not yet up to the desired level.
If you are an amateur, not an athlete skier, or if you are just starting to take your first steps in skiing, then you should not immediately buy expensive skis. Start by choosing simple, inexpensive models. And then it will be seen whether it is worth buying better and more expensive skis, because often the price of skis is due to technologies and materials that you may not need, in addition, of course, well-known ski brands have a price markup simply for their fame and popularity.
Summing up on the topic of how to choose the right skis for yourself.
Choose your skis and hit the road.
Skiing has long been confidently holding a leading position among popular types sports, including in Russia, thanks to our climate. The benefits of skiing cannot be underestimated. On skis, you can take walks for health and pastime, you can practice on your own or in a sports school, compete in competitions.
For walks, by and large, any skis are suitable, the main thing is Fresh air and company, getting the joy of walking. To achieve good results in skiing, it is necessary to choose high-quality, sometimes expensive, ski models, and preferably not one pair, but several. Athletes may have ten or twenty.
Therefore, make your choice, buy skis and get joy, health and achieve your goals.
Cross-country skiing can be conditionally divided into groups, taking into account the style of skiing, into several categories - these are sets for classic and combined, as well as skating. When choosing one or another model, it is important to take into account the level of training and the preferred style of riding. Experienced skiers recommend purchasing a separate, specially selected set, but if the funds do not allow this, opt for the combined ones.
Classic models are perfect for rolled and flat tracks - they are the best choice for beginners. In this case, parallel setting of skis and alternate repulsion by jerky movements of the legs are provided.
Them maximum length reaches up to 205-207 cm, are soft in their sliding due to the corresponding block and are distinguished by a longer, sharply curved toe. They are marked with the abbreviation Classic or Cl, while under the block itself there can be a special notch on the left track, on the right without it. If they do not have notches, anti-slip is achieved through the use of a special lubricant, although models with notches are the best option.
How to determine optimal size? He is selected taking into account his own height, adding 20 cm to it. Or you can simply raise your hand up - the palm lowered down should touch the toe of the ski track. An important point in the choice is the criterion for the rigidity of the product - at the very beginning, determine the center of gravity on it. Put the ski track on your hands so that its ends are in a balance position, then fold them with the sliding side of the bottom to one - just squeeze your hands, lowering them 3 cm below the center of balance. It is optimal if the distance between them is a maximum of 1–1.5 cm.
With regard to the selection of shoes - they should be low and soft, not have any inserts that will fix the foot. The main thing is not to buy shoes that go back to back, because in this case the feet will freeze faster. When - the main thing is to take into account their length, when it is worth picking them up according to their height, when the lanyard outlet itself reaches the level of the shoulder joint. The sticks themselves can be aluminum - they quickly bend under loads, and are also made of glass or carbon fiber - it is the latter that professional athletes choose.
Skate models are chosen for running on a rolled, flat surface without a paved ski track, when during skating the main focus is on the muscles of the body, rhythmic hand movements. This style of riding is best mastered after you have completed the initial basics of training.
In this style, the skier's movements resemble those of a skater, when the push comes from the snow with the inner surface of the ski, and the subsequent transfer of body weight to the moving, sliding side. It is optimally suited for tight and wide trails - the thing is that its feature is active, swinging arms and upper body. The very same repulsion with sticks goes to the rhythm of the work of the legs.
They differ from similar products in height - they are shorter, since their maximum length does not exceed 190 cm, they are more rigid in twisting and in relation to their longitudinal direction. So during the repulsion, their surface will not completely touch the snow cover of the track with its middle part. In this case, a gap of at least 2–3 mm must remain - otherwise the effectiveness of the push at the start of the run will decrease.
Mark them with the abbreviation Skate or Sk and in their appearance they rather resemble a block with a smooth surface - in this case they do not impose notches, since they will interfere with sliding, clinging to the snow crust and thereby reducing speed. For the correct selection of the length, you just need to add no more than 10 cm to your own height. As in the previous description, it is also worth determining the rigidity of the product - so the gap between the canvases should not exceed 2 mm.
To prevent injury and excessive stress on the feet, an additional medium or hard fixation must be installed on the boot. Most often, these boots are high, and are supplemented in their structure for reinforcement with a plastic cuff. When choosing sticks - in the kit they go higher than the classic ones, when the lanyard itself goes at the level of the skier's chin / lips.
Combined types of skis go as for the style of skiing in both styles described above. In the howling structure, they go in a length of no more than 2 meters, but if you choose models longer than this length, it will simply be inexpedient and inconvenient to use them in the future. The thing is that when the skier moves, the latter will cling to each other with their heels. This point should be taken into account when choosing.
By virtue of their design, the combined ones will be closer to the classic models, since the latter allow the skier to move in a skating style. At the same time, on skating performance classic version skiing is hardly possible even for a professional skier. The thing is that, due to the high rigidity, the skier himself does not have a phase of sufficient repulsion during the movement. But for mastering both styles of movement, experienced skiers recommend choosing them.
When choosing, please note that they are marked with the abbreviation Combi, they will be longer than the ridge canvas, but at the same time a little shorter than the classic ones. To select the optimal length - simply add 15 cm to your own height. Regarding the notches applied to them - some of them have a removable, replaceable middle. So for supporters of the classical style of skating - just choose the appropriate nozzle with notches, for supporters of the skate - just remove it.
If you choose skis for walking or a child for physical education, then you are on the right track. From the article you will learn how to choose the right skis for height, material and other characteristics, what to pay special attention to, and what can be neglected.
- what do you need skis for (walking, cross-country for competitions, downhill, for hunting, etc.);
- your level of skiing (novice amateur or professional);
- your physical parameters (weight and height).
How to choose cross-country skis
Cross-country skiing is chosen depending on the preferred style of skiing. There are three styles:
- classical,
- skating,
- combined.
Classic skis
Our grandparents still rode the classic style, sliding along two parallel tracks, but it has not lost its relevance. Classic style best suited for beginner skiers.
Length
Skis for the classic course should be 20-30 cm longer than their own height. For beginners, you can choose a slightly shorter length, then it will be easier to manage them.
Rigidity
If you have seen skis, you know that they are arched and if you put them on the floor, then their middle will not touch it. The more difficult it is to push the ski to the floor, the stiffer they are.
Rigidity must be selected depending on your weight. The heavier the skier, the more rigidity should be.
You can check the correct selection of skis for stiffness in the following way:
- put your skis on the floor;
- put a sheet of paper under the middle;
- stand with both feet on both skis, there should be a gap to the floor and a sheet of paper will walk freely;
- stand with both feet on one ski, it should completely touch the floor, and the sheet of paper will be pressed to the floor and you will not be able to pull it out.
Following the above example, choose the stiffness of the skis. Some manufacturers indicate what weight they are designed for.
With and without notch
Skis for the classic course can be with a notch on the sliding surface and without it.
Skis without notches are suitable for any weather, for long walks and fast rides.
They are more difficult to ride as they can slip backwards. To eliminate this deficiency, special ointments are used.
it new style skiing it is also called freestyle. The skier makes skating movements, pushing off the inner surface of the skis. With it, you can develop the highest speed.
For skating style, a compacted wide track is ideal, but you can do without it, then you won’t have to count on high speed.
Skis for skating are selected a little shorter and stiffer than for the classic style.
Length
For skating, the length of the skis should be 10-15 cm longer than the height of the skier.
Rigidity
Rigidity should be about twice as much as for the classics. If you press the ski with your hand to the floor, then a gap of 1.5-2 mm should remain.
Universal skis
As the name implies, universal skis are something between classic and skating. This applies to both ski selection parameters (average length and stiffness) and mixed skiing style.
Length
Universal skis should be 15-20 cm larger than the height of the skier.
Summarize: cross-country skiing suitable for flat terrain, for beginners it is better to choose classic notched ones, and for advanced universal ones.
| Skier Height | Skis for classic skiing | Skis are universal | Sticks for the classic move | Skating poles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 170/180 | 170 | 165 | 120 | 130 |
| 155 | 180 | 170/180 | 170 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 185 | 180 | 175 | 130 | 140 |
| 165 | 190 | 185 | 180 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 195 | 190 | 185 | 140 | 150 |
| 175 | 200 | 195/200 | 190 | 145 | 155 |
| 180 | 205 | 200/205 | 190/195 | 150 | 160 |
| 185 | 205/210 | 205 | 195 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 160 | 170 |
| 195 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 165 | 175 |
Ski material
All skis are made of wood or plastic.
Previously, plastic skis were rare and expensive. Now, on the contrary, most people ride on plastic.
Advantages of plastic skis:
- they are stronger, respectively, more durable than wood;
- snow sticks to them less during a thaw;
- more speedy.
The most reputable firms producing plastic skis are Atomic and Fischer. You can buy equipment from them, both for beginners and for professional sports. It is also possible to highlight domestic manufacturers skis "Karelia" and "Tisa".
How to choose the right skis
Alpine skiing is very different from cross-country skiing, both in design and in the way it is chosen. Their main purpose is to descend from the mountains, with the development of high speeds.
Remember right away, if you are new to skiing, then you cannot choose professional skiing. They are designed to develop very high speed, which you, as a beginner, may not be able to handle, which will lead to injury.
Length
The size of skis is selected not only depending on the height of the skier, but also on his professional skills. The shorter the skis, the easier they are to manage.
If you are a beginner skier, then the length of your skis should be 20 cm less than your height.
If you have been skiing from the mountains for more than a year and have achieved good results in this, then you should have skis 10 cm smaller than your height.
For a professional, skis with a length of his own height are suitable.
For women, it is better to reduce the above length by another 5 cm, and for people with above average weight, on the contrary, increase by 5 cm.
Rigidity
The basic rule for choosing the stiffness of alpine skis is that the higher the professional skills and weight of the skier, the more rigid they should be.
A beginner will approach with the least rigidity, as they are easier to manage.
Hard and medium hard skis are suitable for professionals and people who have been skiing confidently from the mountains for more than a year. Since they are designed for tight turns and the development of high speeds.
Another parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing skis is their structure:
- carving;
- classic.
Carving skis differ from classic ones in that they look like fitted ones, i.e. the ends are wider than the central part. They are more stable than classic ones, so they are recommended for beginners.
- Outwardly, both skis must be exactly the same and not differ in width, length and weight.
- Look at the skis from the side, the curve of the sliding surface should be smooth.
- The longitudinal groove on the sliding surface should be straight, without any wobbles.
- The sliding surface should not have any scratches, cracks or other defects.
- Put the skis with the sliding surface to each other and squeeze them as hard as possible with your hands. The hardness should be the same. The toes must remain closed.
- Find the center of gravity of the skis, it must match, a deviation of no more than 1.5 cm is allowed.
How to choose ski poles
After choosing skis, you may be faced with the question of choosing ski poles. This is an important part of the ski equipment, which you can not do without.
Ski poles must be:
- durable;
- hard;
- lungs.
Sticks as well as skis are selected depending on the height of the athlete. For lovers of skating, the sticks should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the owner, and for the classics, 25-30 cm less than the height.
You can not buy sticks for a child "for growth", as he will get confused in them and it will be inconvenient to ride.
For an amateur, aluminum ski poles are quite suitable.
Handles are best chosen from non-slip material, such as cork or leather with anatomical recesses for the fingers.
It is better to choose a support for sticks with a reverse cone (the safest), and not with paws (the most uncomfortable when riding).
For children under 7 years old, choose the length of the sticks to the armpits, with a blunt tip.
How to choose hunting skis
Hunting skis are designed to move hunters or fishermen with additional cargo on loose snow. Therefore, unlike running shoes, they should not be long and narrow, but short and wide.
The average length of hunting skis, regardless of the height of the skier, should be about 175 cm.
The best hunting skis are made from maple or birch and are more durable than spruce.
Ski preparation before use
Once you have bought your skis from the store, you need to prepare them before using them for the first time.
Plastic
- Wipe the treated surface with a cloth soaked in turpentine.
- Apply melted paraffin in toe-to-heel movements, just under the boot.
- Warm up with an iron heated to 200 degrees. And let it dry for a few hours.
- Excess cooled paraffin must be carefully removed.
- At the end of all processes, wipe the sliding surface with a synthetic cloth.
The above procedure must be carried out at least once a year.
Wooden
- Sand fine sandpaper sliding surface.
- Apply special resin sports shop on a sliding surface and warm it up blowtorch or a special burner.
- Wait until the resin is absorbed and repeat the previous paragraph 3-4 more times. The skis should darken, but do not overheat so that the wood does not begin to char.
