Picking up a pair of skis that will completely suit the skier is a task with an asterisk. Here it is necessary to take into account many parameters: the area where the skis will be used, the level of training, the style of skiing, where the selection of skating skis plays an important role. Of course, the table will always help to make the correct selection of skis for height and weight, but besides this, there are still a lot of nuances. In this article, we will consider the main parameters for selecting skis according to human anthropometric data.
Varieties of skis
First, let's look at what types of skis are and their main characteristics.
Racing
Racing skis (RACING) are designed for athletes who participate in competitions in cross-country skiing and other similar sports: winter biathlon, biathlon, ski orienteering.
They differ:
- Special dynamic characteristics - the distribution of the athlete's weight along the length of the ski, rigidity.
- Small weight.
- A special type of sliding surface that provides the best glide quality under different weather conditions.
Important! Racing sports equipment is divided into equipment for classic and skating. Moreover, the differences between these species are so significant that they can be used exclusively for their intended purpose.
On racing skis, you can only move along specially prepared tracks - they are not intended for movement on soft ski tracks or loose snow.
Important! In this category, equipment of the elite type RACING PRO is distinguished - expensive models for professional racers and skis of the RACING sports series - relatively inexpensive models for amateur racers.
Pleasure
Walking views (RECREATION category) are intended for lovers of skiing. This is the most massive category of consumers, so such models have a relatively low price and are considered universal. They can be used both in classic and skating, on a walking track and on prepared tracks.
Important! Such skis are a little heavier and wider than racing ones, but they are more stable, and a novice athlete will feel more confident on them.
Walking options should also include FITNESS models. They are intended for those who do not want to take part in competitions, but want to keep their body in good shape through active exercises. These gear are made using high quality materials and advanced technology, so their price level is about the same as for racing models.
For tourism
Models for extreme tourism (BACK COUNTRY) are designed for lovers of skiing in conditions where there are no ski and walking trails. They are wide enough to allow easy movement on the virgin snow, and are characterized by special strength.
Important! These are relatively expensive models that have passed a number of reliability tests, since the success of an expedition or hike, and sometimes the health and life of a person who has challenged the wild, depends on their quality.
For children and teenagers
Among the KID / JUNIOR models, which are intended for children and teenagers, you can find both sports activities, approaching the quality of racing models, and fairly inexpensive walking sports equipment, including equipment for children aged 3-8 years old who are taking their first steps. on the ski track.
Important! Before choosing skis by weight, determine your goals, evaluate your abilities and needs. Depending on how correctly you choose the model of skis, each walk on them can be a real curse and an incomparable pleasure.
How to choose skis according to weight and height?
If you have chosen one of the ski models, then when you come to the store, you will also need to choose them according to your height and weight.
Selection according to height
The rules for choosing equipment for length are different for skate and classic models, so you should keep in mind some points:
- Models for skating should be about 10-15 cm longer than the height of the skier.
- The recommended length of models for the classic course is considered to be 25-30 cm longer than the height of the skier.
- Walking sports equipment should be selected in the range of 15-25 cm more than your height.
- When choosing recreational equipment, it is advisable for skiers with a relatively large weight to adhere to the upper limit of the range, and for relatively light skiers, the lower limit.
Important! Beginner skiers need to remember that short models are easier to handle, so they are easier to learn to ride at first. Confident skiers may opt for longer options, as longer models provide better gliding.
Selection according to weight
In order to select skis by weight, it is necessary to determine their stiffness. The stiffness of the equipment can be selected using a special meter - a flex tester. It is determined on a flat surface or on a specially designed board for measuring the stiffness of skis. And if you have enough experience, you can preliminarily assess the stiffness by simply squeezing a pair with your hands.
Important! The flex tester is a special device for selecting skis according to stiffness in accordance with the weight of the skier. Selecting equipment using this device should be assisted by sales consultants of specialized stores.
The selection procedure using the flex tester is as follows:
- Fix a pair of skis in the clamp and make an effort equal to half the weight of your body (including the weight of boots and clothes), focusing on the dynamometer readings.
Important! Make sure that there is a significant gap between the skis (at least 40-50 cm in length and 1-2 cm in height). If the gap is smaller, then you should choose a stiffer pair.
- Next, increase the clamping force to a value that is equal to the weight of your body. At the same time, the free gap under the block between the skis should decrease in length to 10-15 cm in racing species, and in pleasure ones it should practically disappear altogether.
Important! If the gap is too large, it is advisable to choose a softer pair.
Alpine ski selection
To choose the right model, you need to know about some tips and tricks. Let's look at them in more detail.
For the classic move
It is necessary to select a mountain model for a classic move very carefully, because it will depend on how comfortable you can ride:
- When choosing, you need to take into account your weight, the weather conditions in which the equipment will be used, the strength of the push with your foot, and, of course, personal preferences.
- As a rule, skis for cold weather are chosen more elastic and softer than models for positive weather. In the cold, there is no need to apply thick layers of ointment, and this makes it possible to take a softer pair. And at positive temperatures, the thickness of the applied layer of ointment is much greater, and the stiffness of the ski must be higher so that the deflection compensates for the difference in the thickness of the ointment layer, especially when using ground and liquid lubricants.
- For higher-level athletes who have a powerful push, it is advisable to choose models that are somewhat stiffer. On such a pair, the skier can do long skiing without contact of the holding zone with snow. For less trained people, it is desirable to choose softer models, on which it is easier to get a reliable “hold” of the lubricant.
- If you choose a pair of the classic type, then the length of the skis should exceed your height by about 25-30 cm. And the poles, on the contrary, you need to pick up about 23-30 cm less than your height. Although if you have excellent physical fitness and want to increase the load, then you can buy authentic products.
For skating
Skating skis are called because when moving on them, the skier uses the same running technique as the skater. To do this, it is repelled from the snow surface by the inner part of the ski, while transferring all its weight to the sliding ski, and vice versa.
Important! It is worth noting that skating is more appropriate for those who have a well-trained body and arms.
Here is what you need to consider in order for the selection of skating skis to be correct:
- Skis of this type are shorter in length than classic ones - their maximum length can be no more than 192 cm. When riding such a pair, the athlete should not come into contact with the surface of the middle part of the ski. Therefore, such models should be more rigid in comparison with classical ones.
Important! If you are going to use them only for walking, it is better to choose softer and more elastic products that are easier to balance.
This article will give you answers to the following questions: how to choose skis, how to make the right choice of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, the best selection of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, how to choose the right cross-country skis, which cross-country skis to choose, etc.
It seems to many that choosing skis is easy. It's really not difficult, but there are some subtleties here. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, you need to determine which target group of skis you need. So, if you are quite active on the track and intend to set a couple of records in the near future, then you need equipment for the pro skis of the Sport group.
Amateur skiing (Fitness group) will help strengthen immunity and keep fit. Models in this category are bestsellers, and their availability plays an important role in this. In terms of geometry, amateur skis are no different from sports ones, but due to the use of cheaper materials, their price is lower.
Those who want to escape from problems and immerse themselves in new experiences, skiing away from the knurled slopes, can stop at tourist skis (Touring group). The skis of this group are wider than the models of other classes, which means you will feel confident on virgin snow. Prices for skis in this group are quite affordable.
The Junior group stands apart - skis for children and teenagers. Modern models successfully combine an attractive appearance, as well as safety and reliability of the design. Children's skis have several distinctive features. So, for example, the increased width and rounded toes give the ski stability, and the side cutouts make cornering easier.
How to choose cross country ski poles
Selection of cross-country ski poles for children and adults.
Jogging poles are selected separately for the "classics" and for the "skate" individually for each person, depending on his height. The length of the sticks is usually determined as follows. For the "classics" - the height is minus 25-30 cm, and for the "skate" - minus 15-20 cm. When you are standing, the "classic" sticks should rest against the armpits, and the "skate" sticks should be slightly above the shoulder.
| Skier Height | Skis for classic skiing | Skis are universal | Skating skis | 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 |
Skis are selected according to the scheme: height + 20-30 cm for the classic course, height + 10-15 cm for the skating course. The greater the weight of the skier, the stiffer and longer he needs skis.
Sticks are selected according to the scheme: height -30 cm for a classic course, -20 cm for a skate course.
How to choose cross country ski boots
Modern ski boots are a complex technological product that takes into account such parameters as their use in difficult weather conditions, the active impact of mechanical loads on them, the anatomical features of the structure of the human leg, hygiene and comfort requirements, protection from cold and precipitation.
Ski boots of the sports direction. They usually use the highest technological innovations, work out new fastener systems, put modern heaters.
The sports direction divides boots according to their purpose into classic (for classic skiing), skating (for skating) and combined boots with a removable cuff (they use the same boots in classic and skating - Pursuit competitions). Having bought such boots, you will get expensive, highly reliable high-quality shoes, get tremendous pleasure from skiing, they will serve you long and true, like any professional thing.
Ski boots for sports tourism. These shoes work in difficult off-road conditions, often being changed from skis to climbing crampons or used simply for walking to the intended path.
Ski boots for wellness walks. Here are various comfort models from simple to complex. The materials used are very different: from complex to simple and tested.
Ski boots for children. The main task of such boots: warmth, comfort, comfort, hygiene. A reliable sole should ensure the safe movement of the child before and after skiing.
How to choose cross-country ski bindings
At present, three types of bindings are most widely used throughout the world - these are ROTTEFELLA (NNN system), SALOMON (SNS system) and NORDIC 75. The first two types of bindings are mainly intended for sports skiers, and the cheaper NORDIC 75 (or 75 mm ) - for amateur skiers. The boot fastening system of the SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA bindings has no cardinal external differences. In both types of bindings, the boots are firmly secured to the toe brace.
Boot fasteners can be automatic or mechanical. If the mount is self-locking, just insert the boot brace into the slot and the mount clicks into place. This type of binding is mainly intended for recreational skiers. Bindings with mechanical fasteners, manually closed, provide a more secure fit of the boot. That is, the likelihood that the mount will accidentally come unfastened (for example, if a stick falls on the mount) is reduced. Therefore, most professional fasteners have just such fasteners.
Both types of bindings are versatile in the sense that they can be "fitted" to any boot size. Exceptions are mounts for small children (up to seven years old) and teenagers. SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA produce special bindings for children and youth. They differ from "adults" in a large latch handle, so that it is convenient to take it in mittens. In addition, children's bindings have a softer fastening mechanism so that a small child can freely put on and take off skis.
Also important: clothes for cross-country skiing, equipment for cross-country skiing, skis for skating, ski boots for skating.
Skiing does not require special and long-term training, it is available to almost everyone (from a child to an elderly person).
This is a great way to prevent many diseases and promote health.
Skiing will strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, give the necessary load to almost all muscle groups and help you lose weight. In addition, skiing strengthens the nervous system, promotes psychological relief. To ride with pleasure, you will need the right sports equipment: skis, poles, boots.
How to choose skis
If you are thinking about whether to buy or rent skis, know that learning to ski on your own is much easier, because you get used to the equipment pretty quickly. If you rent new skis every time, the training will be longer and more difficult.How to choose skis?
When choosing skis, the emphasis should be on the amount of money that you are willing to spend on them. The price depends not only on the material from which the skis are made, but also on the use of new technologies in their production. Companies such as "Elan" and "Pale", for example, are very expensive and will certainly set you apart from other skiers. Cheaper, domestic options do not look so advantageous, but they fully cope with their functions.
In no case should you save on a purchase. The higher the technical class of skis, the better and more comfortable they are, so outdated options for alpine skiing will not suit you.
All skis are divided into soft, medium and hard. Also, skis vary depending on the sport and type of trails.
Beginners should choose soft skis, they will help to keep on the turns correctly, ride both on virgin soil and on soft snow. However, such skis are not very comfortable on ice, when skiing at high speed, on a track full of bumps.
It is better not to take medium hard and hard skis for a beginner. They are designed for fast descents and sharp turns.
When choosing skis, it is very important to choose the right size for them. In this case, you should take into account not only your height, but also your weight.
How to choose skis by height
When choosing skis for height, you should focus on your physical fitness.So, if your physical data is far from perfect, you are not confident in yourself, then it is better to choose skis whose length is 20 centimeters less than your height. For a more advanced skier who is improving his skills, skis should be chosen 10 centimeters shorter than height, for professionals, the length of skis can match or exceed their height.
Women should choose either special skis for the fair sex, or shorter than the above calculated data by another five centimeters.
For people of a very large build, the length of the selected skis should be increased by at least 5 centimeters.
Recently, there are practically no traditional wooden skis on sale. They are quite expensive, and caring for them is quite difficult. Plastic skis are gaining more and more popularity.
When choosing plastic skis, the main criterion is the weight of the skier. The reason for this is simple - they are very slippery and for classic movement they need a holding ointment that will help the skis stick to the snow during the push.
How to choose plastic skis? First you need to put the ski on the edge of the ruler and find the center of gravity, moving back and forth. Mark the found place with a pencil.
Then the skis should be put on the floor or any other flat surface and stand on them so that the nose of the ski boot is next to the marked center of gravity. In this case, the body weight should be evenly distributed on two skis.
After that, it is worth inserting a sheet of paper into the gap between the skis and the feet and moving it back and forth along the ski. It must move at least thirty centimeters in both directions.
After the manipulations done, the body weight should be transferred to one leg. At the same time, the ski should clamp the paper sheet. If the sheet of paper can still be moved while standing on it, then your skis are great. If you stand on two legs, and the sheet of paper moves with difficulty, then the skis are small on you.
When choosing skis, it should be borne in mind that they differ significantly for mountain and cross-country skiing.
How to choose skiing
The choice of alpine skis for beginners and progressives is significantly different from professional models. They are specially designed for ease of learning, forgiving some mistakes in skiing, do not require perfect skiing technique.In addition, all alpine skiing is divided into skiing classes into karting (for skiing on prepared slopes), universal skiing (for skiing in places without special tracks), skis for big sports. Kart skis should be 20 centimeters shorter than you, they are not suitable for skiing in deep snow. The choice of skis for the universal type of skiing is made according to the standard ski selection scheme.
Choosing skis
In any case, the choice should be stopped on a wider version of the ski, which provides a stable speed of descent and stability on the track.
How to choose cross-country skis
When choosing cross-country skiing, it should be borne in mind that there is a classic, skating and combined style of cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing should start with a classic move.When choosing skis for a classic course on a good track, you should take into account that their length should exceed your height by no more than 20 - 30 centimeters, and even less for beginners. For skating, skis 10 to 15 centimeters longer than you are suitable. On a soft track, skis should be taken longer (15 or 20 centimeters taller).
How to choose ski poles
Like choosing any other ski equipment, the choice of ski poles is very important.Ski poles consist of a handle, a shaft, a hand loop, a tip and a foot. The materials from which the sticks are made also vary. Aluminum sticks are quite suitable for an amateur.
For a more stable ride, a beginner should choose a shaft that is narrowed down. In this case, the center of gravity will shift upward.
The required length of the pole will directly depend on the style of skating: for classic skating, you should choose poles 25 or 30 centimeters lower than your height, for skating, the difference with height should be about 15 - 20 centimeters.
When choosing a pen, you should focus on convenience. Non-slip materials (leather or cork) are much more comfortable than plastic. The upper part of the handle should be wide - this makes it easier to rely on sticks. There are also anatomical handles with recesses for the fingers, they are very comfortable.
During the movement, the skier's hand should rest on the loop, and not on the handle. Therefore, sticks should be "try on". To do this, it must be placed vertically, pressing the elbow to it. In this case, the angle between the shoulder and forearm should be 90 degrees (plus or minus two centimeters).
It is desirable that the diameter of the stick is 6 - 8 centimeters. In this case, it will be possible to ride on any type of snow.
The tip of the stick is better to choose with a reverse cone (it is the safest), and for icy slopes, the tip "ice crown" is perfect.
Ski clothing
Your comfort, safety and, of course, your health will depend on choosing the right ski clothing. Clothing should be light, loose, elastic, layered, non-slippery and very warm.Choosing clothes for skiing
All materials must be windproof and waterproof. An ideal option would be a specialized suit made of fleece (or other synthetic material) and membrane fabric with a hood. It is advisable to use thermal underwear that removes moisture from the body.
The trousers of the suit should be with elastic bands at the bottom so that snow does not get under them and the wind does not blow. You can use special pads on the elbows and knees, which will make the suit more durable. In order not to get lost against the backdrop of snow, it is better to stop your choice on suits of bright colors with reflective elements. This is especially true for skiing.
When choosing gloves, preference should be given to leather options or products made of high-quality synthetic material with good insulation.
Wear a warm, tight-fitting hat on your head. Socks should be strong, high (end above the shoes), fit the leg well.
As you can see, choosing skis is not such an easy task. The selection of each of the components of the equipment does not tolerate haste. When choosing skis and poles for them, you should always think about the future: do you want to become a professional, or will you ride for pleasure all your life. Also pay attention to whether you plan to ride on mountain slopes or ride on flat terrain.
This article on the site is dedicated to beginner skiers. 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.
Before buying, you need to decide on three main parameters by which skis are chosen:
- what do you need them for (walking, running for competitions, downhill, for hunting, etc.);
- your level of skiing (novice amateur or professional);
- your physical parameters (weight and height).
How to choose running shoes
Cross-country skiing is chosen depending on the preferred style of skiing. There are three styles:
- classical,
- skating,
- combined.
Classic
Our grandparents still rode the classic style, sliding along two parallel tracks, but it has not lost its relevance. The classic style is best for the beginner skier.
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, then 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 them 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 example above, you will be able to choose the correct stiffness. 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.
Without a notch, they are suitable for any weather, for a long walk and a fast ride.
They are more difficult to ride as they can slip backwards. To eliminate this deficiency, special ointments are used.
skating
This is a new style of skating, it is also called free style. The runner performs 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 should be 10-15 cm more than the height of the skier.
Rigidity
Rigidity is 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
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 are 15-20 cm larger than the height of the skier.
To summarize: cross-country shoes are suitable for flat terrain, for beginners it is better to choose classic ones with a notch, and for advanced ones, universal ones.
| Skier Height | For the classic move | Universal | For skating | 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 |
Production 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. You can also highlight the domestic producers "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 sports equipment. It is 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 is selected not only depending on the height of the athlete, but also on his professional skills. The shorter the skis, the easier they are to manage.
If you are a beginner skier, then choose a length 20 cm less than your height.
If you have been riding from the mountains for more than a year and have achieved good results in this, then in this case, choose a length 10 cm less 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 size 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 athlete, the more rigid they should be.
A beginner will approach with the least rigidity, as they are easier to manage.
Rigid and medium hardness will suit professionals and people who have been riding 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 them from the side, the bend of the sliding surface should be smooth.
- The longitudinal groove on the sliding surface is straight, without any wobbling.
- There are no scratches, cracks or other defects on the sliding surface.
- 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
You have learned how to choose skis, now 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 are also 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
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, regardless of the height of the owner, should be about 175 cm.
The best hunting skis are made from maple or birch and are more durable than spruce.
Preparation before first use
Once you have chosen your skis in the store, they must be prepared before the first use.
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 the sliding surface with fine sandpaper.
- Apply a special resin from a sports store to a sliding surface and heat it with a 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.
- Tie the ends of the skis by inserting a spacer in the center.
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Skiing is a great way to spend time in active recreation in winter, which does not require long preparation and is available to everyone, regardless of age and level of training. The benefits of such an event are enormous, but in this case it is important to equip yourself appropriately.
Experts divide them into cross-country and mountain - they have their own specific structure and differences. Considering the main differences, it is worth highlighting the following points:
1. Alpine skiing stronger and more durable, respectively, and their cost will be much higher than that of cross-country ones. They consider higher quality, professional, and it is worth starting from this.
2. If speak about cross-country skiing- they are longer. At the same time, their canvas will be much narrower than that of mountain models. Read our special article about three types of cross-country skiing.
3. There are also different types bindings and shoes- whether it will be automatic or mechanical fastening, ordinary shoes or special boots.
4. Cross-country racers are designed to be “walked” on a flat track, well-compacted snow crust. Mountain skis are rather sports models, where skiing takes place on special ski slopes, where there is a slope and solid, not compacted snow.
Selection of skis by height and weight
How to choose the right length of cross-country skis for height:
1. If this skating style- 15 cm are added to the height of the skier, and so their optimal length is calculated.
2. Classic provide for the application of the following calculation - the height of the skier plus 20 cm.
3. If this combined, then the calculations are carried out according to the principle - 15 cm are added to the height of the athlete.
When choosing taking into account the weight of the skier himself - in this case, the calculations are carried out taking into account the following points:
- If this is a skating type of skiing, the gap between the surface of the snow crust and the sliding surface should be 1 mm, while the skier himself stands on both legs. An additional check is that a sheet of paper under the heels must freely walk 30–40 cm to the sides and, accordingly, the weight is selected proportionally.
- For classic ones, the distance between the floor and the sliding surface is 0.5 mm, a sheet of paper moves freely to the sides by 10–15 cm.
- With regard to the calculation of proportions and their ratios for combined models, they are carried out according to the rules for those described in the second paragraph.
How to choose cross-country skis for a child
Equipment for a child deserves special attention, and in this case, it is worth focusing on the age of a young skier.
1. Up to 3 years old. At this age, preference should be given to short models, with a wide canvas - the baby does not yet need to learn to develop speed, hone the technique. Optimum would be skis up to 40 cm, with a web width of up to 8 cm, made of plastic, with a rounded end.
When the baby will confidently stand on the ski track, you can give preference to ski products equal to the height of the child. At the same time, experienced skiers note that it is best to give preference to those made of plastic rather than wooden ones - they are suitable for skiing on dry and wet snow.
When it comes to skiing shoes, it makes no sense to purchase special equipment for the baby’s feet, but it’s best to choose special metal mounts on rubber straps for everyday shoes. You don’t have to buy sticks for a baby - for him, the task at the very beginning is to learn how to balance, learn to glide.
2. Ages 4 to 10 it makes sense to purchase a more sporty, professional kit - narrower, up to 5 cm wide skis will do. The length is selected based on the height of the child plus 15 cm.
3. Ages 11 to 15- ski equipment is selected for the child, taking into account their height and weight category. In this case, it is important to consider that the choice can be made among the following ski models:
- classical- they ride on a parallel track, they are distinguished by a large length and a pointed nose, there are special notches on the sliding surface. Suitable for beginner skiers.
- skating- if your baby loves speed, then it is optimal for him to choose them. They are shorter than classic ones and have a sharp edge for better glide.
- combined- suitable for classic and skating type of skating.
Table on how to choose cross-country skis according to the height and weight of the child:
High-quality skis from leading manufacturers will not differ in weight and length, width - the main thing is to check if there are any cracks or cracks on them. Everything else is entirely up to you.
Cross-country ski equipment
Where does the equipment of each skier begin - With . It can be either ordinary socks, warm, made of wool, or special, synthetic, produced for ski boots - all of them should not let in cold and moisture, they retain heat well. It is important to remember that they should not crumple and resist excessive abrasion in the heel area.
After choosing a sock - choose a boot. They are chosen when you pick up a sock in which you will ride - they measure the selected shoes on it. The main thing to remember - do not pick up shoes on the Internet, but only in the store, after you personally try them on.
Experienced skiers know that the manufacturer is not as important in shoes as the perfect fit on the foot. Ideal - it does not press and does not dangle on the leg, when bending the fingers, folds do not form on their inner surface. Stiffness is checked by bending it in the sole - stop your choice on the model where the angle at the fold is straight.
The equipment is necessarily provided for and - when choosing them, the height of the skier is taken into account. In this case, the principle applies - the longer their length, the more physical preparation the skating process itself requires. It is optimal if their length reaches you to the level of the earlobe, the minimum - to the level of the shoulder.
Fastening- an important piece of equipment, it can be either automatic or mechanical. At the same time, experienced skiers note that the first ones are convenient in that it is enough to insert the foot into the grooves, and the boot is already fixed. But the latter are better - they hold the structure itself more securely and practically do not come unfastened spontaneously.
See also a video tutorial on how to choose cross-country skis and equipment:
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