The quality of winter recreation directly depends on the skis. About how to choose cross-country skiing and skis for skating, we will talk in our article, and you will be able to put the acquired knowledge into practice.

There is an opinion that summer provides more opportunities in the field of entertainment and sports. This is far from true. In winter, snowboarding, skiing and skating are popular. What is better than a walk through the winter forest on good skis?

Skiing provides a pleasant pastime, helps to improve the work of the heart and tone the figure.

Choosing cross-country skis

As you know, skiing is a popular means of winter recreation. Many are happy to go for a walk in the forest or mountains. Rest leaves a pleasant impression if you choose the right cross-country skiing.

The modern market offers the following types of skis: mountain, cross-country, sports, amateur, extreme and hunting.

Riding styles

1. Classic style. Provides parallel movement along the track. Use soft models with a long and sharp end.
2. Free or skating. It consists in repulsing skis from snow according to the principle of skates. Provides for the use of hard varieties.
3. Universal style. It is popular among people who like to skate classic and skate style.

Right choice

1. Skis are made from natural wood or plastic. The cost of wooden specimens is much lower, but they are very rare on the shelves of sports stores.
2. Plastic ones do not need lubrication and ride better on snowy surfaces. They are more reliable, lighter and last longer.
3. Picking the size is not difficult. Sports stores have special tables for height and size.
4. Be sure to pay attention to stiffness. Before buying, stand on your skis and try to stretch a sheet of paper under them. If he passed unhindered - tough. If not, soft.

Video tips

Finally, I will pay a little attention to the choice of shoes. If you are a fan of classic style, buy low boots with soft soles. Skate style provides for hard and high boots.

Choosing skis for skating

Let's imagine that you decide to learn skiing. First of all, choose your riding style. Skate style began to gain popularity at the end of the last century.

When skating, they push off the snowy track with the inside of the skis, while the track itself is wide and compacted.

Skating skis differ from the classic counterpart in shorter length and more blunt toe. The center of gravity is slightly off.

1. If you like skiing, pay attention to the models of medium and low hardness. Rigid models have two significant drawbacks - they slip and spring when pushed.
2. Rigidity should correspond to the weight of the skier. If a person is heavy, you need to buy more rigid skis or lose weight a little.
3. It is necessary to strive to ensure that skating skis and poles correspond to height.
4. It is extremely important to choose shoes. Shoes for skating have some features. Modern skating boots are high-tech footwear, the development of which takes into account high mechanical loads, extreme weather conditions, anatomical features human legs.
5. The final touch is the selection of fasteners that exist automatic and mechanical. It is better to buy automatic bindings, as they make preparation for skiing faster and more comfortable.

If you have already mastered classical skating, you can safely switch to skating style. It's more fun and perfect.

Video tips

The right choice of skis

Modern people spend the New Year holidays differently. Some go to the sea, the second prefer the forest, the third like a trip to the country, the fourth like winter holidays in skiing Oh.

1. When visiting a specialized store, tell the consultant about your skill level. Otherwise, he will select skis based on your preferences and anthropometric data.
2. If you are a beginner or an amateur, pay attention to the standard models. They are geared towards riding small and average speed.
3. Remember right choice depends not only on the level and style of riding, but also on the physique of the athlete. If you have an average weight, buy skis that are 10 cm shorter than your height.
4. If you have extensive experience in the field mountain skiing, however, the weight exceeds the norm, skis with longitudinal rigidity will be the best solution.
5. Before buying, decide on the place of skiing. Skiing on ordinary slopes is significantly different from skiing on big mountains.
6. If you want to ride on various slopes and mountains, buy universal models.
7. It is much easier for people with a high level of riding to choose. The range of choice in this case is much wider.
8. If you want to take turns with a large slope, buy shortened skis. If you are expecting virgin snow riding, you can safely purchase a longer model.

The development uses advanced technologies that are focused on improving manageability. However, if you are a beginner, learn how to ride with a trainer. Always put health and safety first.

How to choose roller skis

Roller skiing is similar to skiing. No wonder this type of physical activity is great for fans. winter views sports. In addition, roller skiing brings more benefit than walking with sticks or riding a bicycle.

Modern market sports equipment offers the widest selection of roller skis. If a professional can choose the optimal model without problems, it is much more difficult for a novice athlete.

Roller skis are divided into two classes. The first class is represented by models focused on classic and skating, representatives of the second class are training and racing models.

Such a division cannot be called absolute, since the market is overflowing with combined models. However, the development of the fundamental characteristics of roller skis comes from the listed subspecies.

Let's talk about choice.

1. Training rollers must provide the utmost compliance with the ski course. Such units in most cases have moderators. These devices reduce the speed to the speed of skis.
2. It is better if roller skis are equipped with wheels made of soft material. They provide good traction and reduce vibration. The frame of the training model simulates the deflection of skis.
3. Racing rollers have different requirements. They should have a minimum weight and provide maximum speed. Other characteristics play a secondary role. Such models are equipped with large polyurethane wheels and a short rigid frame.
4. Classic rollerskis should have a ratchet that is responsible for blocking the reverse rotation of the wheels. Such models are distinguished by an elongated frame and wider wheels.
5. The composition includes three components - mounts, wheels and frame. The last element is responsible for the transfer of force from the legs to the wheels. The main characteristics of the frame are length, weight and rigidity. The longer the frame, the more stable the rollers.

Choosing skis for a child

Some parents think that skiing is a waste of time. Such an opinion is superficial and erroneous. skiing strengthens the cardiovascular system, develops the vestibular apparatus, tempers the child's body.

1. It is necessary to take into account the height, weight and age of the child. First, it is enough to purchase a regular children's model.
2. It is better to buy your child skis made of natural wood. Domestic products are cheaper than European analogues, but the quality is lower.
3. When choosing, make sure that the model you like has notches. They prevent rollback.
4. For the first time, do not give the child sticks, as they will harm the convenience of riding. If you still decide to buy them, make sure that the tip is of high quality, the reliability of the support depends on it.
5. With age, the views and tastes of the child change. Talk to him and get his opinion.

How to choose skis by height

When choosing, the main thing is not to make a mistake. First of all, it is recommended to select, guided by growth. After that, the level of preparation is taken into account.

1. If you can't boast of being strong physical training, subtract about 20 centimeters from height. As a result, you will get the optimal ski length.
2. If you constantly train, and the level of training is high, subtract about 10 centimeters from your height.
3. If you are not riding for the first time and are confident in your abilities, purchase a model whose length matches your height.
4. It is better if you try skiing in practice various lengths. This will allow you to choose the optimal model.
5. In addition to the length, you need to pay attention to the width. If you intend to ski on a flat track, buy wide skis that are highly stable.
6. If you have to ski on ice or on a hard track, narrow skis will be the best solution. They are more maneuverable and lighter than wide counterparts.
7. Regarding rigidity, I would like to say that during the choice you need to be guided by the level of training. If it is high, you can safely buy hard skis.

Complete beginner choose good skis alone is not so easy. Without knowing the subtleties, he will simply buy the first model he likes, which will not please with a comfortable ride.

In winter in the snow - cross-country skiing is the best! But what if they are chosen, to put it mildly, “uncomfortably”, why do the skis keep moving, braiding or not maintaining the desired speed? There are several criteria for selecting cross-country skis - not only by height, but also by some other parameters, which include body weight, type of binding, target group, skiing style and material of manufacture.

How to choose cross-country skis by target group

First of all, it is worth deciding on the target group. For example, if you intend to set a couple of records in the foreseeable future and are quite active on the track, then it is recommended to purchase cross-country skis of the Sport group, types:

• ROSSIGNOL CarbonCombi;
• ATOMIC S/5Combi;
• FISCHER LS Combi.

If your main goal is to keep yourself in good shape and maintain a healthy immune system, then in this case, cross-country skiing of an amateur group - Fitness or walking is best for you. They are in no way inferior to sports ones in their geometry, but they are more affordable, being bestsellers. The difference in cost is obtained due to the use of cheaper raw materials as the basis. Models in their category include:

• TISA SportStep;
• ATOMIC T/5Classic-3D Grip;
• FISCHER SL SummitCrown;
• MADSHUS ValtourMultigrip.

If you just want to get new sensations and abstract from everyday life, skiing far from the trodden treadmills, then it is preferable for you to opt for the cross-country ski tourist group - Touring. Their difference from the rest lies in the greater width, which allows you to confidently glide even on virgin snow. Samples in this category are:

• MADSHUS PellestovaMultigrip E+;
• ATOMIC T/7Classic-3D Grip59;
• ROSSIGNOL Tempo Tour AR;
• FISCHER BC CountryCrown.

How to choose cross-country skiing by skiing style

When choosing cross-country skis, the style in which you intend to ride is no less important - in skating or in classic. In the first case, the repulsion is made by the inside of the skis and the person moves like a skater (the Swede Svan Gunde used this manner for the first time). The second type of move involves the parallel movement of the skis in relation to one another.

Skis for skiing with a classic style should have an elongated and sharper toe. They are recommended for tourist trips, recreational skiing and fitness. Skating skis are different appearance and some properties: they are somewhat shorter than the classic ones - by about 150 mm, have a more blunt toe and a shifted center of gravity - by 25 mm forward.

How to choose cross-country skis by height

Height also plays a big role when choosing cross-country skis. If you want to ride in a classic manner, then it is recommended to use models in which the toe of a perpendicularly standing ski (relative to the floor surface) reaches you to the middle of your palm with your arm extended upwards. For skating, skis are selected based on the following formula: about 100 mm is subtracted from the length of the corresponding classic skis.

There are also special size schemes according to which you can choose skis exactly “for yourself”:

1. 150 cm - skis 170/180 cm for classic riding, 165 cm for skating and 165/170 cm for pleasure;
2. 155 cm - skis 175/185 cm for classic riding, 170 cm for skating and 170/175 cm for pleasure;
3. 160 cm - skis 180/190 cm for classic riding, 175 cm for skating and 175/185 cm for pleasure;
4. 165 cm - skis 185/190 cm for classic riding, 180 cm for skating and 180/185 cm for pleasure;
5. 170 cm - skis 190/195 cm for classic riding, 185 cm for skating and 185/190 cm for pleasure;
6. 175 cm - skis 195/200 cm for classic riding, 185 cm for skating and 190/195 cm for pleasure;
7. 180 cm - skis 195/200 cm for classic riding, 190 cm for skating and 195/200 cm for pleasure;
8. 185 cm - skis 200/205 cm for classic riding, 190/195 cm for skating and 200/205 cm for pleasure;
9. 190 cm - skis 205/210 cm for classic riding, 195/200 cm for skating and 205/210 cm for pleasure;
10. 195 cm - skis 205/210 cm for classic riding, 200/205 cm for skating and 205/210 cm for pleasure.

How to choose cross-country skis by stiffness

For skating, cross-country skiing must have greater rigidity - this will not allow the middle part to collapse during repulsion and “grip” tightly to the surface (there must be a gap). Otherwise, the speed will be slow.

For a classic riding style, cross-country skis are selected in terms of stiffness based on the different conditions of the snow cover: for hard and wet (it happens when the temperature is above zero) - hard, for dry and soft - soft.

However, this is not the only criterion when choosing skis for stiffness. For example, if you do not want to approach the glory of famous skiers and enter the environment of professionals, but strive to ride for your own pleasure, then you need to give preference to skis of medium and low hardness. Excessively hard should be avoided, because at the moment of repulsion they spring and slip, not maintaining the desired speed.

This parameter also depends on the weight of the skier - the greater the body weight, the stiffer skis you should choose.

How to choose cross-country skis by material

Modern skis require modern and advanced materials, therefore, based on this criterion, their choice is very diverse: wooden (some elite models and children's), made of artificial materials and combined (usually inserts).

The outer side of the skis should also be taken into account when choosing - it has differences, since it is made in 2 ways:

• cap (design in the form of a "cover" from the side and upper parts, forming a single whole and covering the inner layers);
• sandwich (side and top layers are covered with separate plastic inserts / overlays).

The sliding side is made from high molecular weight polyethylene and special additives. Such a material wins a lot over wood: it does not deform upon contact with snow (does not crack), does not get wet (does not absorb moisture) and is more durable.

How to choose cross-country skis by binding type

Binding is another factor that affects the course and speed quality of cross-country skis. At present, the profile industry uses 3 basic types of fasteners:

• for the welt (or 75 mm);
• NNN/NIS.

The first type is morally obsolete and obsolete, the second is used on cross-country skiing Salomon, the third - on Rottefella. Of the listed mounts numbered 1 and 2 belong to the most affordable price category.

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Every novice skier faces the difficulties of choosing cross-country skis. How to choose cross-country skis? Skate or classic? Or maybe universal? More expensive or cheaper? The correct answer to these questions will determine whether you love this sport or hate it.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose cross-country skis and not turn the buying process into headache. How to choose skating and classic skis, how they differ and what to look for.

First you need to understand a few important points. Buy sports equipment maximum quality which your family budget can afford. Even for occasional family outings do not choose the cheapest skis. This principle is similar to or other sports equipment. The miser pays twice - this has long been known to everyone.

You can often hear from beginners: "I ride 5 times a year, I need the cheapest." Such an installation will spoil the impression of skiing for you and your loved ones. Moreover, if you ride 5 times a year, then it is better to spend this time with pleasure, and not in torment. Of course, the financial condition imposes a framework on this principle, but this is a personal matter for everyone.

One thing is for sure, it's better to buy inventory, proven brands. They have appropriate quality control and reputation care. Here are the brands we trust and recommend for purchase:

• Salomon
• Fischer
• Atomic
• Rossignol
• Tisa (owned by Fischer)
• Peltonen

What is the difference between classic skis and skate skis?

First of all, they differ construction or, as skiers say, diagram. The work of skis depends on this, but for a skate and a classic it is completely different. Also, for the classics, the skis are selected longer, and for the skate, shorter. This is explained by the fact that in the skate you need to swing the skis to the sides and do it more conveniently short. In the classics, it is better to take longer skis. According to the laws of physics, the longer the ski, the less pressure it creates on the snow, the less friction and the better the glide.

How skate skiing should work

As can be seen from the figure, skating never completely crushed. It works like a spring and has maximum pressure points in the toe and heel. In the foreground, the diagram reflects the pressure when the athlete is positioned on 2 legs. In the background - the transfer of weight to 1 leg during the rental. The pressure increases significantly on the toe and heel, and almost does not change under the last.

How a classic ski (classic) should work

image from the magazine "Skiing"

Classic, on the other hand, completely crushed under the block. It is understandable - under the block there is a holding ointment that does not allow the ski to slide back when repulsed. In the foreground of the scheme, the skier stands on 2 legs, in the background, the weight is transferred to 1 leg and repulsion occurs.

The diagrams clearly show why it is almost impossible to skate on classic skis and vice versa.

What is combined skiing (combi)?

Combined skis or just combi are classic with increased rigidity. Roughly speaking, these are skis for the classics, with the opportunity to skate sometimes. True, there is one minus - for classic move holding ointments must be applied under the block, and this ointment will only interfere with skating. That is, the combi needs to be constantly re-greased, which causes inconvenience and takes time.

Advantages of combination skis:

• savings (no need to spend money on 2 sets)
• a good option for the first skis (in the future you can decide which move you like more)

Minuses combined skis:

• you need to constantly apply and wash off the holding ointment
• do not fully reveal the features of riding styles

How to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner?

First you need to decide what move you want to ride, where you will ride and what goals you set. There is not always a prepared wide track for skating, but a ski track can be trodden in every park, even in the center of a big city. If there is no good track nearby, which is looked after, then definitely take classic skis. If the track is nearby or there is an opportunity to drive to it, then the choice is more difficult. To simplify, we conditionally divide skating into several categories:

• walks with family and friends

On walks, the main thing is to have fun, fresh air, communication, hot tea from a thermos. For such riding it is better to choose classical. We advise you to pay attention to oil-free skis- with notches or mohair modules (Skintech, Twinskin and the like). They do not need to be smeared so that they do not roll back, you can comfortably stand on them and drink tea, and it is much easier to climb a mountain without serious physical preparation.

Skating is not suitable for these purposes. Skating is an energy-intensive type of skating; walking with a skate will not work. Without proper preparation, it will not be possible to communicate during skating, someone from the company will definitely fall behind, and skating will not last long.

• regular exercise to keep fit and healthy

Simply put, exercise for health 2-3 times a week. Here you can already connect the skating and alternate it with the classic - combined skis are suitable for these purposes. If you are not afraid of the disadvantages of this type of ski, which we have listed above. Or buy skis for every move from the middle price segment.

• improving the technique of skiing, the desire to improve in skiing

If you want to learn how to ski technically, then you need to think about buying 2 pairs - one for each style of skiing. Combined will not allow you to put equipment

• participation in competitions, the desire to improve the sports category

To fight for the result in competitions, of course, you need several pairs. At least 1 for each style, ideally 2-3 for each style. Moreover, the skis must be the most high level. Here it is already worth starting from how much you are willing to invest in your hobby. It is always better to take 2 good pairs than 4 mediocre ones. The selection of professional skis requires a special approach. About, how to choose professional skis, read in our separate article.

• Geometry. Skis should not be curved in the longitudinal direction (it is convenient to look at the groove), there should not be a helical bend

image from the magazine "Skiing"

• sliding surface should be flat, plastic without waves, bumps and pits
• The laminate should not be damage. Moisture can get inside through them, then the core will swell and become unusable.
• Must shrink the same and evenly. It should not be that one ski compresses lighter than the other harder

How to choose skis for classic skiing?

By height

Classics are selected based on the formula: skier height + 20-30 cm. If your height is 180 cm, choose skis 200 - 210 cm long.

By weight

Skis for the classic course are selected based on surface weight markings. Such designations are even on some inexpensive skis from well-known manufacturers, such as Salomon. In the photo, the skis are designed for a weight of 65-78 kg.

If there are no markings, then you can pick them up by weight popular among skiers paper dough:

1. Find a balance point. This can be done by placing the ski on a thin ruler or a knife. If there is nothing at hand, then you can take the ski with 2 fingers by the sidewalls and find the balance point.
2. Put your skis on a flat floor and stand on them so that the toes of your boots are on the line of balance
3. Have someone run a piece of paper under the skis. You need to stand straight, distributing the weight on 2 legs. A sheet of A4 paper should come out about 20-25 cm ahead of the boot and reach the heel. When transferring weight to one foot, the ski should almost press down on the sheet. If you take a narrower sheet of paper, then it should walk a little under the ski.

There are rougher ways to select skis by weight if the store does not allow a paper test. Such methods are only suitable for the cheapest ones, which do not have weight markings.

Please note that the strength of the brush is different for each person and this selection method cannot be used as the main one.

The first way - squeezing with one hand:

1. Find a point of balance
2. 5 cm below the balance point, squeeze a pair of skis with one hand. There should be a gap of about 1 mm

Another way our fathers and grandfathers checked the stiffness of skis:

1. Find a point of balance
2. Squeeze a pair of skis with 2 hands below the balance point. Thus, you need to find a pair that you barely squeeze, if squeezed too lightly, then they are soft. If you can't squeeze it, then it's hard.

Last and the easiest selection method if you don't want to bother at all. When the skier's weight is above the norm, it is better to take the upper limit of the length, that is, the skier's height is + 25-30 cm. When the weight is normal, the average value is selected (height + 20-25 cm), weight below the norm - height + 20 cm) . Also, for overweight people, we recommend paying attention to the combined ones and picking them up according to the height according to the classic scheme. They differ from the classic ones only in increased rigidity.

How to choose skis for skating?

By height

For skating, they are selected according to their height as follows: skier height + 10-15 cm. Short skis are more maneuverable and easier to manage. Therefore, it is better for beginners to take shorter lengths, if body weight allows. For experienced skiers, we recommend longer skis (closer to +15 cm).

By weight

On some models, as in the case of classic ones, it is indicated skier weight range for a specific couple. If there are no such markings, then you can use the same methods as in the selection of classic ones, except for squeezing with 1 hand. But there are a few features:

1. On a paper test, when transferring the mass of the skier to one leg, the paper should move freely under the ski in the binding area
2. When squeezing with 2 hands, there should be a gap of about 2mm

Many specialized stores have special devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis.

How to choose combination skis?

Combi are selected as a cross between a skate and a classic: skier height + 15-20 cm. As we wrote above, combi skis are classic skis with increased rigidity. Therefore, the selection of combined skis is identical to the selection of classic ones with a slight bias in skating. The selection methods have been described in detail above.

How to choose skis by stiffness: video instruction from Fischer

Many specialized shops have devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis. In the video, the selection of skis is made on a special stand, but on a flat floor with a piece of paper, you can conduct a similar test.

The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that it is necessary to hide at home under cozy bedspreads, since winter provides a lot of opportunities for active rest. And it is precisely such a rest that should accompany your leisure in order to keep you in a normal state. physical form and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum performance, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us from childhood. Whereas in last years more and more fans of alpine skiing began to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products are in general.

Main varieties

Cross-country skiing according to its purpose is usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. In the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and in skating, the athlete steps in the same way as skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating so that by visiting an online store or a regular store sports equipment to navigate your needs.

Production material

If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contacts with water. However, the main advantage wooden skis consists in their value, as a result of which they become the best option for beginners who are just starting to take their first hard steps in the snow.

Skating ski options

Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose, in the end, will depend on their rigidity and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the convenience of the skier depends on this, but the personal preferences of the athletes also play a significant role in this situation. It is important to understand that skis are intended for skating, which are shorter and more rigid compared to the classics, but here it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to manage. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by height, then it must be borne in mind that their length should be 10 cm more than the athlete’s height.

Subtleties of choice

Skis for skating differ from classic models in the absence of curved noses, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm more than the skier's height. When buying this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: skis must be installed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing their weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a probe, it can even be a sheet of paper to measure the clearance area between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers the entire body weight to one ski, the clearance zone should become 10 cm smaller and less in the back and front, while the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot is located.

However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. It is required to install the skis vertically, fold them to each other with sliding surfaces, put your hands on the blocks, and then squeeze them with force. If the gap between the skis is about 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, and with a gap of 1-2 mm, we can conclude that they are too soft for you.

So, now you understand how to choose skis for skating in terms of stiffness. Now it is worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. It would be best to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Usually, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand to look out for as it makes products High Quality at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different features and prices. In this case, the choice of one or another option depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.

ski boots

If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case are ski boots. They should be rigid, high, fix the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and the legs in them will get tired very quickly with such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, while there is no need to leave a margin for woolen socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one toe, but rather dense.

The right choice of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. Much distinguishes them from the classics, so in the store you should once discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you should not save on them, because poles and skis can be changed next season, and boots will last you another 10-15 years, no less.

ski poles

There is one here general principle: The lighter the sticks, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter sticks are made from carbon fiber or carbon fiber, but they are quite expensive, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating by height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select sticks according to his own criteria, because it is convenient for everyone to use them in different ways.

Ski waxing

If it has already been said about how to choose skis for skating, now it is necessary to decide on the preparation of skis for operation, and this is impossible without their lubrication. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they cannot completely abandon the use of lubricant. It's all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate the skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which will require you to carry the skis to a professional for the scraping operation. After every 2-3 skiing it is recommended to rub the skis with paraffin special purpose and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have taken care of the laziest as well, for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.

skating

If your decision to learn how to ski is pretty solid, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you also need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people began to skate - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The founder of this style is considered Gunde Svan - the legendary skier from Sweden, who became Olympic champion four times.

The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete is repelled from the track by the inside of the ski. At the same time, the route should have a large width, and also be well-packed. Appearance skate style led to a change in the familiar look of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt noses, these are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, in order to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important here, but also your personal preferences.

If you just love Sunday skiing in the snow, then your best bet is to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant drawbacks - they spring and slip at the moment of push. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the larger this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis "for growth" is the most significant mistake of parents. This is with regard to the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight.

The length is selected according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For sticks, the formula is a bit similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose shoes has already been said earlier.

Mounts

Another important point, which addresses the question of how to choose skis for skating. It is associated with the choice of mounts for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend stopping at NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. Automatic bindings have a peculiarity in that they work after the boot bracket is placed in the groove. This type for amateurs will be the best choice.

Fisher skis

How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There is something to say here. Why do people prefer this particular brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance. The main advantage of Fischer skating skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, in the carrier material there are special carbon fibers that take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with extreme strength. Perfect skating comfort is ensured by the use of a patented profile. Reducing the mass of skis became possible due to the use of a holey toe.

Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain the maximum stability that can be required in biathlon training and competition. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of the products of this brand speak of their wide temperature range. For example, in their lineup there are representatives focused on riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are well suited for training in cold weather, and you don’t even need to use any special lubricants. This versatility is quite captivating.

The only disadvantages of Fisher skis are their high cost, which is beyond the reach of most domestic consumers. For professional products, the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.

conclusions

Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and pictures of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself, you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to feel in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you don’t have such an opportunity, then all the indicated recommendations should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!

Before you start choosing the quality characteristics of skis themselves, you need to decide what style you will ski on. There are two types of skis: skating and classic. Skating is more complex in terms of coordination and requires more time to master than the classics.

Ski length

Once you have determined the style of movement for yourself, it should be noted that ski boots also come in several types: skating, classic and duathlon (for skating and classic). The same goes for the size of ski poles.

The length of the sticks for skating = height - 20cm, for the classic move = height - 30cm.

Ski length for skating = height + 10-15cm, for classic skiing = height + 25-30cm.

Ski stiffness

Skis have an important factor that determines 60% of sliding properties: stiffness. Classic skis are softer than skate skis due to the fact that full contact of the entire ski with the snow is required to push off. Rigidity works like a spring that returns your effort and turns it into inertial rolling on the track. If we consider the pressure of the skier on the ski during repulsion, then on classic skis the main pressure falls on the central part of the ski under the block, on skating skis the picture is different, the pressure under the block is minimal and the main load falls on the toe and heel of the ski. The remaining 40% is due to the quality of the plastic of the sliding surface, steinslip and paraffins. In stores, there are special machines for determining the stiffness of skis and selecting them directly for your weight.

How to choose skis for your weight?

There are several other ways to determine the stiffness of skis for your weight. It is necessary to put the skis on a flat floor and stand on them with both feet so that the toe of the boot coincides with the center of gravity of the ski. Then shift your body weight onto one leg. To check, take a piece of paper and place it under the block. For classic skis, when you are fully on the take-off leg, the sheet should be firmly pressed to the floor. For skating, move a little around the toe area. If the sheet of paper moves freely, then the skis are too hard for you.