With the onset of winter, people switch from summer sports to winter ones. One of the most popular activities is skiing. In order for this lesson to bring joy and satisfaction and not leave negative impressions, it is necessary to choose the right equipment. All types of skis are distinguished by purpose, level of skill of the person and the terrain on which you have to ride.
The main components of skiing
Skis are a device for moving on snow. These are two absolutely identical wooden or plastic planks. Usually they have pointed or bent front ends. Attached to the legs with special devices. To use them you need ski boots. The movement is due to the ability to glide in the snow.
The types of skis and their main parts largely depend on the purpose of the equipment, but the elements below remain the same for all categories.
- Shell. The main material is plastic. The main purpose is to protect the ski core from external mechanical damage. It can be a bearing element. It consists of many related materials, such as carbon, titanal, rubber, fiberglass, ceramics, Kevlar, graphite, etc.
- Core. The basis of the whole structure. It accounts for the main load when driving. Reduces ski vibration by absorbing vibrational energy. It is made of laminated wood. There are cores made of foam materials or polyurethane. Similar elements are used to make models for children and beginner skiers.
- Kant. Thanks to them, all manipulations are carried out during the ride. Increase the stiffness coefficient of skis. They take on a certain load. They are responsible for the edging of the skis and should be easy to file or sand.
- Coating. Provides ease of sliding and low coefficient of friction. It has high wear resistance. It is processed with a special ski ointment. The best consider sliding surfaces made of polyethylene. The coating structure is linear, oblique and herringbone type.
Ski classification and purpose
And now in detail about what types of skis are by type of construction.
- Classic. With a small neckline at the waist. They have great rigidity and alpine installation of mounts.
- Carving. Stand out by a large side neckline. They are characterized by the least rigidity. The location of the mounts is classic.
- Skiboards. They are indicated on the sides by a large neckline. These are, in fact, carving skis, the length of which is less than 1 meter. They have a lightweight mount, not equipped with automatic response when falling. They are divided into freeglides for free skiing on prepared slopes and for stunted skibords.
It should be noted that there is still a more detailed modern classification of skis for use. It is presented below.
- Racing. Skis for sports skiing. They are often used by professional athletes in competitions in the special slalom, giant slalom and downhill.
- Cross-country skiing for ski cross. Designed for cross-country skiing cross-country skiing, which is part of freestyle.
- Freeride. Wide skis with a waist size of more than 90 mm. Their length is 185-195 cm. Designed for riding on unprepared tracks and on the "virgin lands".
- Allmounten. Universal skiing. You can ride them on any terrain, downhill. Suitable for different weather conditions.
- Carving. Shortened in length with a deep side neckline. Used in riding on specially prepared tracks. Divided into groups. This is a reiscar for experts, similar in design to sports. Freekarv is an expert level carving ski, but insensitive to the terrain features. They have high speed stability. Sport carv - for fans of ordinary driving on a classic slope.
- Freestyle. Designed for stunt skiing, jumping of varying difficulty on a normal slope and in a snow park, from eaves, rocks, etc.
- Supercarv (fancarv). Used for carving without sticks. Riding is carried out with a strong blockage of the hull to the surface of the slope. A large lateral neckline helps develop strong centrifugal force.
- Can i. They are used for riding and competitions in the mounds (mogul).
- Rolling. They have a wide edging, a thick layer of plastic, a sliding surface. Suitable for multiple looping.
- Junior. Children and teenagers skiing.
There is also a special sports equipment for women, children, as well as professional junior skis.
It will demonstrate in more detail what types of skis are available, the photo below.
Classic skis are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and in their place come carving. The latter have a large lateral neckline, modern design, can achieve static softness while maintaining torsion stiffness.
Types of skiing
Now there are a large number of ski resorts around the world. And this is no coincidence, because skiing is now not only a sport, but also a wonderful way of outdoor activities.
And now in more detail about what types of skis can be in terms of a person’s level of preparedness for skiing.
- Alpine skiing for beginners. Softer than the rest. Faster turn into a turn. The cost is lower compared to equipment for athletes and experts. Available for the general population.
- Alpine skiing for athletes. Tough and resilient. To ride them, you need to master the technique and have good physical fitness. Have a high cost.
- Alpine skiing for experts and advanced. Designed for people seeking to improve their riding technique. They have an average price level.
This sports equipment differs not only in purpose, level of preparation of the athlete, but also in its design. Thus, the following main types of skiing can be determined by design.
- Cap Here, the role of the “bearing layer” is played by the upper hard layer, to which the remaining layers are “attached” from below. The core is made of wood or plastic, and the sliding surface is made of polyethylene. Power layers are laid here, differing in degree of rigidity. The outer coating is made of colored plastic and protects the inner base from mechanical damage.
- A sandwich. The design consists of different materials. A similar structure resembles a sandwich. All layers closely interact with each other, which affects the style of skiing. The upper and lower layers of the skis are made of hard materials. The core can have both a vertical set of components and a horizontal one. For their manufacture, wood, plastic and other materials that differ in stiffness in different planes are used.
- Sidewall The protection of the inner layers, which are sealed around the entire perimeter of the ski, is characteristic. The side walls are located above the edges, which provide additional protection.
- Monocoque. This is a modern design, the opposite of a sandwich and a cap. Here the core is coated with synthetic components or is in a metal braid. This structure helps to achieve torsional stiffness and does not allow skis to curl under heavy load. Skis are stable on bends and gently pass along an arc. Insensitive to uneven terrain.
These are the main and most popular types of skiing. In fact, there are many more. The structure of the skis is selected individually, based on personal preferences, skills and conditions in which you have to ride.
Cross-country skiing: varieties
All types of cross-country skiing are divided according to characteristics and type of movement into the following categories:
- for classic running;
- for skating;
- combined type.
Classic used on a ski track. Here, athletes start off with two legs together, pushing with sticks. The length of such skis, unlike skates, reaches 207 cm. They have a pointed end and are technically softer. Notches are located on the sliding side. Before skiing, they are lubricated with special ointments to ensure good traction with snow.
Skis are used for running along a well-groomed track, but without a ski track. Designed for speed skating. Such a ride makes the whole body work, with the synchronous movement of the lower and upper limbs. The maximum length of the skis reaches 190 cm. They have an extremely rigid structure, especially the middle peasant. Under the pressure of the foot at the start, the inventory does not bend in the middle, which gives a good impetus at the very beginning of the ride.
Combined skis have incorporated the technical characteristics of the two previous types. Their maximum length reaches 200 cm, which makes them universal and equally suitable for both running on a knurled track and for skating equipment.
For extreme riding and walking, use the Backcountry type of ski. They are used in impassable terrain conditions. The base of the ski has an additional reinforcement in the form of a metal edging, and the structure is characterized by a variety of materials. They are expensive and not sold in all sports stores. As a rule, are purchased to order.
About children's and teenage skiing
Children are put on skis at the age of 2.5-4 years, and adult criteria for selecting equipment begin to be applied from the age of fourteen, when the child's growth begins to slow down. Only junior athletes who professionally engage in sports depart from this rule.
Types of skis for children are divided into 2 main groups. It is amateur and sports. Do not immediately choose professional equipment, as amateur skis go softer and easier to manage. Rocker in the toe and heel has a significant help to the child on the turns, even if he is poorly skilled in the technique of skating. Do not develop high speed.
Children's skis have the following characteristics:
- softness of movement;
- deep narrowing on the sides;
- composite core;
- "Cap" design.
The most common ski for children are universal. Designed for well-groomed mountain trails. Generally sold with mounts.
Twintypes are skis with two rockers. You can ride them both forward and backward. Easily complete a lunge from a jump. Common among adolescents. Their length ranges from 135 to 165 cm. Recommended for children who are well versed in skiing, but do not reach adult equipment.
Children's skis for freeride. Wide, designed for driving in deep snow. They require at least minor expert skills. Their length starts from 140 cm.
Sports skis are made for children who are seriously involved in sports. Suitable for those who are confidently skiing and have good physical fitness. Significantly different from classic children's models. They have all the parameters of adult professional ski models, but are adapted to the height and weight of children.
Cross-country skiing and skiing Fischer
Today, there are several world-wide brands of skis whose professionalism is listed as the best. This is exactly what Fischer is. Under this brand, you can find sports equipment for both a beginner skier and a professional. Types of skis "Fisher" are divided into mountain and cross-country.
For the production of alpine skis , such high-tech developments are used as titanium inserts in the area of ​​mounting mounts to protect the edges. They give a slight deflection to the bar and provide a continuous grip on the edges of the Flowflex platform. A core with reduced density reduces the weight of the ski. In addition, these skis have a special toe for freeride. Such elements increase the resistance to damage and reduce the efforts of the skier. Make inventory more maneuverable and light.
Fischer skiing is also classified into sports (professional), women's, rental and children's.
All types of sports skis of this manufacturer are of high cost and excellent quality.
In the production of cross-country skiing, innovations such as:
- a toe made of a high molecular weight carbon laminate with a special hole;
- special ski structure;
- Diamond application of large grooves (Plus design);
- Air core with carbon fiber and two-component design;
- reinforced edging;
- single and double notches.
All types of cross-country skiing are equipped with modern devices that are aimed at reducing the weight of the ski and reducing energy loss. Designed to quickly return the ski to its original position. Adapted to undeveloped snow. Reduce pressure on skis and accelerate gliding. They help to stay on the rise in any weather.
Available for experienced and beginner skiers. There are women and children.
How to determine ski hardness
When choosing equipment, not only ski types are taken into account, but their stiffness. Checking this option is easy. For these purposes, the ski must be put on the floor and put a boot on it. A sheet must pass between the floor and the ski panel. If it does not pass, then the skis are too soft and another option should be considered. Further on the ski you need to become two legs. In this case, there should be no space between the floor and the ski. If it is, then the skis are too hard.
Types of skis and poles in height
Any sports equipment should be chosen taking into account the height and weight of the person. Types of skis and poles are selected according to the following rules.
- Each skiing technique determines its individual approach to the selection of skis and poles. For skating, skis must be placed next to you. Their length should be 15 cm above the head. The length of the sticks is selected as follows. They take 15-20 cm from the height of the skier, this is the optimal length of the sticks. As the length of the sticks increases, the load on the hands increases. The maximum length should not be above the ear, and the minimum should not be lower than the shoulder line.
- Types of skis for classical skiing are chosen, adding to the growth of 25-30 cm. This is the optimal length of the ski board. The height of the sticks here should be 25-30 cm below the height of a person.
- For ordinary walks, skis should be no longer than 15-25 cm longer than the skier.
- When buying children's skis, the weight of the child should also be considered. For children weighing 10–20 kg, skis no longer than 70 cm are suitable; for a weight category of more than 20 kg, skis should be taken 90 cm long; for children with a body weight of 30 to 40 kg, skis 100 cm long are suitable. For experienced skiers length. For children aged 40 kg and more, they choose skis 10-15 cm below height so that they reach their chin. Sticks for a child choose 25-30 cm shorter than growth. The best are those with plastic “paws” or “stars” at the end of them. They help to smoothly push off even from the most loose snow.
Choosing ski bindings
Types of skis and their purpose affect the choice of binding. In order to select them, it is necessary to take into account parameters such as reliability of grip with the boot and ease of uncoupling.
Ideally, if all the equipment is from one manufacturer, then there will be fewer questions when installing ski mounts. In the store, fasteners are often sold complete with skis, but they have a separate cost. All ski mounts are separated by the type of unfastening from the boots in the event of a fall.
Each mount is designed for a specific load, which is calculated based on skill, weight of the skier and the number of expected falls. A good rider has a significantly higher load than a beginner. Also, when installing the mounts, the weight of the skier should be taken into account. The number of falls is also important, since in such situations it is necessary to quickly unfasten the boot from the ski. Experienced skiers are advised to use more rigid mounts. Skis with a waist wider than 70 mm have fastenings with wide ski stops.
Mounts are mounted either on a special platform or on the ski itself. The platform and the mounts under it must be of the same manufacturer. If there are no platforms, then the holes for the mounts are drilled in the skis themselves.
About water skiing
Water skiing is suitable for summer skiing. They are divided into two main categories: single and doubles. The latter are curly and hopping. Singles are classified into curly and slalom.
Curly skis are called curly, slightly bent on both sides. Hoppers are distinguished by their length and strongly curved front end. The slalom ski has a bent toe and tapers towards the rear end. A keel is located on one side of it. Water skis, unlike winter skis, are wider, have a special configuration and are made of special material.
Paired types of water skiing are selected based on the weight category of the skier.
- In childhood, with a weight of up to 36 kg, skis with a length of 100-132 cm and a width of 13-15 cm are used.
- For people with a weight of 35-54 kg, skis with parameters of 150-152 cm long and 16.5 cm wide are suitable.
- If a person’s weight is in the range of 54–68 kg, then he needs equipment 167–169 cm long and 16.5 cm wide.
- Persons in the weight category 69–90 kg are recommended to prefer skis with a length of 170–172 cm and a width of 16.5 cm.
- People with a weight of 90 kg or more should ski, the length of which is within 175-182 cm, and the width is 17.5-20 cm.
If the weight is on the border of the categories, then you should prefer the option with large parameters.
Today there are paired skis for women, children, people of powerful complexion, experienced water skiers, etc.
Water skiing can be made both from wood and from foam plastic (polyurethane foam). The latter is lightweight and glides along the waves more easily, unlike wood.