A healthy lifestyle is chosen by more and more people. But if some people prefer to work out in the gym, then others prefer outdoor sports. In winter, more and more often you can see children and adults who master the ski run. But at the same time, not everyone knows how to choose cross-country skiing, so that the process is easier and brings only benefit. The sports store has many designs, and they all differ in length, width and texture. You need to find out what to look for when buying, and what is only an additional element that does not affect the ride quality.
The main selection criteria
How to choose cross-country skiing excites all novice athletes. To do this, answer the following questions:
- For what purposes is the inventory purchased. You can only ride them, and perhaps they will be needed for descents from the slopes, participate in competitions or even hunt.
- What is the level of riding. For beginners and professionals, different designs are offered.
- Features of height and weight. The width and length of the skis depends on this parameter.
In addition, it is worth figuring out your preferred skiing style, because the choice will also depend on this parameter. Styles are divided into classic, ridge or combining both types. It is also called combined.
Classic Ski Tips
The classical style was mastered by our grandmothers as well, when we glided along the rut in even steps. However, this view does not lose relevance, but rather has its ardent fans. In addition, for beginners, this type of glide is most suitable. How to choose the right cross-country skiing for this style depends on several parameters.
- Athlete Growth. You must choose an inventory that is 20-30 cm longer than a person’s height. However, those who have never been skiing can take the skis even shorter to learn how to manage them.
- Weight of a person. All skis have an arc shape. With their position on the floor, the middle is slightly higher. If you press on it, then you can feel the resistance. The higher it is, the greater the stiffness of the product. This parameter should be considered depending on the weight. The heavier the athlete, the greater the rigidity of the sports equipment.
How to choose cross-country skiing by weight
To choose the optimal stiffness, you need to carry out a number of actions in the store:
- Skis are laid on a flat surface, and a sheet of paper is laid under the middle.
- Next, the person stands on both skis and evaluates the result. If the sheet is freely removable, the stiffness is optimal.
- The final test is that you only need to transfer the weight to one ski. The sheet in this case should be pressed to the floor.
Of course, many manufacturers indicate the recommended weight for their products. But advice will help you choose the option you need if there is no such indication.
Attention to the surface
Equipment for the classic riding style can be without notches on a sliding surface and with it. How to choose cross-country skiing will depend on experience and skill.
Beginners can be advised to purchase notched skis. That way, they won’t slide back a lot when jerked. But it should be noted that such an inventory has a number of features. It is difficult to ski at freezing temperatures, and they are not suitable for skiing with an ice crust.
Samples without a notch are suitable for confident athletes and are designed for any weather. They facilitate fast driving and are recommended for long rides. However, judging by the reviews, skiing on such skis can be more difficult for beginners. They often slip, and there is no way to provide a strong push. Specialists advise using special greases.
Skate style slip
The style is quite new, and often called free. It is somewhat similar to the technique of ice skating, so it received the corresponding name. The athlete is repelled by the inner surface and makes skate-like movements. A wide and rammed track is recommended for this style. Of course, you can ride in any conditions, but then you can not count on high speed.
How to choose cross-country skiing in this case will also depend on the physical data of the person. But in any case, the inventory is required more rigid and a little shorter.
Selection tips
How to choose the length of cross-country skiing is the main question of every novice athlete. For the ridge style, their length should be 10-15 cm longer than the height of the skier. In this case, the stiffness should be two times greater than that of equipment designed for classic driving. You can conduct a small experiment directly in the store. It is necessary to put the ski on a flat surface and press it with your hand. In this case, the optimum stiffness will remain a small gap, not more than 2 mm.
Universal riding style
This kind of gliding is something between skating and classic skating. Therefore, skis are selected taking into account universality. Basically, they are bought on the basis of human growth. In this case, they should be 15-20 cm longer.
Stick attention
It is also important for a beginner to know how to choose cross-country ski poles. After all, this essential accessory is indispensable. In any case, they should be strong, tough, but light.
How to choose the right cross-country skiing and poles, always tells the consultant in the store. But you must take into account the growth of the user and the preferred style of walking:
- If the athlete prefers the ridge type of gliding, then the sticks should be selected 15-20 cm less than the person himself.
- In classic riding, sticks that are 25-30 cm shorter than the athlete will be most convenient.
You can’t buy sticks for growth for children. Otherwise, the child will be confused in them, and skating will turn into a tedious task.
Stick tips
Sticks for skiing are made from a variety of materials. But for fans it is quite possible to purchase accessories from aluminum. They are quite durable and at the same time light.
It is important to pay attention to the pen. It is better to choose non-slip material, such as:
- skin with finger recesses;
- cork (it is very warm and even warms in winter).
Varies with sticks and support. The safest and most convenient products are those with a reverse cone. They will interfere with the legs when sliding, so they are not recommended.
If sticks are selected for the child, then their length should reach armpits. The tip is preferably blunt.
Choosing skis for a child
Skiing is good for health, because they not only guarantee a long stay on the street, but also develop endurance and strengthen the muscular frame. But for a child to love skiing and ride with pleasure, it is necessary to correctly approach the choice of skis. How to choose a child's cross-country skiing will depend on his age. But they recommend starting training with a running version.
Toddlers under three
In this case, short but wide skis will do. At this age, there is no need for high speed and technology. The main thing is for the baby to master the balance and gliding technique. The very first skis can be plastic. Their length is about 40 cm and their width is 8 cm. It is important that all ends are rounded.
As soon as the child gains confidence and glides freely, it is possible to purchase skis equal to his height. As for the material, the priority is plastic and wood. But plastic is more versatile, because it is suitable for any weather.
Children from 4 to 10 years old
If by this age the child has mastered the technique of sliding and freely controls sticks, then you can purchase a more professional option for him. In this case, you need to know how to choose cross-country skiing according to the growth of a small athlete. To do this, it is customary to use a simple formula, where it is necessary to add 15 cm to the growth. The resulting figure will be the optimal length of the skis.
Teenagers from 11 to 15 years old
At this age, skis are already needed, which are selected depending on the child's height and weight. Also takes into account his riding style. If a teenager prefers classic gliding, then you should buy equipment with a sharper nose and notches on a sliding surface. In this case, the push will be stronger, and the rollback will be reduced. For children, this option, judging by the reviews, is preferable.
There are children who love skating. In this case, skis equipped with a sharp edge that prevents slipping are necessary. But such skis require special equipment, which, according to reviews, is not always obtained in children. Therefore, it is often recommended to purchase combined ones that are suitable for various types of skiing.
Children's Ski Tips
Skis for children must be soft. Otherwise, a convenient push is not provided, and the child will not be able to move comfortably.
Do not buy skis and sticks "for growth." Too long interfere with normal driving and interfere with free control. In addition, they are more rigid, which means they cause discomfort during a walk.
It is better to choose a plastic ski. According to reviews, such a material is more resistant to temperature extremes, provides good glide in all weather conditions, and is durable and durable. Wooden samples are gradually becoming unpopular due to the intricacies of caring for them.
How to choose shoes
Cross-country skiing is becoming quite popular. How to choose the size of the boots will depend on the type of attachment and foot parameters. The sole is designed for a specific mounting system. But it must be taken into account that:
- If the fastenings are 75 mm, then the boots for this system are available in the usual Russian sizes. Therefore, when choosing it is worth focusing on your own typical shoe size.
- If NNN / SNS bindings are supposed for skis, then in this case boots are required that are available for Euro sizes. It must be remembered that such shoes will be smaller than the standard by 1.5 - 2 sizes.
Judging by the reviews, the easiest way to choose the optimal size of the shoes is to measure the length of the foot and the insole. It should be slightly larger (about 0.5 cm).
Conclusion
Skiing brings a lot of joy and benefits to the body. But for skiing to be comfortable, you should choose the right ski. The main parameters are height, weight and material. The preferred riding style is also taken into account.
Children should be involved in skiing. But the inventory should be fully consistent with their age and capabilities. "Growth" can not be purchased. Only in this case, children will love the slide, and most importantly, quickly master the correct technique.