Cross Country Ski Equipment
Different kick waxes can be chosen based on varying snow conditions and temperatures. By not having fish scales, skiers can also use smooth surfaced skis for the skating technique. Poles are traditionally chest height, to put your arms in a natural 90-degree angle in front of you. Binding choices have significantly improved in recent years, with almost all models having automatic step-in locks. Your binding style must match the toe piece of your boot. Boots for classical skiing tend to be modified versions of light hiking boots, offering flex, but significant ankle support. Classical skiing traditionally used skis about two foot taller than your head, but advances in ski construction and skating, has shortened the length. On the bottom surface, the kick zone (the area under your binding) is the important kick-zone that gives you the opportunity to get a good grip on the snow. There are different ways to get a perfect grip on snow, one old way is to buy a apir of skiis with patterned square or semi-circle grooves, called fish scales. These grooves grip the snow and as you kick back, they help your body to move forward on uphills. Although most recreational cross-country skis come with a no-wax base, some skiers choose to use smooth bottomed skis and apply kick wax to the underfoot area for grip.
The freestyle, or skating technique takes advantage of lightweight and compact ski construction technology, used mainly by competitive skiers, but can be enjoyed by any level of nordic skier. Recent trends have had these lightweight, thinner skis at much shorter lengths. Smooth bases allow the skater to shift weight to one ski and glide for several lengths before switching sides. Without the use of fish scales to help on the uphills, skiers must power through the V-like motion and use strong pole pushes or slow down to herringbone - basically walking with skis pointed in the v-shape, up the incline. Again, bindings have become fairly standardized and automatic, but skating boots have developed interesting characteristics. They are taller and offer superior ankle support using a combination of padding, soft and hard plastics, allowing the ankle to flex with the forward or push-off motion. Skating poles are much taller than traditional touring poles. They are often up to the shoulders and racers usually choose cheek and eyebrow-level heights. Skis: Cross country skis, as opposed to regular skis, are far longer and slender. This assists with weight distribution and allows the skier to slide faster. As opposed to wooden skis of the past, the ones today are more lightweight and durable. Poles: Poles play a more critical role in cross country skiing, perhaps even more than regular skiing. Some of the poles are made out of aluminum and graphite, materials that are very strong and lightweight. For greater pace and reach, poles for cross country skiing, as opposed to traditional poles, are longer in length. Learn more about cross country ski poles here. Boots: Boots used in cross country skiing are different as well. Cross country ski boots are much stiffer, heavier and made of stronger materials than typical ski boots. Read more about cross country ski boots here. Bindings: There are several types of bindings used in cross country skiing. There is the New Nordic Norm, Salomon Nordic System and the Salomon Nordic System Pilot. The main differences in the binding types are with the axes of the boot. The different types of bindings are not compatible with each other and makes it especially difficult for beginners to select the right bindings. Learn more about cross country ski bindings here. Wax: Because cross country skiing involves a great deal of gliding, wax is that much more essential, though it can be used for any model of snowboards and skis. The conditions that you will be going through will determine how much and which type of wax that will be used. Glide wax and kick wax are just a few examples of wax you can use. Some skis now don't require the application of wax. The surface already is made up of a material that allows you to glide across the snow at a greater pace than before. Learn more about ski wax here |
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Note: All information about skiing, training, technique and equipment on this website, CrossCountrySki.info are only suggestions from me, Fredrik Erixon, and thus, the use of all the material on this site is done at your own risk, and with your own full knowledge of the inherent risks of any skiing, training, fitness or exercise program. This information is not to be considered as a substitute for professional instruction. Before you beginn any kind of Cross Country Ski exercise or workout plan, you, as a reader, should have complete knowledge your own fitness and ability levels, knowledge of your equipment, your exercises program, the locations, and all the skiing methods. I also recommend you to consult with your physician on a regulary basis, and offcorse follow reasonable safety precautions at every time. Good-luck with your Cross Country Ski / Fredrik Erixon