How to choose cross-country skating skis. Choosing cross-country skis correctly: instructions for beginners. What material to choose for skating skis?

Summer is an amazing time of year. In summer, people want to relax after winter with its frosts, snow, long cold evenings and short daylight hours. With the onset of warm days, many head to the sea to bask in the warm rays of the gentle sun and feel the coolness of sea water. But summer passes, again giving way to autumn and winter, which we miss by this time. After all, winter is a wonderful time. Only in winter do we have the opportunity to go ice skating and skiing, which we choose very carefully so as not to ruin our mood. To do this, you need to decide on your riding style.

A beginner skier should know what styles there are:

• skating style - the skier advances like a speed skater along a prepared track of sufficiently wide width;
• classic - movement on the ski track.

Each style requires “its own” skis, which are not interchangeable, or rather, cannot be bought skating skis, if you plan to ski on them. Nothing good will come of such an idea, and vice versa - skiing in the classical way is unlikely to bring pleasure if its purpose is skating style.

If you prefer skis for classic skiing, remember that models are available without and with notches. Skis with notches are suitable for a beginner who does not want to figure out how to apply correctly ski wax how its choice depends on the ambient temperature and snow.

Skis without notches are not used without ointment for holding, this should not be forgotten when going to the ski store.

The middle part of the skis, while driving on the track, bends when pushing off, so it comes into contact with the surface. The notches serve to prevent the ski from slipping backwards, i.e. to hold it. The ski moves forward unhindered - the notch does not interfere with it. But the riding speed will be slightly lower compared to a smooth ski. In addition, in difficult conditions (when there is icy snow or the temperature is above zero), the skis will slip backwards because the notches cannot cope with the recoil. This drawback does not allow the use of notched skis in skiing, but they are suitable for children and beginner skiers.

What you need to know about lubricants

For plastic skis There are two types of ointments– holding and sliding. The first ointment is applied to the central part of smooth skis (block), which are intended for classic skiing. This ointment is available in liquid and solid form. It is selected depending on the temperature of the snow. The functions of such a lubricant are similar to those performed by notches - to prevent skis from slipping back when pushing off, so there is no need to apply it to skis with notches, unlike sliding lubricant, which is applied to any type of ski.

Ski slip wax provides, as the name implies, good glide. It is applied to the back and front of a classic ski, regardless of whether the option with or without a notch is chosen. For skating skis, lubricant is applied to the entire surface.

Selecting skis by hardness

First of all, when choosing skis, you need to decide on their stiffness, which is very important for driving performance. Skis have a deflection: The more force required to ensure that this part of the sliding surface of the skis touches the snow track, the stiffer the skis are considered. If the sliding surface under the block does not touch the floor, then you need skis of less rigidity. For skating style skis, which are 15-20 centimeters shorter than classic skis, but twice as stiff, allow a gap between the floor and the surface of the skis to be up to 1-2 mm. Some models indicate the range of human weight for which the skis are designed.

Skis of low and medium hardness are more suitable for non-professionals. If you plan to ski on virgin lands where there are no ski tracks, then you need to choose between touring (tourist) and pleasure skis, which are wider than classic skis, therefore, it is easier to lay your own ski track on them.

How to choose ski poles

First of all, their length is important, which means it is important to obtain information on how to correctly determine it:

• for classic skis, the length of the pole is determined by the height of the skier plus 25-30 cm;
• when choosing poles for skating skis, only 10-15 cm are added to your height.

What is important to know when choosing ski boots

Ski boot socks

In order not to be mistaken with the size of ski boots, you need to try them on with special thermal socks. Skating boots have a rigid sole and a rigid cuff that reliably protects the ankle. But they cannot be used for classics, because the sole does not bend when pushing off. It is better to choose low boots with soft soles for the classics. But they are also not recommended for skating, because they do not provide adequate ankle support.

An excellent solution would be to buy combined boots that are suitable for skating and classic skating: they have a medium-hard sole and a removable cuff.

If possible, give preference to boots that have zippers in addition to lacing. This will prevent snow from getting inside.

What you need to know when choosing fasteners

The following types of fastenings are produced by industry: SNS; NNN (new version - NIS)4 Nordic 75 (standard from USSR times). The last mount is practically not used, and the first two differ slightly. Therefore, the main thing is to choose the right boots, and securing them is not difficult.

Choice of poles

The following types of sticks are made:

• Fiberglass is the cheapest, but has low rigidity and strength. They are recommended for beginners and children.
• Made of aluminum. Affordable. Suitable for amateurs and beginners. These poles are suitable for heavy skiers
• Made from modern, durable and lightweight material – carbon fiber. They are characterized by high rigidity, but are the most expensive in terms of cost.
• Composite ski poles- made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Strength and price can vary greatly depending on the proportion of carbon included in the composite.

Recommendations for choosing poles: It is better to buy poles with loops attached with Velcro. And it is not recommended to opt for small support rings (legs) that fall into the snow. Their purpose is special routes. The length of the pole is determined based on the height of the skier, using the formulas: for skating - height minus 15-20 centimeters; for classic – height minus 25-30 centimeters. You can also choose ski poles using the tables below.

Table: selection of ski poles for adults

Table: choosing the length of ski poles for children

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Video: How to choose skis and equipment.

To understand which skis to choose for a beginner skier, you must first decide which skiing style you prefer. For the skating style, when they move like a skater along a wide prepared track, or the classic style, when they move along a ski track, different skis are made. It is not recommended to buy skating skis, implying the possibility of skiing on the track or vice versa. It will be difficult and you will hardly get pleasure from such a ride.

What are notches for?

When you set out to figure out how to choose skis for classic skiing, remember that there are models with and without notches. If you are a beginner and you don’t have the slightest desire to figure out how to properly apply ski wax depending on the snow temperature, then choose classic skis with notches for skiing. If you bought smooth skis without notches, then know that they are used only in conjunction with grip ointment, otherwise they will slip.

When driving on a ski track, the middle part of the ski bends when pushing off and comes into contact with the surface of the track. The notches are made in such a way that they do not allow the ski to slip back while holding it, but allow it to slide forward almost unhindered. Please note that the riding speed will always be slightly lower than on smooth skis. In difficult conditions, such as above-zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with the recoil and the skis begin to slip back. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but are very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.

Holding and sliding lubricants

Ski wax for plastic skis comes in two varieties: glide and grip.

Ski glide lubricants are designed to improve sliding properties. They are applied only to the front and back of classic skis, no matter whether they are notched or not. And with skates, the entire sliding surface is lubricated.

Holding ointment is applied only to smooth skis intended for classic skiing, and only to their central part (block). This ski lubricant comes in solid or liquid form and is selected according to the temperature of the snow. Serves the same purpose as the notches - it prevents slipping back when pushing off.

There is no need to apply grip lubricant to knurled skis, but glide lubricant can be applied to any ski.

Selection of skis by hardness

If you want to know how to choose the right skis, remember: the most important thing is to choose the right stiffness. Each ski has a deflection, which determines the driving performance by more than half. The stiffness of a ski is determined by how much force needs to be applied from above to push it down.

One of simple ways The definition of rigidity for the classic is to push the ski with both hands until the sliding surface under the block completely touches the floor. If you can’t push through, then choose one with less rigidity. For skate style skis, there should be a gap of 1-2mm when squeezing with one hand. By the way, some models indicate the weight range of the skier for which they are designed.

For beginners and non-professionals, low and medium hardness skis are best suited. If, when pushing off, classic skis do not push through completely, then the stiffness is chosen incorrectly.

As for how to choose skis for skating, they are almost twice as stiff as classic ones, and should not be completely pressed when pushing off. However, they are usually 15-20 cm shorter than the classic ones.

If you are planning walks in the virgin lands, without ski tracks, then choose special pleasure or tourist (touring) skis. They are wider than regular classic ones and you can use them to lay your own ski track anywhere.

Selecting ski length

The ski length is selected as follows:

• for a classic style, add 25-30 cm to your height;
• for skate - add 10-15 cm to height.

The question of how to choose the right skis based on your height is less important than choosing them based on stiffness. Typically, the longer the skis, the stiffer they are. Therefore, if the skis chosen by length turn out to be a little soft, take longer ones.

Choosing ski boots

Before choosing ski boots, the right decision would be to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them when trying on boots.

Skating boots have a rigid ankle support cuff and a rigid sole. For classics, they should not be used, since the sole will not bend enough when pushing off. For a classic style, lower boots with soft soles are intended. In turn, it is not recommended to use them for skating style, because they will not provide the necessary ankle support.

Combination boots that allow you to skate both classic style and skate style can be a good choice for amateurs. They have a medium-hard sole and, on some models, a removable cuff.

When choosing, be sure to consider the comfort of the boot. If possible, choose boots that, in addition to lace-ups, have a zipper to provide protection from snow.

Choosing fastenings

Today, three main types of fasteners are produced:

• NNN (and its new version NIS),
• Nordic 75 (so-called “75 mm”, old standard from USSR times).

The first two are practically indistinguishable, but the last one can be completely ignored. The main thing is to choose comfortable boots, and then select the appropriate bindings and install them on the skis.

Choosing sticks

Now let's figure out how to choose ski poles. They are manufactured in the following types:

• Carbon fiber. The most expensive. Lightweight and very tough.
• Fiberglass. The cheapest. Less rigid and less durable. Heavier and easier to bend. Suitable for children and beginners.
• Aluminum. Affordable. A good choice for beginners, amateurs, and those with a lot of weight.
• Composite made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. Price and strength will greatly depend on the carbon content.

It is recommended to choose poles that have hand loops that are securely fastened with Velcro. It is not recommended to buy poles with small support rings (feet). They will fall through the snow because they are designed for specially prepared trails.

Fedor Tikhonov, journalist and master of sports in ski racing, talks about all the subtleties and nuances that you should pay attention to when choosing the perfect pair of cross-country skis.

Cross-country skiing is not only the perfect way to spend a weekend, but also a powerful cardio workout that involves absolutely every muscle group. Only for one hour of classes skiing you will burn whole 700 calories(for comparison, you will only burn 540 calories in an hour of running). And in order for skating to be a pleasure, it is important to choose the right equipment - this is what we will tell you about now.

Skis come in two types: for skating and classic skiing. In sections, children are usually taught the classic move first - the skis are pointed straight forward when moving, the main emphasis is on the arms, so the load on the legs is minimal. It is still easier for an amateur to start with skating, which requires the participation of not only the arms, but also the legs. With this move, the skier pushes off the track with his foot at an angle to the direction of movement, which from the outside resembles skating.

Skis also differ from each other depending on their quality and purpose - there are top models, there are a little simpler ones, and there are models that, in principle, are intended exclusively for tourism. The difference is primarily in materials, weight, performance and external characteristics. Meanwhile, the quality of gliding and the number of calories burned largely depend on these indicators. But here, of course, it is important to realize that if the last time you skied was at school, then when choosing a top model, you are unlikely to go faster than if you preferred a simpler option.

Ski size

So, you came to the store, and the first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing cross-country skis is the size. The correct length of skate skis is calculated according to the principle: your height plus 10-15 centimeters, classic skis - your height plus 20-30 centimeters. However, keep in mind that the longer the skis (even within the specified ranges), the more technical skills you will need when skiing. People with a height of 190 centimeters and above can safely take the maximum sizes: for skate skis it is approximately 190 centimeters, and for classic skis - 207-210 centimeters.

Ski stiffness

The second most important indicator is rigidity. To determine it there is special equipment- flextester. But since it is not available in all stores, you can get by in these two ways:

1. Carefully place the skis with the sliding surface against each other and squeeze them with one hand in the center (under the block). If you have enough strength in your hands to squeeze them almost until they touch sliding surfaces(almost - this is with a gap of 1.5 millimeters for classic skis and 2 millimeters for skate skis), then these skis are ideal for you (it is believed that the force of the hand is proportional to the force of repulsion with the foot). In this case, the skis should compress smoothly throughout the entire compression stroke and all the way at the end. It is worth noting that this method is only suitable for classic skis, and to determine the stiffness of a pair of skates, you need to squeeze them with both hands so that the gap between the skis does not exceed 2-4 millimeters. Happened? So they are suitable.
2. Place the skis symmetrically on the floor (for example, on a thin, hard carpet, so as not to damage their surface) and stand on them (you can wear regular shoes), evenly distributing your body weight on both feet. In this position, the last should not come into contact with the floor from three centimeters below the heel of the boot and up to 20 centimeters above the toe of the boot. If you pass a sheet of paper under the block, then it is within these limits that the sheet will move freely under you, and above and below the indicated boundaries, on the contrary, it will get stuck. If you transfer your body weight to one leg (this is called “crushing the ski”), then the block should almost completely touch the floor (there will be a gap of about 0.5 millimeters).

Ski poles

With how to choose ski poles, everything is much simpler - they are also divided into top, medium and low models and have different gradations of quality. The more expensive and professional the stick, the lighter and stronger it is. But despite its strength and lack of vibration when repelled, it can easily be broken by a blow from a sharp object. This often happens in races when a sideways and often accidental ski strike actually cuts off a piece of the pole. However, cheap amateur poles can be broken by any professional simply by pushing hard at the start. The size of skating poles is selected as follows: your height minus 20 centimeters for skating skis and your height minus 30 centimeters for classic skis. At the same time, the size of the poles may vary slightly depending on your readiness - for example, professionals such as Petter Northug often choose the highest possible images (within reasonable limits, of course).

Skiing is one of the popular sports, as well as a favorite hobby of many people. Some people prefer extreme driving, while others don’t mind a quiet ride around the park. In any case, when purchasing modern skis, it is important to take into account not only the riding style and terrain features, but also such indicators as the height and weight of the skier. It’s difficult to make a choice today, since sports equipment stores offer hundreds of models, both for skating and for walking. Let's try to understand the main indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing skis.

Selection of skis based on the height and weight of the skier

The selection of skis by height differs depending on the type of product. It is also worth considering the length and stiffness of the ski. For example, novice athletes are advised to choose shorter models. On such products you will be able to move with any convenient equipment, but if a beginner buys skate skis, he will not be able to ride them in the classic style. Therefore, we will consider the most popular types of skis.

Selection of skis for classic skiing

Classic type skis are distinguished by their configuration, since they must always be parallel to each other when moving along the ski track. As a rule, such products are longer than skate products, but the maximum value does not exceed 207 cm. In addition, they are distinguished by their softness, this is necessary so that when pushing off, the ski block touches the surface of the snow, in this case, during the push, the products will not slip back. But such skis should not be too soft either, otherwise during sliding, the block will sag too much, going deeper into the snow, as a result of which they will slow down.

When choosing the stiffness of a suitable ski model, weather conditions should be taken into account. For example, soft and elastic products are more suitable for cold winters, since in this case you will not need to apply a large layer of ointment. But for above-zero temperatures it is better to choose rigid models.

Professional skiers differ in their riding style; as a rule, they push off from the snow surface with a powerful push, so for the “pros” hard products are suitable, on which athletes can do long-term skiing.

If you choose classic type skis, then their length should exceed your height by 25-30 cm. Poles, unlike Nordic walking poles, on the contrary, it is better to choose 25-30 cm less height, although if you have excellent physical training and strive to increase the load, you can purchase longer products.

To choose skis by weight, you need to check how much their stiffness suits your body weight. To do this, just use a flex tester. First you need to find the center of gravity of each ski and put a mark on this place with a marker. After this, you need to put the products on flat surface and stand on them. In this case, the toes of the shoes should be located on the line marked earlier. Try to relax and distribute your weight evenly on both legs. Have someone take a thin piece of paper or a feeler gauge no thicker than 0.2mm and run it under one ski. In this case, the tester should move freely at a distance of 20 to 40 cm forward and backward from the marked center of gravity. If a sheet of paper or probe does not go further than 5 cm, you need to take softer skis.

There is a similar method for determining the rigidity of products. To do this, all the weight must be shifted to one leg. Next, you also need to use paper or a probe, which should move freely 10-15 cm from the control point.

Selection of skis for skating

Skate skis are so called because when moving, a skier uses the same running technique as a speed skater. To do this, he pushes off from the snowy surface. internal part skis, at this moment transferring all your weight to the sliding ski and vice versa. It is worth noting that skating is more suitable for those who have well-trained arms and body.

Skis of this type are shorter in length than classic skis; their maximum length is no more than 192 cm. When riding skate skis, the athlete should not allow the middle part of the ski to come into contact with the surface. Therefore, such models must be tougher than classic ones. And if you plan to use them only for walking, then it is better to choose more elastic and soft products that are easier to maintain balance on.

In order to decide how to choose skis for skating based on height, just remember the following: such models should be 15 cm larger than the athlete’s height, and the poles should be 15 cm smaller. Thus, the size of skis according to height will be optimal.

In order to determine the weight, on skate skis it is also necessary to determine the center of gravity, put a mark on it and stand on the product, distributing the weight. In this case, the probe or paper should move freely 40 cm to the nose of the products and 10 cm from the heel of the boot to the back of the skis. If you stand on one ski, then you need to subtract 10 cm from these values.

Selection of combined skis

This type of ski can be used for both skating and classic skiing. The maximum length of combined models is 200 cm. But to use different riding styles, it is better to choose skis with a length of no more than 192 cm, in this case, during skating, the “heels” will not touch each other. The design of Combi skis is more reminiscent of classic models, but their length should be determined a little differently. Combined skis should be 20 cm larger than the skier's height, and as usual, it is better to choose poles 20 cm shorter, unless you plan to train with increased loads.

Selecting skis based on height and weight, the table of indicators of which is presented below, will not take much time. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account other characteristics. If we talk about mini-skis for children, then there is a different story, which we will look at in more detail.

Selection of children's skis

When choosing sports equipment for young skiers, you must first assess the child’s level of preparation for such training. For children, it is better to choose products that do not develop high speed, are controllable and reliable. If we talk about growth, then:

• Skis for children 3 years old should be 100 cm long, provided that the child’s height is also 1 m. If it is less, then it is accordingly better to choose shorter models;
• Children's skis from 4 years old should be no more than 110 cm long, with a similar height;
• It is better to buy children's skis from 5 years old with a length of 120 cm, while the child's height should be about 115 cm.

You will find the remaining indicators (for children from 6 to 11 years old) in the table.

As when choosing adult skis, when purchasing products for a child, you need to take into account his weight. The shortest skis, 70 cm long, are ideal for children weighing up to 20 kg. Next, the division occurs as follows:

• If the baby’s weight is 20-32 kg, then choose models with a length of 90 cm;
• For children weighing 32-42 kg, products with a length of 100 cm are more suitable;
• If your child weighs more than 41 kg, then when choosing skis, you need to take into account the height of the young skier (the skis should reach the nose).

Choosing children's skis based on the child's height and weight is very important, since only with the correct ratio of these indicators will children be able to train correctly. If your child has not yet practiced winter riding, then choose skis for him that will reach his chin, that is, shorter models.

In custody

When choosing skis, also consider the manufacturer of the sports equipment. Cheap analogues will have worse grip on snow surfaces, so it is better to give preference to companies that have proven themselves in this industry. Before buying, it is better to try to ride the model you like, since everything in this matter is very individual and depends on your weight, height, level of training and physical activity.

People who start skiing are faced with the problem of choosing a ski pair. When buying skate skis, you need to consider: method of use, experience of the athlete. And also we must not forget about what surfaces you are going to drive on: prepared trails or undeveloped virgin soil. When choosing a pair of skis, you need to pay attention to the stiffness and length of the product.

Skis

Such skis are designated by the letters SK or the word Skate. They are shorter than the walking models. In addition, there are no notches on them. When skating, the notches only slow down the skier's movements. Products must be selected depending on the athlete.

Boots

To ensure safe skiing, you need to choose appropriate shoes. Regular boots are not suitable for ski boots. For reliability, comfort and better control, you need to buy special ski shoes.

Ski poles

When buying skis for skating, you need to choose. Their height should be 15 cm less than the skier. For a beginner, there is no need to buy expensive pure carbon fiber products. models made from an alloy of carbon fiber and fiberglass are suitable.

In order for your skis to last as long as possible, you need to properly care for them: treat them with various impregnations and lubricants. Once the skiing season has passed, they need to be properly prepared for storage. Before putting the equipment into the case, the remaining lubricant is removed from the products and covered with a new layer of paraffin.

High-quality equipment will serve the skier for several seasons, maintaining its characteristics in its original condition. When choosing ski equipment, take into account the method of use of the product and the experience of the athlete. Skate skis are not suitable for performing tricks and jumps.