Selection of ski and pole parameters. Cross-country skiing: how to choose the right one based on height and weight

Despite the seemingly insignificant importance of poles, they have always existed in alpine skiing. At the very beginning of the history of alpine skiing, skiers descended from the mountains with an alpenstock, which served to control balance and change the trajectory of the descent. Over time, the long pole was transformed into two shorter ski poles.

Sticks have their own functions and purposes. They are needed to facilitate turns, maintain and maintain balance during descent. Ski poles will help when moving on flat areas or when maneuvering near the ski lift. When passing sports tracks, sticks are used for starting acceleration and blocking goal poles. They help maintain balance and give additional confidence in difficult situations on a steep slope, hillocks, and are indispensable for off-piste skiing. With their help, it is easier to unfasten the fastenings, get up after a fall, etc.

You don't have to worry too much about ski poles and pinning technique when you rent poles, but when you buy your own poles, the problem of choice arises. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right poles for skiing.

Anatomy of ski poles

A ski pole consists of a handle to hold, a tip to stab, a ring to keep the pole from sinking into soft snow, a lanyard and a shaft to hold everything together. Although nothing fundamentally new can be expected in the design of ski poles, the development of design and technology in this area continues.

Sticks are available in different lengths, elasticity and strength, with different bends and different ring diameters.

First of all, you need to choose the right length of poles; this is the key to safe riding and correct riding technique.

Ski pole length

The length of the pole is selected according to the skier’s height and is usually a little less than 3/4 of his own height. For children, the length of the sticks ranges from 70 to 105 cm, for adults - from 110 cm to 145 cm, in increments of 5 cm.

Although the optimal length of the poles also depends on the proportions of a particular person, on the ratio of the sizes of the torso and legs, and on the length of the arms.

How to choose the length of poles in the store

For a more accurate choice of poles, put on ski boots (or take into account the height of their soles) and, standing on a flat, hard surface, turn the pole over with the point up. The stick must be rested on the floor, moving it slightly forward.

Stand straight with your knees slightly bent. If you grab the stick with your hand under the ring (your hand is parallel to the floor), The angle between the shoulder and forearm should be about 90°.

The safe skiing technique allows for variation - the length of the poles can be three to five centimeters more or less than the selected value. Experienced skiers recommend taking poles a little (5-7 centimeters) longer. This approach is explained by the fact that when riding, the stick sinks a few centimeters into the snow. Next, you can begin adjusting the poles by shortening them by 1-1.5 cm.

With the correct length of ski poles, the skier should have no problems bringing the pole forward for an injection, while feeling how the pole “catches” the slope and helps the body move forward over the skis. When choosing ski poles for children, the spread is only permissible in a larger direction if you do not plan to change the poles every season.

For ski touring, ski tourism, and ski mountaineering, special telescopic poles are produced that can change their length. Telescopic poles can also be used in some ski disciplines.

Ski pole shape

After choosing the length, you should pay attention to the shape of the stick. The bend of the stick under the handle serves to anticipate the injection and to create effective support on the stick during sharp turns on the descent. The advanced bend relieves tension in the forearms, makes skating safer and minimizes the likelihood of hand injury. There is another option for ensuring the safe use of poles: some manufacturers put a bend in the shape of the handle.

In high-speed ski disciplines, preference is given to curved poles. Straight poles significantly increase air resistance. The curved shape serves to retract the rings behind the body and, as a result, reduces aerodynamic drag. Some modern poles bend in two or three planes at once. In addition, in slalom, a special protection is installed on the handle of the ski poles, with which the slalomist beats off the gate poles while passing the track.

Don't buy curved poles unless you're doing downhill racing.. When skating arbitrarily on the slopes, such nuances will be unnecessary and will lead to discomfort while skating (and even unnecessary expenses).

Anatomy of ski poles

Ring ski pole prevents the stick from falling deep into the snow. The rings have different diameters and are selected depending on the type of slope. Large diameter guides are more suitable for skiing on soft snow or virgin snow, so that the poles do not fall into the loose snow. When skiing on prepared trails, in a park or halfpipe, choose poles with small diameter rings; such rings will not interfere with or cling to ski boots. Sports poles, as a rule, have a cone instead of a ring (the exception is poles for special slalom). Some manufacturers equip ski poles with interchangeable rings for different skiing conditions.

tip called the lower part of the stick that is in contact with the slope. Typically, tips are made of stainless alloys of varying hardness. Depending on the shape, they are cone-shaped, “toothed crown” and reverse cone. Under normal conditions, the most common and safest tip is the reverse cone tip. For an icy slope, it is preferable to choose a “toothed crown”. Cone-shaped ones are less common.

Kernel- the basis of a ski pole. Rods can be made from materials of varying degrees of strength. The most commonly used are various aluminum alloys, titanium-based alloys, carbon (carbon fiber), and fiberglass (fiberglass). The highest quality poles are made from complex combinations of metal and composite plastics.

The strength of the rod is measured in conventional units of rigidity. The higher the stiffness index, the higher the quality of the aluminum and, accordingly, the strength of the ski pole. Sticks for amateurs have a stiffness of 4 to 4.5 units. Expert ski poles - 5-5.5 units. Athletes use poles with a stiffness higher than six units.

Most ski poles are made from aluminum of varying strengths. Carbon fiber poles are lighter, but also more fragile and expensive. Athletes usually use aluminum poles with the highest strength material. Composite poles are not used by athletes due to their fragility and low moment of inertia when blocking poles. Some skiers prefer the stiffness of aluminum, while others like the shock-absorbing ability of composite poles.

If you are still at the initial stage of skiing, you don’t have to think too much about what and how the poles are made. It is enough that they are structurally strong and of high quality. In this case, the simplest straight sticks made of aluminum with a regular handle and tip (sting) are suitable.

Lanyard- a strap attached to the handle of the stick. The strap is needed so as not to lose the stick if it slips out of your hand. The lanyards have a length adjustment function to fit the loop to the fullness of the forearm. The lanyard should be adjusted so that the hand feels supported from below. This position allows you to get additional support, and therefore greater acceleration at start. In addition, if you open your hand, the stick will hang on your hand in the safest position. Sports ski poles are equipped with lanyards with a quilting function, which increases the safety of using poles on steep slopes and high speeds. So, as an alternative to the lanyard, LEKI has developed the “Trigger” system, which includes not only the handle and strap of the ski pole, but also the skier’s glove. The strap is permanently secured to the glove using Velcro and snaps. The system can be activated by pressing the switch cover. There is also the possibility of unfastening automatically if the skier hits an obstacle or the pole bounces off the skier.

With a pen they call the part of the stick by which it is held when skiing or skiing. Handles can be made from various artificial materials - plastic, rubber, cork, neoprene, polyurethane foam or EVA. Each of the materials has its own level of grip for comfortable holding of the pole in various conditions, despite sweat or precipitation. The cork and neoprene are comfortable to hold on to even when wet. Handles made of porous materials remain “warm”, which is very important in cold, windy conditions.

Experts consider the most optimal handles to be made of frost-resistant rubber, which do not slip in the hands and do not “tan” at subzero temperatures. Some manufacturers include a leading bend in the shape of the handle. Other companies strive to make the handle as grippy as possible by incorporating a leading bend into the shape of the rod. Some models of handles can be equipped with a hand guard. Most sports ski poles allow the installation of guards to protect the hands.

Remember that poles are still consumables. Try it and find your perfect match. In some cases, it may be worth waiting for the end-of-season sales to buy discounted ski poles. Please note that ski poles can often be selected to match the design of specific skis; manufacturers think through the entire look.

Choosing a pair that will completely satisfy the skier is not an easy task. It is necessary to take into account many factors: the area where the skis will be used, skiing style, level of training, weight and height of the athlete, as well as many other nuances. This article discusses the main points of selecting skis based on human anthropometric data.

Cross-country skiing - X-COUNTRY- designed for movement on relatively flat terrain and are divided according to purpose into several categories:

• Racing skis - ; touring skis - RECREATION; skis for tourism - BACK COUNTRY; skis for children and teenagers - JUNIOR/KID.

Racing skis are intended for athletes participating in competitions in cross-country skiing and other similar sports: biathlon, winter combined, ski orienteering. They are distinguished by their low weight, special dynamic characteristics (stiffness, distribution of the skier’s weight along the length of the ski), as well as a special type of sliding surface that provides the best gliding quality in certain weather conditions.

Racing skis are divided into skis for skating and classic skiing, and the differences between these types of skis are so significant that they can only be used for their intended purpose. You can only ride racing skis on specially prepared trails; they are not intended for movement on loose snow or soft ski tracks. In this category of skis, elite series skis stand out - expensive skis for professional racers and sports series skis - relatively inexpensive skis for amateur racers.

Walking skis (category RECREATION) are intended for lovers of active recreation and skiing. This is the most popular category of consumers, so these skis are relatively inexpensive and quite versatile. You can move on them both with skating and classic speed, on a prepared track and on a recreational ski track, and even on virgin snow. These skis are a little wider and heavier than racing skis, but they are more stable, and a beginner skier feels more confident on them.

A separate category should include skis of the category, intended for those who do not want to participate in competitions, but want to keep themselves in good physical shape through active exercises in the fresh air. These skis are manufactured using advanced technology and high-quality materials, so their price level is close to racing models.

Skis for extreme tourism ( BACK COUNTRY) are intended for lovers of ski trips in conditions where there are neither ski slopes nor recreational tracks. They are wide enough to travel on virgin snow and are particularly durable. These are relatively expensive skis that have passed a number of special reliability tests, since the success of a hike or expedition, and sometimes the life of a person who challenges the wild, depends on their quality.

Among the skis of the category JUNIOR / KID, intended for children and teenagers under the age of 15, you can find both sports models that approach the quality of elite racing models, as well as inexpensive recreational skis, including skis for children aged 3 to 8 years who are making their first skis. life steps on the ski track.

Before you start choosing skis, determine your goals, evaluate your needs and abilities. Depending on how well you choose a pair of skis, every trip on them can become both an incomparable pleasure and a real curse.

How to choose skis according to the height and weight of the skier?

If you have chosen one or another ski model, you need to come to our store and choose a pair of skis that suits your height and weight. Experienced sales assistants who have completed a special training course will help you with this. The length of the skis should correspond to the height, and their stiffness to the weight of the skier.

Selection of skis according to the height of the skier.

The rules for selecting skis by length are different for skate and classic skis. Skating skis should be 10-15 cm longer than the skier’s height. The recommended ski length for classic skiing is 25-30 cm greater than the skier’s height. Pleasure skis are selected in the range of 15-25 cm more than your own height. When selecting recreational skis, skiers with a relatively high body weight are recommended to stick to the upper limit of the range, and with a relatively low body weight, the lower limit. In addition, beginner skiers should remember that short skis are easier to control, so they are easier to learn to ski at the first stage of learning. Confident skiers may choose longer skis as longer skis provide better glide.

If you want to skate both skate and classic style, using the same pair, opt for combined models (Combi). In the absence of a suitable combined pair, it is better to purchase shorter classic skis than skate skis. This is explained by the fact that the design features of skating skis make it almost impossible to move on them in a classic style, while on short classic skis it is quite possible to move with a skate.

For convenience, we provide a table for selecting skis by length:

Selection of skis according to the skier's weight

The stiffness of skis can be selected using a special stiffness meter - a flex tester, on a flat surface or a special board for measuring the stiffness of skis, and with sufficient experience, you can preliminarily estimate the stiffness simply by squeezing a pair of skis with your hands.

Preliminary selection of skis using a flex tester

A flex tester is a special device for selecting skis according to their stiffness in accordance with the weight of the skier. Sales assistants from specialized ski stores and service center specialists will help you select skis using a flex tester.

Selection procedure:

Selection of racing skis.

Classic skis

When selecting racing skis for classic skiing, special care is required, since this determines how comfortable you can ride on the chosen pair. When choosing skis for classic skiing, you need to take into account your own weight, the strength of your kick, the weather conditions under which you are supposed to use the skis, and of course personal preferences.

Skis for cold weather are usually chosen to be softer and more elastic than skis for positive weather. In cold weather, as a rule, it is not necessary to apply thick layers of ointment and this allows you to take a softer pair, and at positive temperatures or at slight minus temperatures, the thickness of the applied ointment layer is much greater and the rigidity of the ski should be greater so that the deflection can compensate for the difference in the thickness of the ointment layer especially when using liquid and soil lubricants.

High-level athletes with a powerful push are advised to choose skis that are slightly stiffer. With such a pair, the athlete can do long-term skating without contact of the holding area with the snow. For less prepared people, it is recommended to choose softer skis, which are easier to obtain a reliable “hold” of the ointment. In addition, it is easier to maintain balance while riding on a soft, elastic pair.

The procedure for selecting classic skis consists of assessing how they suit you in terms of stiffness, as well as determining the area for applying grip ointments.

Having selected a suitable pair of skis using a flex tester, find the center of gravity (line
balance) of each ski, mark it with a marker, place the skis on a flat surface
and stand on them so that the toes of your shoes are on the balance line.

Distribute your body weight evenly on both legs and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. With the correct selection of skis in terms of stiffness, the feeler gauge or paper should move freely under the ski at a distance of up to 25-40 cm (depending on the length of the ski) forward from the balance line, as well as back from the balance line to the end of the boot (deviations of 1-2 are allowed here cm in one direction or another).

If the feeler gauge moves forward less, try a stiffer pair of skis. If the probe moves back further than the heel of the boot by 3-5 cm or more, take a softer pair of skis.

Place your body weight on one entire ski and ask an assistant to pass a thin sheet of paper or a 0.2 mm thick probe under the ski. The feeler gauge or paper should move freely forward from the balance line by 10 - 15 cm (depending on the length of the skis), and also back from the balance line to approximately the middle of the foot.

Transferring your body weight to one ski, lift yourself up onto your toes, simulating a push-off. Have an assistant make sure that the probe or paper is fully clamped and cannot move freely.

If the skis meet all the above requirements, then they are suitable for you in terms of stiffness. Depending on the individual characteristics of your classic skiing technique, the skis may be slightly less rigid than required in accordance with the recommendations, especially if you do not have a sharp push or you do not strive to achieve the highest results in ski racing, but prefer comfortable skiing with reliable "holding" the skis.

Marking the area for applying holding ointments

Repeat the procedure described in point 1 of the previous section.

Make a mark with a blue marker in front of the balance line at the point where the feeler gauge stops moving.

Repeat the same operation on the other ski (blue marker mark), and then on both skis with a 0.8 mm thick feeler gauge (red marker mark).

This will mark the front boundaries of the holding area for solid (blue line) and liquid (red line) ointments.

In the future, when preparing skis, apply a solid ointment from the blue mark to the level of the heel of the boot.

The layer of liquid ointment should not be applied wider than between the red line and the middle
shoe.

Skating skis

When selecting skate skis, the same careful measurements are not required as when selecting classic skis. When choosing a pair of skate skis, the athlete’s personal preferences are of greater importance. Skate skis should be stiffer than classic skis. But we must take into account that hard skis are more demanding in terms of control and maintaining balance when skiing, so when choosing skis intended for walking or light training, it is better to consider more elastic and soft skis. When checking the stiffness of skate skis, you should use the thinnest feeler gauges (0.1 or 0.2 mm) or a thin sheet of paper.

When simulating repulsion with the toe of the boot, a gap of a total length of 30 to 40 cm should be maintained, while the area directly under the boot should remain unsqueezed.

When choosing skating skis for competitions, it is advisable to take into account the weather conditions under which the skis will be used.

For soft skiing with fresh snow, soft skis with elastic toes are better suited.

For hard and icy skiing, it is advisable to use hard skis in which the stiffness starts from the very toes.

If you are choosing skis for use in cold or dry weather, you need to pay attention to the fact that the tips of the skis do not diverge to the sides when squeezing the pair. This will ensure even distribution of pressure over the entire sliding surface of the ski.

And vice versa - for skis intended for use “on water” and on soft snow, the tips of the compressed skis should diverge slightly.

Selection of recreational skis.

When selecting recreational skis, you should follow the same recommendations as when selecting skis for classic skiing. Note that relatively heavy skiers will have a hard time finding a pair of skis that fully meet the above requirements, since recreational skis (especially inexpensive models) do not have the same rigidity as racing skis. Therefore, such skiers are advised to choose the stiffest pair of skis available. It is important that when transferring body weight to one ski, there is at least a small gap under the block (at least 10-15 cm). This is especially important if you purchase skis with anti-recoil knurling. The notch under the ski block should come into contact with the snow only when pushing off with your foot, and when sliding freely, there should be free space between the notch and the snow surface. If you can't find a pair of skis that are stiff enough, try choosing a pair that is a little longer. Firstly, due to the larger contact area of ​​the ski with the snow surface, the load on the ski under the block is reduced, and secondly, among long skis it is easier to find a stiffer pair.

Sports Line stores are equipped with equipment that will help you choose the right skis that suit your needs. And trained specialists, many of whom are active athletes, will answer your questions and help you.

The nuances of choosing ski lengths for children and adults. Tables and recommendations.

Winter is an amazing time of year. In addition to the beauty of the landscapes shimmering with snow, we enjoy active recreation in the fresh air.

Fortunately, a lot of activities have been invented for such a purpose. One of them is skiing.

For ordinary people who are far from serious sports, the task of choosing skis sometimes seems simple. However, in this matter there are a number of significant points that require attention. Especially for children's models.

Let us dwell on the nuances of the correct selection of skis and ski poles in more detail.

How to choose skis and ski poles according to the height and weight of a child and an adult: table

Before you start selecting skis for your child or yourself, think about whether you will practice regularly. It may be enough to stop at a one-time pleasure and rent them where you plan to ride.

If this option is not for you and you want to introduce your child to healthy winter activities, then take note of a number of parameters:

• Type of terrain for skiing. For hills you need mountain models, for plains - running or classic ones.
• Children's weight. If he is above 40 kg, be guided by the selection of skis as for an adult,
• The height and age of the child.
• Skating skills.
• Ski stiffness. “Soft” models are ideal for the beginner athlete. The lower it is, the cheaper and easier the skis to use.
• Material. Wooden skis don't work well in warm weather, while plastic skis are very slippery and without a sufficient number of anti-slip notches are unacceptable for a child to buy.

Ski poles are not needed at all for preschool children, since the latter’s task is to learn how to stay on skis. If the child is older, take sticks that reach his armpits or, at most, his shoulders.

Be sure to consider:

• the presence of straps on the handle to secure the hands
• no sharp tip at the bottom to prevent the baby from getting hurt while riding

When choosing skis and ski poles for adults, consider the following points:

• Ski length depends on your height. On average, it should exceed it by 20-25 cm.
• The type of ski depends on the terrain, the conditions on it and your skiing skills. If you want to enjoy the scenery at an easy pace, the classic is your choice. And if you want to drive and master the maneuvers of sharp turns - only sports models.
• Length of poles. Again, when choosing, the guideline is your height. Feel free to buy poles that are 25-30 cm lower than you.

Below are tables to help with this issue:

How to choose the correct length of cross-country skis and ski poles for children and adults?

• Age. The younger the child masters the snowy expanses, the easier it is to take on skis. For example, if he doesn’t have the skills yet, short soft skis are suitable, they are also called “fitted”. They do not develop great speed, but they will help the child hone the skills of entering turns and developing the correct position of the knees.
• Weight. The starting point is 40 kg. If your little one has not reached it yet, choose children's models; if he has crossed the threshold, choose adult models.
• Skating skills. The higher their level, the more differences in choice. In general, there are 3 types of skis: for beginners, intermediate levels and advanced athletes. This gradation continues for adult models.
• Ski length. Take the table data from the previous section as a basis. The general rule is that skis in a vertical position should reach the chin or nose for a beginner skier, and rise 20 cm above the head. The second option is acceptable from an intermediate level. If your child skis well, feel free to choose skis that are 15-20 cm taller than his height.

Ski poles are needed from the age of schoolchildren. Before this, the baby hones his skating skills without them. For cross-country skiing, the ideal pole length is shoulder length.

How to choose the correct length of skis and skating ski poles for children and adults?

Those who have perfectly mastered the technique of gliding on classic skis can safely buy skate skis. This applies to both adults and children.

As for the length of skate skis, take them 10 centimeters more than your height. And the poles, on the contrary, are 10-15 cm shorter. In other words, the latter will rise slightly above shoulder level.

For clarity, we add a table:

How to choose the correct length of classic skis and ski poles for children and adults?

For classic skiing, it will be more convenient for both children and adults if:

• the length of the poles is 25-30 cm shorter and they rest against the skier’s armpits
• ski length exceeds height by 20-30 cm

We add a table below for orientation:

So, we looked at the features of choosing skis and ski poles for children and adults for different levels of experience and skiing skills. We also added a number of tables for orientation in this matter.

If you are buying skis for your child or yourself for the first time, listen to the recommendations of a consultant in a specialized store. And remember that buying skis and poles for children for future use is a bad idea and just a waste of money.

Enjoy your holiday and skiing!

Video: how to choose the right skis for a child?

This article will give you answers to the following questions: how to choose skis, how to make the right choice of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, the optimal selection of cross-country skis, how to choose cross-country skis, how to choose the right cross-country skis, which cross-country skis to choose, etc.

Many people think that choosing skis is as easy as shelling pears. It’s really not difficult, but there are some subtleties here too. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you need to determine which target group skis you need. So, if you are quite active on the ski slopes and intend to set a couple of records in the near future, then you need equipment for the pros - Sport group skis.

Amateur skiing (Fitness group) will help strengthen your immune system and stay in shape. Models in this category are bestsellers, and their availability plays an important role in this. In terms of their geometry, amateur skis are no different from sports skis, but due to the use of cheaper materials, their price is lower.

Those who want to escape from their problems and immerse themselves in new experiences while skiing away from the beaten tracks can opt for tourist skis (Touring group). Skis of this group are wider than models of other classes, which means you will feel confident on virgin snow. Prices for skis in this group are quite affordable.

The Junior group stands apart - skis for children and teenagers. Modern models successfully combine an attractive appearance, as well as a safe and reliable design. Children's skis have several distinctive features. For example, the increased width and rounded tips give the ski stability, and the side cutouts make turning easier.

How to choose cross-country ski poles

Selection of cross-country ski poles for children and adults.

The length of running poles is selected separately for “classic” and “skate” individually for each person, depending on his height. The length of the sticks is usually determined as follows. For “classics” - height minus 25-30 cm, and for “skate” - minus 15-20 cm. When you stand, “classic” poles should rest against your armpits, and “skate” poles should be just above the shoulder.

Skis are selected according to the following scheme: height +20-30 cm for classic skiing, height +10-15 cm for skating skiing. The more a skier weighs, the harder and longer he needs skis.

The poles are selected according to the following scheme: height -30 cm for the classic stroke, -20 cm for the skating stroke.

How to choose cross-country ski boots

Modern ski boots are a complex technological product that takes into account such parameters as their use in difficult weather conditions, the active impact of mechanical loads on them, the anatomical features of the structure of the human foot, the requirements of hygiene and comfort, protection from cold and precipitation.

Sports ski boots. They usually use the highest technological innovations, develop new fastening systems, and install modern insulation.

The sports direction divides boots according to their intended purpose into classic (for classic skiing), skating (for skating) and combined boots with a removable cuff (the same boots are used in classic and skating - “pursuit” competitions). By purchasing such boots, you will purchase expensive, highly reliable, high-quality shoes, get tremendous pleasure from skiing, they will serve you for a long time and faithfully, like any professional thing.

Ski boots for sports tourism. These shoes work in difficult off-road conditions, are often switched from skis to mountaineering crampons, or are used simply for walking to the intended path.

Ski boots for recreational walks. Here are presented various models of comfort from simple to complex. The materials used are very different: from complex components to simple and proven ones.

Ski boots for children. The main task of such boots is: warmth, coziness, comfort, hygiene. A reliable sole should ensure safe movement of the child before and after skiing.

How to choose cross-country ski bindings

Currently, three types of bindings are most widespread throughout the world - these are ROTTEFELLA (NNN system), SALOMON (SNS system) and NORDIC 75. The first two types of bindings are mainly intended for ski athletes, and the cheaper NORDIC 75 (or 75 mm ) - for amateur skiers. The boot fastening system of SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA bindings does not have any fundamental external differences. In both types of bindings, the boot is firmly secured to a toe clip.

The boot fastening can be automatic or mechanical. If the mount has an automatic fastener, you just need to insert the boot bracket into the groove and the mount snaps into place. This type of binding is mainly intended for recreational skiers. Fastenings with mechanical fasteners that close manually provide a more secure fit for the boot. That is, the likelihood that the fastening will accidentally come unfastened (for example, if a stick gets on the fastening) is reduced. Therefore, most professional fasteners have just such fasteners.

Both types of bindings are universal in the sense that they can be “adjusted” to any boot size. Exceptions include mounts for small children (up to seven years old) and teenagers. SALOMON and ROTTEFELLA produce special bindings for children and youth. They differ from “adult” ones in that they have a large latch handle, making it easy to grasp with mittens. In addition, children's bindings have a softer fastening mechanism so that a small child can easily put on and take off skis.

Also important points: clothes for cross-country skiing, equipment for cross-country skiing, skis for skating, ski boots for skating.

Choosing the right equipment is considered an important aspect in skiing, after skill. The length of the skating poles plays an important role. The speed and safety of skiing largely depends on this.

The technique owes its name to the movements of the legs, similar to those during ice skating. While riding, the athlete pushes off the ground at a certain degree.

There are several varieties, depending on the route, the athlete’s level of training and other factors. It differs from skiing by more active movement of the legs. This sport became possible after the advent of new ski models, reliable bindings, and comfortable boots that provide reliable support for the foot.

How to choose ski poles for skating

Before you start choosing for skating, it’s worth considering a few nuances:

1. For lovers of long rides and slow strides, 20 mm higher than indicated in the table for classic skiing is suitable.
2. Poles lower than those indicated in the formula are better to choose for high speed riding. In this case, the load on the shoulder girdle should be higher than on the abs.
3. For a diagonal move, equipment is selected based on height. The lower the height, the higher the length of the poles, and vice versa.

Attention! The athlete's height is measured with boots on.

In order not to make a mistake with the height, it is necessary to take into account the height of the skier, the muscle group that is subject to increased load, and the riding speed.

Length according to FIS rules

The International Ski Federation has introduced rules defining the maximum height of poles:

• classic move – up to 83% of the athlete’s height;
• skating speed – 100%;
• classic travel on roller skates – 83%+50 mm.

The height of the skating poles is measured from the place where the lanyard is attached.

Selection table for skis and poles for skating

What to look for when choosing

The safety of the athlete depends on the selection of equipment, so purchasing it must be taken with full responsibility. There are several design features to look for when heading to a sporting goods store.

Manufacturing materials

The service life of a product is affected by the material from which it is made. There are several of them:

• carbon;
• fiberglass;
• carbon fiber;
• aluminum.

Experienced skiers should opt for carbon or carbon fiber. They are characterized by increased rigidity and will help prevent vibration while running. For children, sticks made of aluminum or fiberglass are the best choice. They are more flexible, but do not suppress vibration. Aluminum is the strongest of all materials, but it is heavy.

Handles and lanyards

Rubber, cork or plastic are used to produce handles. The hand should be properly fixed on the handle, without feeling discomfort.

It's better to try several options.

You can choose a model with adjustable length.

Healthy! must dress quickly, do not rub or put pressure on your hand while walking. Its length should be such that the brush rests on it and not on the handle.

Tips

The tip is the sharp end of the product. For many models, this element is removable, so it can be changed over time. Beginning athletes should purchase a model without metal inserts. This will avoid injury. For professionals, there are tips made of hard metal alloys.

When choosing uniforms, it is worth considering some important details:

1. The shape of the stick can be straight or narrowed. This factor does not affect strength. It’s easier to ride with the first option, so it’s better for your child to choose a straight model.
2. The less experience you have in skiing, the larger the foot on the product should be.
3. For the production of handles on expensive models, rubberized plastic is used. Loops can be nylon or belt.

Comfort during skiing and uniform load distribution depend on the correctly selected height of the product. The model should fit securely in your hand, without rubbing or causing discomfort during the race.