Skate skiing developed about the same time as inline skating, and has steadily gained popularity with winter sports enthusiasts. Skate skiing is a speed-driven Nordic sport that requires aerobic stamina and athleticism. Since most brands are made with solid design and quality, beginners don't have to worry as much about getting the wrong skate skis, and can focus more on developing skills, says XcSkiWorld.com. Choose skate skis with a medium flex that perform best on the type of snow you're on most so that you can concentrate on developing technique.
Step 1
Select skate skis that are light, short and allow you to easily lift them up as you glide. Skate skis should be long enough for sufficient stability and slide. Although skate skis are shorter than regular skis, your weight and height ultimately determine the appropriate length for you. A sales representative with ski expertise can help you select the right ski length. Also, try them before you buy.
Step 2
Choose narrower skate skis to move faster. Skate skis are narrower than touring skis by default, but experienced skate skiers use very narrow skis for increased speed. As a beginner working mostly on your technique and not speed, choose average-width skis.
Step 3
Look for skis with a wider "waist." Most skating skis lack a side cut, the inward side curve found on touring skis, and are instead made with a solid edge for skate skiing propulsion. Skis with more of a side cut are more difficult to control, according to REI.
Step 4
Determine the ski's arch by checking to see how much light comes through underneath its center when you lay it flat, recommends REI. This arch or bend greatness is the skate ski's camber. The camber affects a ski's strength. Skate skis are made with an alpine camber, which means they have a less-pronounced arch in comparison to touring skis. This lets you to push off the edges more effectively.
Step 5
Seek out skate skis with a medium flex for tractability. Skate skis are more likely to have a stiff flex, but skis with the right flex for you are based on your ability and size. Look for a ski shop that has flex or pressure testing equipment to help you find the best skis.
Step 6
Choose warm base or cold base skate skis. Warm bases tend to provide more surface area and absorb extra warm snow wax, and cold bases are denser to reduce friction. Ski molding and most waxes are also temperature-specific.
Member Comments