We choose cross-country skiing

Modern cross-country skiing can be divided into separate classes according to purpose: for professional racers and amateurs, as well as tourist models, on which they go for a winter walk. A special group can be identified ski equipment for children and adolescents.

Cross-country skis are made of wood or plastic. The latter are now more popular, since they are much easier.

There are two styles of ski walking: classical and skate. In the first case, the skis move parallel to each other. This style is simpler, does not require careful preparation of the ski track, and most importantly - do not need special skills to the athlete himself. Because this method is most common among lovers of winter walks.

At the skating style of the skier's movement, they are more like the skating of a skater. At the same time, a sufficiently wide prepared track with well-packed snow is needed.

To buy cross-country skiing, suitable for a particular person, they should be selected according to the growth of the future user and his weight. In this case, you must take into account the style of the move, which he gives preference. It is easy to switch from one style to another, universal skis will help you.

Inventory is selected in accordance with the growth of a person and with a special table, where, depending on the priority style, the appropriate length of skis and sticks is set.

In accordance with the weight, cross-country skiing is selected in a simple, but proven way, although third-party assistance is required. The selected pair is put on the floor (the distance between the skis should be about 20 cm) and stand on them, trying to distribute their weight evenly. Then the assistant tries to push a strip of enough thick paper between the floor and the skis. If the rigidity is sufficient for the applied load, the paper will pass freely. It can be moved along the ski back and forth within half a meter. If the test fails, you should choose another pair, because this one will be too soft. The athlete can not slide well on such skis, they will be too tightly pressed against the snow.

After making sure that cross-country skis are selected for sufficient rigidity, you should also check their elasticity. To do this, transfer the entire weight to one leg, respectively, increasing the load on the ski. If a piece of paper from under it now can not be removed, then the elasticity is sufficient, the runner will be able to press his feet tightly to the ski track, to push off well and to walk easily and confidently.

On amateur skis often make a special notch, preventing slippage. The speed of the course, of course, while this decreases, but such a difficult task as lubrication is removed. For professional athletes, especially with the classical style of the move, the selection of the appropriate substance is a whole science or art. An amateur on skis with a notch even without any lubrication can take a walk for fun.

In order for the purchased equipment to serve you for a long time, it is necessary to take care of it accordingly: remove old grease after walking, puttying up scratches. With the end of the winter season, skis must always be covered with a layer of paraffin, put in a cover and put not on the balcony, but in a cool and dry place.