What’s the fuzz all about? #rollerski

Have you ever thought about skiing in Australia? Well there is snow in some parts during the aussie winter but for the most we live snow free so the answer to your wishes is Roller ski Downunder!! We specialise in “Dry land" skiing most commonly known as Roller skiing.

Based on the technique of Cross country skiing it is the closest you’ll get to simulate skiing on snow.

The basic equipment is identical. Poles, boots and binding. Only our skis are on wheels.

Rollerski has always been a popular training tool for skiers in the snow free season but increasingly more popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking for a great full body workout to add as cross training for other sports or just as a fitness exercise on weekly bases. It is also the best way to get ready for an upcoming ski trip, regardless of nordic or alpine it conditions your body so you get more out of your holiday.

We at Rollerski Downunder are specialists in coaching, hire and offer everything you need in our online shop.

Rollerski Downunder also connects you with other skier’s across the continent so you find a ski buddy or training opportunity wherever you are located.

Have a go, join the Tribe 🤟

Rollerski Downunder

www.rollerskidownunder.com.au

Why you should start to ski on wheels

If you like to be active and love the outdoors than Roller skiing should be on the MUST TRY list!

Sport has always been an important part of the Aussie way of living but skiing traditionally might not have been ranked in the top 5 yet. Cross country skiing might not even make the top 15 and Roller skiing? Well most don't even know it exists!

Events like the Winter Olympics have lifted the profile of skiing a lot and even in snow free places like Perth or Cairns people have heard about the hero's on skinny skis :)

So what is the connection between Roller skiing and winter sports like Cross country skiing and Biathlon ( Cross country skiing & Rifle shooting).

Well, Roller skiing is the summer version of exactly those sports. Early designs of Roller skis date back to the 1930's. Skiers looked for an option to train in the snow free month and developed skis with wheels which allowed to train the technique and fitness without having to be on snow.

It has now become a recreational sport world wide as the benefits are much greater than just sports specific training.

There aren't many sports where you use up to 90% of your muscles, it will take your cardiovascular fitness to a new level and it has less impact on joints compare to running! Yes it does all that while having a great time outdoors!

How do you get started?

First contact a Roller ski Instructors like Cross Skating Australia and learn the basics in a Introduction clinic or private lesson. Like any other sport it is important you learn the correct technique and do it all in safe environment. School's like Cross Skating Australia also offer hire so you can try various types of skis, boots and poles before making a decision to buy equipment.

Roller skiing is now available in many places around Australia and we believe you won't regret your decision to give it a go!

Rollerski Coaching around Australia

Western Australia / Perth

Contact: Rollerski Downunder

Hannes Holly

nordicsportsaustralia@gmail.com

www.rollerskidowunder.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/RollerskiDownunder/

Victoria / Melbourne

Contact: Performance Nordic

Thomas McMahon

thomas.mcm@hotmail.com

instagram @performance_nordic

Contact: Australian Nordic Ski Academy

Ewan Watson

ewan@nordicskiacademy.com.au

https://www.nordicskiacademy.com.au

www.facebook.com/AustralianNordicSkiAcademy

NSW / Sydney

Contact: NSW Biathlon

Info@nswbiathlon.com.au

http://www.nswbiathlon.com.au/home/

https://m.facebook.com/nswbiathlon/

Roller ski Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RollerskiAustralia/

Cross Skating/Skike Coaching

Western Australia / Perth

Contact: Cross Skating Australia

Hannes Holly

nordicsportsaustralia@gmail.com

www.nordicsportsaustralia.com.au

www.facebook.com/CrossSkatingandRollerski

Victoria / Melbourne

Contact: Skike Australia

Len Budge

Len@skike.com.au

www.skike.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/Skike-Australia-392106300892709/

Instructor training Roller ski & Cross Skating

Cross Skating Australia

www.nordicsportsaustralia.com.au

AUS XC

www.ausxc.com

Skike Australia

www.skike.com.au

Fitness Tracker & Gadgets for Roller Skiing

How to best keep track on your training or progress is a common questions, many of us use apps, GPS watches or training protocols.

In this blog i try to explain some of the pro's and con's of gadgets available so if you are looking for something this may help you.

The devises listed are specifically for Roller skiing/ Cross skating, there is a much bigger choice for Cross country skiers but not all have a Roller ski function.

I have use may devices from Fit bit to Phone apps, GPS watches and followed training protocols.

Let's start at base level with

Smart watched or Fitness trackers ( Fit Bit, Vivo Fit,...)

Fitness trackers have become very popular but most of them have limited use for Roller skiing. Counting steps might be a nice feature for walkers and give you a good indication of your daily activities but that's about it. Distance is measured by steps taken (calculated on stride length) and not via GPS making it very inaccurate. Some top end models however have GPS functions so they are definitely more suitable for the task. The downside on all of them is the Heart rate being measured under the device,when striking poles or skiing with high intensity contact can be interrupted giving false readings.

Phone apps

Many use phones and most have downloaded apps like Runkeeper, Strava or Endomondo. Some smart watches are also compatible with these apps. They can be very useful to track your ride and progress over time. Apps Like Endomondo feature Roller ski programs so that is definitely our top choice when i comes to app and the one i used the most. Strava for those not familiar is also good to track and map your ride, you can also find routes mapped and timed by others making it a great way to improve and set challenges. The Cons are you got no heart rate measurements, the size of the Phone you need to carry and most of all apps drain your battery life !!

GPS Watches

By far the best option to track your rides and keep track on your progress. Heart rate belts give an accurate reading and all watches can be paired with phone apps or PC programs to record all of your training. I have noticed almost all big brands ( Garmin. Polar, Suunto,..) have Cross country skiing functions but not all Roller ski programs. I currently use the Suunto AMBIT3 sport and so far i'm very happy with the watch. Roller ski functions is available and almost everything you will ever need can be measured.

Best brands Suunto (AmbitT3,.. ) Garmin (Fenix 5/ Forerunner 735XT) Polar ( V800)

Other devices and Training protocols

One device that was deigned for assisting with training is the Racefox. A digital skiing coach that analyzes your movements, finds your potential and takes you to the next level.The sensor belt measures three dimensional acceleration of your torso through built in movement sensors.The coach is an app that interprets the sensor belt's signals, gives you feedback in real time along with extensive statistics for all aspects of your skiing. It also provides you with personalized training suggestions. ( text of website https://racefox.se/ )

However the program is only for XC skiing !!

Training protocol

Training protocols are road maps or plans that will help you to get your body into the best shape possible for an upcoming event. Maybe you like to participate at one of many ski classic races like the Vasaloppet in Sweden or Kangaroo Hoppet Down under,or perhaps you are an athlete preparing for an the race season or an specific goal like the olympic games than a training protocol is a must have item to keep track on your training.

Protocols can include any training from Muscle building to endurance work, intervals or long distance roller ski sessions. The key is that it is individually designed to your needs any current fitness level so you can build towards the goals set. Ask your local ski club, teams or contact us if you have more questions about training protocols or what you should do to get the best training possible. nordicsportsaustralia@gmail.com

Fitness trackers are are great tool to have in your training, but what matters most is that you have FUN ans enjoy what you do!!

GO Nordic

Copy right @Cross Skating Australia June 2017 www.nordicsportsaustralia.com.au

What Pole size do i need?

A lot has change in the past 12 month regarding pole sizes especially in classic technique. This blog is all about making things easier to understand and helping you to find the right size pole in Classic, Skate & Roller ski. Note this measurements are for competition only, but if you plan to participate in intl. races like the Kangaroo Hoppet or Vasaloppet these rule may apply.

International Rules (343.8.1)

In classical technique competitions, the maximum pole length must not exceed 83% of the competitor’s body height

The body height is measured with ski boots on from a flat surface, to the top of the uncovered head. The pole length is measured from the bottom of the pole to the highest attachment of the strap. All measurements will be rounded to the nearest centimeter as follows: less than 0.5 cm will be rounded down and 0.5 cm and above will be rounded up.

Feestyle (Skate)

In free technique competitions, the maximum pole length must not exceed 100% of the competitor’s height. Measured as per classic poles.

However most skiers use the height x 0.9 formula + 1-3cm

We use a more general approach in Skate pole measurement recommending 18-20 cm minus the skiers height. ( 180 cm - 20 cm = 160 cm pole/ approx. 158 cm to top of handle )

Roller ski

Roller ski competitions Due to the fact that athletes on roller skis are standing higher than on their skis, the maximum pole length must not exceed 83% of the competitor’s body height + 5 cm (max = (h+5)*0,83).

Same 100% rule applies for freestyle/skating technique.

We also get asked many times if the measurement for XC is different to roller ski, Roller skis are generally higher off the ground than skis, but on the other hand, your tip sinks into the snow and the roller ski ferrules don’t dig into the pavement.

Also to consider is that roller ski tips might increase the height slightly when changing from XC tips to roller ski tips.

Official 83% Chart

Source: Guidelines Equipment Cross-Country Skiing (07.11.2016) Maximum Pole Length Classical Technique Competitions

If you have any questions please contact us at nordicsportsaustralia@gmail.com, Follow us on Facebook/CrossSkatingandRollerski or visit www.nordicsportsaustralia.com.au

Australia's best Roller Ski Trails

Australia's best Roller Ski trails