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.  

Roller skiing in Perth WA

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

Copyright Cross Skating Australia 2018

Equipment starter guide - Roller Ski

Choosing Roller ski equipment can be a daunting experience. With so many manufactures and brands available nowadays it is confusing for even experienced skiers to choose the best suitable skis, poles and bindings.

This is a guide to narrow it down to a few types and brands so you get a better overview on what to look for in your first set of skis.

Most people with Cross country skiing experience know the difference between the two styles ( Classic vs Skating). In Perth however most people have never been on skis or have never even seen snow before so picking the best style and ski is even more confusing.

Let me quickly brake it down for you in simple terms. The original technique used by skiers on snow is classic, it is a quick way to get moving on snow and on wheels. Classic Roller skis have a longer frames and wider wheels than skate skis, making them a bit more stable for beginners. In our clinics we usually start on classic skis for that reason.

Skating on the other hand might be a bit more familiar to anyone growing up without snow as the technique is similar to inline skating, roller skating and skating on ice.

I highly recommend to take a introduction clinic and learn the basics of skiing as this will make your choice of skis a lot easier but let's talk equipment

(More info on our website)

Roller skis

For classic skis i recommend a ski with alloy frame, length of 70 cm or more and medium/standard speed wheels (75 x 44 mm/ most widely used wheel size). The choice between alloy vs composite/carbon is more about price not as such a " need to have" when getting started. I do however like composite frames as the the give a "softer" feel and less vibrations when skiing.Classic skis usually come with one reverse lock wheel mounted by manufacturer either back or forward on each ski. If not i would definitely ask to have them fitted.

My recommendation is the KV+ Launch classic, Bones Skimo or Elpex Wasa

For a Skate skis i would choose a ski with 100 x 24 mm medium/standard speed wheels, alloy frame and min. 58 cm frame for males and min. 53 cm  frames for females and juniors. The same alloy vs composite/carbon applies for skate skis.

Good choices are the KV+ Launch 60cm / 53,5cm, Bones Snowflex or Swenor skate

Bindings

Once again no easy choice. The main question to answer is,do you go for a NNN or SNS system? It's a bit like Netflix vs Cable or VHS vs Beta system.

My personal choice is the NNN system ( Rottefella ),one of the main reasons being is that this system has the bigger choice of compatible boots but more to that later.

We use the Rottefella Xcelerator 2.0 Rollski & NIS plate

If you find a good deal with a SNS system ( Salomon, Atomic,..) than there is nothing wrong with choosing this system, just make sure you read the next chapter about boots.

Boots

Depending on your choice of bindings you now have to choose a fitting boot. All Cross country ski boots fit on roller ski bindings but i prefer Roller ski boots especially in the Australian climate.

If you chose NNN system than the main manufactures you can choose from are Alpina, Fischer and Rossignol. For SNS system Salomon, Atomic and Botas

The second decision is the type of Boot. Skate for skating ( stiffer cuff for more stability ) or classic ( more flex ). 

We use Alpina ASK skate Roller ski boots and Fischer RC Combi Roller ski boots

Poles

The final important choice are the Poles. We use different length poles for skating and classic technique but there are adjustable poles available on the market.

I recommend a mid range pole like the KV+ Advance or Swix Ct3 as they are reasonable in pricing but give a great feel when skiing.

Use this basic guide for sizing.Classic poles measure your height/lenght to shoulders or just below and for skate to chin or mid lip. Roller ski poles come with special tips but all XC ski poles can be retro fitted with roller ski tips.

General Advice

Always wear a helmet when roller skiing. When skiing early in the morning or late afternoon i also recommend reflective clothing.

Choose trails with smooth surface and low in traffic. Especially when learning stay away from busy trails until you've mastered the basic skills.

Find a great selection of equipment at www.the-nordic-sports-store.myshopify.com or contact us if you have any more question.

Learn to ski with qualified instructors, join our clinics in Perth or get in touch and we can help you to find someone near you.

I know this is still a lot of information but i hope it made your choice a bit easier!

Most important is you get started with this great sport. Spend time outdoors and life live the NORDIC WAY

by

Cross Skating Australia/Roller ski Downunder

Welcome to My Blog

Our passion is Nordic sports, we like to share our experience and stories with you. Find out more about Roller ski, Cross Skating and Nordic walking. Learn tips and tricks about technique and equipment. We share our secrets, best trails and post updates about the latest events all over the world.

If you like to share some information and stories, plan an event or have questions please contact us at nordicsportaustralia@gmail.com

We are ONE community, Life live the NORDIC WAY!!