Article - Roller Skiing Recommendations

Fitness and Fun: Roller skiing is a wonderful way to achieve the cardiovascular benefits of Nordic skiing without snow. Roller skiing simulates snow skiing and you can roller ski almost anywhere. In addition to making you more fit, roller skiing helps you develop balance, rhythm and athletic skills.

Become a Better Skier: It’s difficult to improve if you are able to ski only a dozen times a year. With roller skis you can ski all year in the sun belt and in ski country any time the ground is bare. Both dirt and paved bike paths are perfect for roller skiing. Many who are no longer able to run or bike due to knee, hip or back problems are often able to roller ski without pain and many have switched to roller skiing for their fitness program.

Improved Technique: Skiers who are video taped at the end of the ski season, then roller skied in off season emphasizing technique drills, were able to improve their technique dramatically by beginning of the new snow season!

How to Get Started

Classic or Skate ???: The first step in selecting roller skis is to decide whether you want roller skis for traditional classic skiing or for freestyle skating.

If you want to practice both techniques with the most effective training it’s best to purchase two pair, one for classic and one for skating. If you are on a budget there are some wonderful  Combi skis as well.

Skiing Skill: Next determine your skiing skills. Some roller skis require better balance than others. If you are a beginner select a ski that is stable. (If you select the Aero 150 skate skis, use the Outriggers for more stability.)

View the videos:  Becoming a Better Skier or Simple Secret of Skating or Simple Secrets of Striding. With the instructional material and the appropriate skis you can learn how to become a better skier.

Surface & Terrain: You also need to determine the surface and terrain. First determine the pavement type where you ski whether it is rough or smooth.  Next, the type of terrain; is it hilly or is it subject to quick stops.  Speed Reducers are always recommended not only for controlling speed but you can also varying your workouts. Brakes give to the ultimate quick stopping power if you require control in very hilly terrain or for urban type street crossings.

SAFETY!

Roller skiing, like many other sports, can be dangerous !!!!

Carefully review all instructional material and check the equipment

before every outing. Do not use worn or damaged equipment.

Be aware of traffic hazards.

Most roller ski accidents happen when the front wheel is stopped by hitting debris in the road. Experienced roller skiers know this and make sure they avoid such obstacles. Roller skis with larger and narrower front wheels are more forgiving than skis with smaller diameter wider wheels. The larger narrow wheels push debris to the side and can roll over obstacles that small diameter wheels cannot. Always wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, knee pads and equip your skis with Speed Reducers and a Brake. Use common sense and roller ski safely.

Roller Ski Recommendations:

Best Skis for Smooth Paved Surfaces:

Fine textured pavement often found in parks or pathways.

Skating:

98 SL

98 XLR

850

Classic:

930 C

Combi:

940SC

Best Skis for Rough Pavement or Smooth Dirt

Chipped and sealed pavement or dirt without rocks.

Skating:

125 XL Aero S

150 XL Aero S

Classic:

125 XL Aero RC

Combi:

150 XL Aero 150SC

Best Skis the Beginner

Skate:

850- smooth surface

125 XL Aero S -rough surface

Classic:

930 C -Smooth Surface

125 XL Aero RC- Rough surface

Combi:

940 SC –smooth surface

150 XL Aero SC- Rough surface

Best Skis for the Budget Minded

98 SL

Best Skis for “Snow-like feel”

98 XL R

All Aero Skis

Skis For Skier who weighs more than 180Lbs

150 Aero -any type

Other  Equipment:

Roller ski poles: Unless you’re roller ski racing or enjoy a stiff pole, it may be best to to leave your expensive carbon fiber poles at home and invest in an inexpensive dedicated rollerski pole. It’s very easy to break a carbon fiber pole while roller skiing as the roller skis are a little clunky and are made of metal. Also, carbon fiber pole can be hard on your elbows similar to “tennis elbow” from the shock hard pavement can transmit through your poles. Roller ski poles have hard carbide tipped ferrules instead of baskets.

Diamondstone: Keep your tips sharp so you slip less when you’re pushing off.

Helmet: Always wear a helmet for safety. Asphalt and concrete is very unforgiving.

Speed Reducers and Brakes: Always recommended to control speed and vary your workouts.

Spare Tube: If you choose a ski from the Aero series, like your bicycle, it good to have spare on hand but tubes can be patched. In the Aero series, the 125 tubes can be changed relatively easy but let your local bike shop change your 150 series-you’ll be thankful as they are very hard to change.

Shock Pump: A must Aero series rollerskis. Imperative to maintain tire pressure to prevent flats.

Outriggers: For use with Aero 150 for greater stability for the less experienced skier.

Gloves: A Light rollerski glove will prevent blisters on your hands and protect your hands if you have a crash.