Cross-country skiing is the general name for all cross-country skis. They can be wooden or plastic, designed for classic travel, for skating, or combined. They differ in length and stiffness, geometry and sliding surface.
Instructions
Step 1
To get started, rent skis. The rental service allows you to try different models of cross-country skis before going to the store to buy your own. Choose modern skis for your weight: the heavier you are, the stiffer and longer they should be. For beginners, it is advised to choose skis equal to their height. On these it is easier to learn classic running and skating. Sticks should be shoulder-length. Boots - in size, excluding the prying off of warm socks.
Step 2
Go for a ride to the nearest park or stadium. However, skiing at the ski resorts is much more fun. The ski track is laid on them in advance, the snow is rolled with special machines. Bumps and bushes do not interfere, sticks do not fall into the snow, the track is not littered.
Step 3
To learn classic skiing, step on the track so that the skis are parallel to each other. Push off with sticks and start sliding, additionally pushing off with one leg. Then continue rolling, alternately pushing off with your feet. Do not forget about the sticks: simultaneously with the right ski, bring the left stick forward, with the left - right. With each step, shift your body weight from one leg to the other, tilt your torso slightly forward.
Step 4
In order to start skating, remember the movements of your feet when skating. Put the skis in a herringbone alternately, drawing the letter V. Push off the snow with the inside of the ski, transferring your body weight to the sliding ski. Then repeat the same movement on the other leg. Start learning to skate without sticks, gradually increasing the angle of the ski retraction to the side. Having mastered the skill, connect the repulsion with the sticks in a rhythm consistent with the work of the legs.
Step 5
Having mastered both styles, determine for yourself which one is closer to you. For a classic style, buy a classic notched ski designed for it, 20-25 cm longer than your height. For skating, purchase special "skate" skis: they are shorter than usual by 15-20 cm, have a forward-shifted center of gravity and higher rigidity. For lovers of both styles of skiing, universal cross-country skis are sold with average characteristics.
