As a beginner, you’ll most likely be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you when it comes to buying a pair of cross country skis. With so many brands, styles, and sizes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re skiing on a lake, an icy hill, or the backcountry, you’ll most likely end up choosing a pair of skis that are just right for you. But while the perfect skis may be a matter of personal preference, there are some universal rules that you need to follow in order to achieve maximum safety and performance.
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The Length Of Your Skis
As earlier stated, the length of your skis will depend on the type of skiing you’re doing. The longer and wider they are, the easier it will be for you to push off the snow and the more stable you’ll feel on the slopes. Naturally, you don’t want to go too low on the length scale, as this may cause you to lose control and become unstable.
The general rule of thumb is that your skis should be between 10 and 12 inches longer than your height – in other words, if you’re 5’10” then your skis should be between 10′ and 12′ long. This will ensure that you have enough surface area to push off from but not so much that you’re hovering above the snow. In addition, the slush beneath your skis will also be enough to keep you afloat in case of a skiing accident. The above general rule of thumb certainly doesn’t apply to all types of skiing – you should consult with the experts at the ski shop to determine the perfect length of your skis for the type of skiing you’re doing. In general, the longer, the better, especially if you’ve got big thighs like me!
Weight
A heavyweight skier will be far more stable on the slopes than an average-sized person, especially on longer trails where the extra weight adds to your stability. Naturally, you don’t want to go overboard and choose a pair of skis that are too heavy – this will simply slow you down and might even cause you physical harm. It’s best to choose a medium weight that feels comfortable to you.
An additional crucial factor to consider is the material the skis are made of. For years, all skiers were (and still are) restricted to the use of wood, plastic, and metal for their material choices, with the exception of a few diehard fans of the classic wax matcha tea powder. Although they aren’t popular anymore, wax matcha powder skis were and still are a great choice for beginner skiers who want to master some tricks. They’re easy to use, give great feedback, and don’t require any advanced techniques to master.
However, you shouldn’t choose wax matcha powder because of its popularity. Instead, choose one of the above materials because they’re safe for the environment and give the best performance for your body size and weight.
Tail And Shape
Your tail and shape will depend on the type of skiing you’re doing. For example, you’ll want a pointed tail for skiing on icy patches and a blunt tail for skiing on snowfields. In addition, you should opt for a slender and tapered shape, as this will increase your maneuverability. Finally, make sure that your tail is no longer than 1.5 inches to ensure that you don’t overbalance while skiing. This will make a huge difference to your overall feel while skiing and increase your enjoyment immensely!
In general, when it comes to buying a new pair of skis, it’s important to first determine your technique. Are you a beginner who wants to ski easily? Are you an intermediate looking for a fast and fun ride? Or are you an expert who wants to master some tricks? Once you know the answers to these questions, it will be easier to make a decision about what type of skiing you want to do and which pair of skis will be suitable for it. In addition, don’t forget that safety comes first, regardless of how experienced you are. Before hitting the slopes, it’s essential that you first learn how to ski safely. This will ensure that you enjoy your time on the mountain and don’t risk getting injured or worse. With a little bit of preparation and common sense, you’ll be able to master any type of skiing and have fun while doing it!