Cross-Country Skiing is a sport that, along with ski jumping and Nordic combined (a test of cross-country skiing combined with a test of ski jumping) belongs to the class of so-called Nordic disciplines. Cross-country skiing is also combined with other disciplines such as shooting (this is called a biathlon), orientation (orientation or cross-country ski orienteering) and archery (ski archery).
Cross-country skiing is a sport very popular in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), the Alpine regions and in the Canadian territory. Hard to say when she was born this specialty, what is known is that, until the end of 1800 (ie until it was introduced to the use of sticks), cross-country skiing was technically speaking, the transposition on Skiing normal gestures that are made while walking?
You cannot treat in detail all aspects of a discipline that, contrary to appearances, is quite complex, but we will try, as far as possible, to describe as best as possible the basics. Then we will cover the basic techniques and provide some information on clothing and on the health aspects of this interesting sport.
The Techniques of Cross Country Skiing.
The techniques used in cross-country skiing enable progress on the snow through the coordinated use of skis and poles. The fundamental techniques of this sport are basically two: the classical technique (also known as the ” classic ” ) and the technique of skating (also ” skating ” ).
Often the technique of skating is defined free technique, in reality. The latter definition is considered to be improper because with this, term should refer to the fact that in certain athletic competitions you are free to use at will one of the two techniques (classical or skating).
The fundamental difference between the two techniques is the system through which the transfer is made of the strength of the legs to the ground in order to create the momentum. In the classic, the thrust of progress of the legs is transferred to the snow thanks to the formation of friction between the skis and the snow (a little as the path), while in the skating, skiing, first dig a groove and then lean against the wall of the latter obtaining the leverage effect forward.
The Classic Technique.
The classic has been around since the late 70s of the twentieth century the only technique cross-country skiing. The first practitioners advancing cross-country skiing in the snow virtually ” walk. ” The first major breakthrough came in the late nineteenth century, with the introduction of the sticks, and this allowed a certain evolution, and the ” journey ” was replaced by a partial ” slip ” was born on alternating step, in a short time were born even some of its variants, now fallen into disuse, the most notable are the triple step and the step Finnish.
With the passage of time were then improved both the techniques of beating the slopes (before the introduction of the groomers, the grooves for the March of the athletes were being tracked by the organizers and volunteers of the local ski clubs with their passage on fresh snow) both equipment (skis, ski wax, etc….). The basis of the technique alternating gaits are three: stride, step thrust and thrust slip. The alternating step is performed using the tracks in the snow joke in which the skis parallel to proceed. The alternate is used in flat sections or in the case of slight uphill.
This gait is composed of an alternating movement of arms and legs (as in gear or in the race), the thrust of the leg support is aided by the thrust of the arm opposite to it done with the help of the stick, when the drive is running out, learns the other foot that receives the help of the arm opposite to it, and so on. The sticks are aimed height of the ski which is located forward, in their push arms perform an arc of about 180 degrees. The skier’s body is leaning slightly forward, head high and eyes must be directed to the runway. With the alternating step, one can develop much strength, but not too much speed.
The movements described may seem trivial, but require a certain technique and lots of practice. The pace is very different from the thrust stride, and this motion is expected that the arms push the bust together with going forward to give strength to the movement, then you have to raise your upper body and begin to push with your legs.
The step is a movement driven particularly suitable for acceleration and uphill path’s false floor. With it, you are able to develop good levels of strength and speed. In the slip thrust arms push, the torso is bent forward and then, with a forward momentum of the arms, there is shown in the initial position. The slide is pushed a step is particularly suitable for traits in the plains because, while not allowing you to develop a lot of strength, allows you to capture a lot of speed.
The Equipment for Cross-Country Skiing
The basic equipment for cross-country skiing is made up of skis, poles and boots. Cross-country skis are long 170-200 cm, 4.5-5 cm wide and high, the highest point, about 4 cm plates, and they do not have the tip pointing upward. They are made of synthetic material very light.
Cross-country skis are used to the classic technique with a base that prevents it from slipping back when you stride. The central part of the cross is covered with the so-called wax seal or has small scales in relief (in skiing for beginners). In the moment in which the weight of the body presses on this area of the ski, this freezes and will not slide backwards. Skis with slivers do not require waxing, but are much slower. Cross-country skiers do not ski beginners instead use instead providing for the application of the wax seal of which there are various types.
The skis, which would be used in skating can also be used without performing waxing (required instead in ski classic technique that does not have scales) to buy higher speed, it is appropriate to apply the so-called waxes scroll (or paraffin) . There are different types of paraffins, which are distinguished depending on the temperature of use.
As a rule, paraffins recognize colors, ranging from yellow to those adapted to warmer temperatures up to the blue or green for those designed for colder temperatures. As a rule, the waxing is performed to warm to allow better penetration of the substance into the base. The waxing should be done for the entire length of the insole.
The shoes for cross-country skiing are light shoes and high ankle. On their tip is placed latching for skis, the heel is not blocked, and then can be lifted freely. The classic shoes are generally softer than those used for skating. They are part of the equipment necessary skier skiing ski poles also.
Depending on the chosen technique should be used some sticks, and those skating are longer than those from classic. The choice of length is subjective, but you can give a rough indication :
- Length poles skating = 0.90 * height of the skier.
- Sticks length from classic = 0.85 * height of the skier.
The first ski poles from a bottom were constructed in wood, while those of today are built in stronger and lighter materials (aluminum, glass fiber, carbon, etc..).
The choice of materials for beginners is not easy and the prices are extremely varied, and the choice is vast. The advice is to purchase equipment that is appropriate for your level, it is useless to invest enormous sums of money on equipment by professionals when we are still beginners.
The first few times, even to test their desire to continue to practice this sport, it is advisable to resort to renting, after which we will inform dealers are honest and competent. A final mention goes to clothing, given the rigidity of the temperature, should be adequate. The standard attire of those who practice cross-country skiing consists of legging’s winter, light jacket and gloves.
The main requirement of clothing-country skiing is to protect from the wind. The body needs to stay warm, but the clothes must not be too heavy because the bottom is a specialty that tends to ” warm up ” the very body having regard to the duration and the intensity of effort.
Do not go well even jackets too bulky because it is always necessary to have a certain freedom of maneuver. In trade there are excellent fabrics that are lightweight and breathable, and that at the same time repairing optimally by the wind.
Highlights include glasses because, if the day is sunny, the eyes might be subjected to considerable stress. To cover the head instead you can choose between a headband or a hat if you feel the cold.
