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Entry-Level
Equipment Needs • Skis/snowboards
• Guidelines
for Ski Sizing
• Boots • Ski
Boot Selection • Bindings
• Ski Poles • Helmets
• Eye Protection • Clothing
• Recommended Tuning
Equipment • K1
Equipment Needs • Protective
Gear Choosing the right equipment is essential to the enjoyment and success that youngsters find in skiing and snowboarding. Here are some hints to properly outfit youngsters: With a little knowledge and support from your coach and local ski shop, choosing your child’s ski equipment does not have to be a daunting task. These professionals will guide you through the various suppliers and products suitable for your child. Young skiers should have skis/boards that are flexible and in good condition. Junior competition skis are excellent in that they are designed with high performance features while remaining flexible and light enough for a small person. Select brands that are familiar to you and have been proven in competition. Ski length is very important and a constantly changing situation. Please consult with coaches for latest trends. When choosing a ski length for the entry-level child, it is better to go with shorter ski rather than longer. The shorter ski will assist in turning and encourage quicker progression of basic skills. The ski should measure between the nose and the top of the forehead of the child. A longer length may be appropriate once the child begins to mature and incorporates the skills of carving into their skiing with regularity. If you have a child who is more aggressive or bigger, a longer ski is needed to support the forces experienced during skiing. Boots should be flexible. Children MUST be able to flex their ankles and knees in order to learn the basic skiing skills; boots that are too stiff or too high inhibit their development. Boots should be comfortable, but certainly not loose. Conventional front closing boots are recommended. Footbeds (or in extreme cases prescription orthotics) might be useful to prevent foot fatigue or undue stress. There
a two design options when choosing a ski boot. The first is an overlap design
that has a cuff that articulates with the lower shell using a hinge at the ankle
joint. The design provides performance by allowing natural ankle flexion and
promotes lateral action of the lower leg – a critical factor in skill
development. The
second design is known as rear entry and is comprised of a single piece
of plastic encompassing the foot. The rear entry boot is considered to offer a
comfortable fit and provides warmth. The
chosen design should also allow for good boot flexion. This means the upper cuff
flexes simultaneously with the lower leg. If the lower leg moves forward and
upper cuff moves very little, then the boot is too stiff. The boots should not
inhibit the natural alignment of the child. Parents must consider the design futures of the boot for athletic performance and the need for a good fit to the child’s foot comfort. While the growth of the child’s foot during the season needs to be considered, buying boots oversized is counterproductive for both performance and fit. Safety should be the first consideration when purchasing bindings. DIN industry standard rated bindings are the only recommended brands. Bindings should be compatible with the racer’s weight, ability, and boots. A common problem is that kid’s bindings are not compatible with adult boots. One exception is the high performance Jr. bindings that are ideal for most new ski racers. A certified ski shop should do mounting and adjusting of bindings at least on an annual basis. Safety is the key! Parents and coaches should NOT adjust an athlete’s bindings. Leave this task to the professionals! Ski poles should be as tall as the solar plexus of the skier is high. Poles with straps are recommended; strapless grips inhibit a good pole plant. Always remove pole straps when skiing in trees and weeds to prevent shoulder or other injury. Helmets must be designed for skiing/snowboarding. It is required that all athletes wear helmets for all on snow activities with PRC. PRC highly recommends that USSA athletes wear protective headgear for slalom. The most important factor when purchasing a helmet is the fit. Your local retail technician will match the child’s head shape with that of a similar helmet style. It is strongly recommended that PRC participants wear proper eye protection (i.e. goggles) at all times. Always have plastic lenses, ultraviolet protection, and anti-fog protection with goggles for best results. Clothing (see also How to Stay Warm) Proper clothing is critical to comfort and good health on the mountain. Dressing in layers is recommended. Warm-up pants are very important, especially on those days when the chairs are covered with snow! Good gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer) and a well-insulated helmet are necessary for those colder moments when the sun goes behind the clouds! Skis and snowboards will not perform well unless properly tuned. New skis/boards should be prepared by a professional or by the racer if he/she has the ability. Tuning should become a regular practice and leaning this skill is an important part of the racer’s development. See Ski Tuning Basics for more information. In
addition to the most essential equipment such as skis, boots, bindings, poles,
warm clothes, helmet and goggles, some of the following specialized ski
equipment is will help you to reduce the hazard of injury and improve your
skiing skills. Shinguards
Polerguards
Slalom
Rapid Gate Helmet (preferably with mouth guard) GS/SG Junior Helmet |
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© 2006 Powderhorn
Racing Club - All rights reserved.
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