Roller skiing tip #1
What do you need to get started roller skiing? We recommend…
A helmet (a bike helmet will do) Padding! Without snow you need knee and elbow pads and some light gloves And last but not least…ski boots and roller skis, of course!
Roller skiing tip #2
What a difference a warm-up makes! 15 minutes warming up skiing without poles helps to warm up your muscles and sharpen your focus, putting you less at risk of an injury.
Roller skiing tip #3
Make it stop!!!! A lot of roller skis don’t have a braking mechanism, so what do you do when you want to stop?
Putting out your arms can help to slow you down and a stepping snow plow (each foot at a time) is good for creating some braking friction.
But the best option for you and your skis is to roll into a patch of grass and stop slowly.
Roller skiing tip #4
Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference to your roller skiing experience. So don’t forget your…
Water
Snack
Card
Phone
Sunglasses!
Roller skiing tip #5
Preparation makes perfect.
It’s a great idea to map out your route and do a recce off your skis, ahead of time. This way you find out where the road has cracks and potholes to avoid, and patches of grass to stop on.
Roller skiing tip #6
Safety is king for roller skiing. If you didn’t already know, bright or reflective gear is one of the easiest and best ways of keeping safe when rolling on roads. And don’t forget to ski with traffic, not against!
Roller skiing tip #7
Practice, practice, practice!
If you’re feeling a bit rusty, or are just getting back into roller skiing, it’s safest to start slow and build (or rebuild) ability. Find a flat parking lot or football field and work on improving your balance and picking up speed. You’ll be rolling the roads confidently in no time!
Roller skiing tip #8
Suited and booted, but now what? Roller skiing is similar in a lot of ways to Nordic. Most ski techniques also work for roller skis. Diagonal strides in particular, give the perfect kick.
Roller skiing tip #9
Buddy up! Not only is having a little company more fun, it can raise your game. Skiing with someone with similar or better ability can push you to greater limits and it’s safer too.
Roller skiing tip #10
Top roller skiing spots!
Well-kept roads with wide-shoulders, early-morning parking lots, bike trails, and routes that have a good mix between uphill and downhill without any twists and turns. Try to avoid roads with traffic lights, as while the light may say stop, you might not be so able!
Roller skiing tip #11
Let’s talk double-poling rolling. Using two poles helps you to save energy on the flat sections while building up your endurance going uphill. Experienced classic skiers can use this technique to stay primed for next season.
Roller skiing tip #12
A tip for changing out your pole tips! (Or ferrules)
In order to change your basket shaft to use a roller dedicated tip, loosening the glue takes a little heat. A hairdryer, heat gun, or boiling water does the trick!
Roller skiing tip #13
Stay sharp! Simply sharpening your pole’s tips (or ferrules) keeps them in better condition for longer, and creates a better grip on the ground, taking tension off your upper body.
Roller skiing tip #14
Starting stopping. A quick trick for beginners.
Find a spot with a grassy area to practice running off the pavement and onto the grass. Quick steps will quickly gain you control but it takes balance, so don’t be afraid to fall. Grass is great for cushioning you, as well as slowing your skis!