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CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BILL KOCH SKIER

Originally Appeared in New England Nordic News

by Steve Blazejewski

Welcome, Koch League parents, to a three-part series on choosing cross country ski equipment for your child. Part I will cover skis, new and used; Part 2, boots, bindings, poles, and staying warm and comfortable with x-country clothing; and Part 3, the junior wax kit.

Unlike team sports, success in ski racing is based on individual performance. In my opinion, this comes in somewhat equal amounts from fitness and conditioning, physical and athletic ability on snow, and proper equipment.

Proper equipment is not hand-me-down waxiess skis with three-pin bindings, a heavy nylon parka, and a patent leather fur-lined cap with ear flaps. These items can introduce your kids to winter and provide lots of fun in certain situations, but in active x-c skiing they lead to unhappiness and frustration. Improper equipment weighs a ton, gives blisters, and what's not blistered will be frozen off without proper dress. Poorly equipped kids won't be able to glide, turn, or stop as quickly as their appropriately outfitted friends. They'll be happier in the lodge, while other kids are gliding over the snow with reckless abandon. Honest!

Choosing Skis For Kids

Choosing the right x-c ski equipment can seem overwhelming. It doesn't need to be; here are some tips.

When sizing skis for the youngest kids, say 3 to 5 years old, look for a ski from nose to head height in length. At this age kids' bodies and coordination are still developing, so don't overwhelm them with extra length. Waxless skis are sure to give good grip, allowing your child to climb hills and not get frustrated sliding backwards. Waxable skis in these short (80-130 cm) sizes are difficult to wax because the feedback from the child is usually minimal. ('How's your glide, son?' 'Huh??)

Kids 5 to 8 years old can use longer skis, from floor to top of head or just below an upstretched wrist. Waxiess or waxable again, but the waxable ski begins to take precedence, with narrow-cut racing skis available in the 130140 cm lengths. These give much better glide as the child learns to skate. Stronger skiers in this age group can also give better feedback about your waxing job. (Great grip on hills, Mom!)

Skilled shop employees can size children in this age group for 'combi' skis - one pair of skis that works well with their body weight for skating, and can be waxed for proper kick and glide in classical skiing. But you'll have to dean and rewax them each time your child changes skiing styles.

Skis for athletic kids 8 and up are sized the same as for adults: wrist-length for classical skis, and about 1 0 cm shorter for skating. Consider buying two pair of skis for racers this age. Skis should be personalized to a child's build and weight: a ski with a soft flex will give a lightweight child proper wax adhesion on long hills; a stiffer ski will let a heavier child glide through deep snow when a soft ski wouldn't. Don't buy skis just because they're on sale - what's on sale may not be fight for your child. Other parents in your Bill Koch club can suggest a shop that has the expertise to fit kids. It should have a skilled staff, carry top brands of classical and skate skis, and be used to dealing with young racers. Good prices never hurt either!

If you're just starting out or in need of 'rock skis,' a used ski swap can save you money. Look at the skis closely: are there any obvious splits or defects at the tip or tail? Are there eighteen old binding-screw holes drilled into the top deck? Sometimes epoxy can fix these problems, sometimes not. Try to make sure the ski base is flat, with no blistering or serious gouges. If the edges are still somewhat square, they'll give better cornering performance. Ski swaps are fun and can yield great bargains, and when your youngest child outgrows those hand-medowns, you'll be able to get some money back to put toward a new pair.

Next time: Boots, bindings, poles and x-c clothing.

Steve Blazejewski owns and operates Berkshire outfitters in Adams, MA, and has been outfitting children and adults for many years. Steve has three children, ages 13, 10 and 7.