Ski Gear for Beginners
Skiing can be a lot of fun but it can also be daunting, especially for beginners as the equipment is unfamiliar. The cost of the equipment can vary greatly, and more expensive equipment does not always result in better performance. It is best to shop around for skiing equipment if possible and buy from a reputable shop.
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Renting Equipment
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For those people who have never been skiing before and don’t know if they will go again, renting equipment may be the best idea. Most ski rental shops will renew their equipment every year so there is no need to worry about getting old equipment. Renting equipment also means you don’t have to worry about transporting equipment to the resort. It is also a good idea to rent equipment for children as they will probably need new equipment every year, as they grow so quickly.
Clothing
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There are several essential items of clothing that are needed when skiing. Warm layers like thermal tops and bottoms are important as they are breathable and draw the moisture away from the skin. A lightweight skiing jacket should be waterproof. Ideally it should have pockets for essentials like sunblock, lift pass and money. Ski pants should also be light and waterproof and the bottom of the leg needs to be wide enough to go over the top of a ski boot. A ski hat is important as people lose a third of their heat from their heads. Gloves are also important as cold hands can soon make the rest of the body feel cold as the blood flows through the veins of the wrist into the rest of the body.
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Ski Boots
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Ski boots are very important and it’s important to take time picking the correct size. Tell shop assistants that you are a beginner as ski boots for expert skiers are expensive and buying them will not enhance your performance at all. Always wear ski socks when trying on boots and wear trousers that are loose around the ankles as the boots need to go up to the calves. Ski boots should not be too loose around the calf but not too tight as to cause pain.
Skis
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When going to buy or rent skis it is important to know your weight and height, as the assistant needs to know this to help find the correct equipment. On the skis there are ski bindings which automatically release after a fall to prevent injuries, and they are based on your weight. Always visit a store which has a good reputation when choosing skis so you don't end up with expensive equipment you don't need.
Ski poles
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There is a plastic device at the bottom of a ski pole called a basket. The best way to measure the correct height of the ski poles is to turn them upside down and hold the pole underneath the basket. If your elbow is at a right angle then you have the correct height of pole.
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References
- Photo Credit skiing powder image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com
