How to Choose the Correct Length for Cross Country Skis
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which the skier pushes himself with his ski poles over the snow-covered ground. A very popular sport in countries that have large stretches of snow-covered fields, cross-country skiing attracts athletes ranging from strictly recreational to Olympic caliber. As with any sport, having the right-sized equipment is important for the proper enjoyment of the sport in a safe manner.
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Instructions
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Choose what type of skier you are: racer, casual or back-country. Most people are casual cross-country skiers, skiing through neighborhood parks or even over golf courses during the winter.
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Select a ski shop to work with. The staff should be professional and knowledgeable about the various types of skis and why one pair might be better for you than another. Some of the determining factors are how you will use your skis and over what terrain.
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Calculate your ski length for traditional gliding use by multiplying your height in inches by 2.6 and adding 25 inches. The result is your ski length in centimeters (cm). For instance, if you are 70 inches tall, your ski length calculation is 70 x 2.6 + 25 which equals 207 cm. Your weight will also affect the proper length of skis for you. A professional shop will have a weight-size chart for each brand of skis. If you are a heavy person, you will probably need to go up an inch. If you are light person, you may need to go down an inch.
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References
- Photo Credit ski trail image by Lynn Phaneuf from Fotolia.com
