Athletes and skiers alike move through the snow in two main ways - classic and skating. A special type of ski is provided for each of them. What is the specificity of the respective varieties of sports equipment?
What is skate skiing?
Skis designed for skating are primarily characterized by elasticity. Thanks to this property, the appropriate equipment allows the athlete to push off sharply from the snow and pick up speed due to the impulse from the recoil of the "springy" skis.
Moreover, in some cases, the return is so significant that it becomes necessary to reduce it, for which a special lubricant is used. It provides relatively stable contact between the middle of the ski and the snow. In turn, the rest of the ski sole is smeared with slippery paraffin - so that, despite the restraining lubrication, you can pick up speed.
Sometimes a small notch is applied to skating skis in order to reduce recoil, but using it can significantly reduce the speed even with very good wax lubrication.
Thus, the main load on the skate ski is carried by its front and rear parts. The speed and stability of the course to a decisive extent depend on how well they are lubricated and well-groomed.
If we talk about the appearance of skating skis, they are characterized by the absence of an overly curved nose.
The selection of sports equipment of the appropriate type also has some peculiarities. Optimally, skating skis, placed vertically, will be about 10 cm taller than the athlete's height.
Skating boots also have features. They must be sufficiently stiff and high to support the ankle, which, with the appropriate stroke, experiences quite a lot of stress.
It is advisable to choose the lightest sticks for skating skis. Their functional role is significant - and therefore one should not, at the same time, neglect the durability of the products. But using heavy, albeit durable, poles will not bring much pleasure when skating. The optimal height of the skating poles is up to the athlete's earlobes.
What are classic skis?
Skis designed for the classic move are quite soft. Elasticity, as in the case of skating equipment, is not characteristic of them. This is due to the need to ensure maximum contact of the ski sole with the snow, which allows you to achieve optimal speed on the track with acceptable efforts.
Thus, the main part of the load on a classic ski falls on its middle part. It can be noted that its bow is more noticeably curled than in the case of skating equipment.
Accordingly, classic skis are lubricated, as a rule, with the same type of ointment over the entire surface: there is usually no need to form "inhibitory" areas. But a lot depends on the configuration of a particular track, as well as on the operating mode of the skis. If they are used by a professional athlete, a more careful approach to lubrication is certainly assumed: it may be necessary to select certain types of it in different combinations.
The optimal height for classic skis, set upright, is 25 cm higher than the height of the athlete. It is advisable to pick up sticks in height up to the skier's shoulder.
Comparison
The main difference between skating skis and classic skis is, of course, in the purpose. Hence - other differences in configuration, the specifics of lubrication, features of the choice of poles for skis of one type or another. A small table will help us to more clearly consider what is the difference between skating and classic skis.
Table
| Skating skis | Classic skis |
| Stiffer, more elastic | Soft, characterized by weak elasticity |
| The main load is carried by the front and rear of the ski | The main load is carried mid-ski |
| May require mid-ski retaining grease | Generally does not require retaining grease |
| Must be about 10 cm taller than the athlete | Should be about 25 cm taller than the athlete |
| Optimum pole height - to the skier's earlobes | Optimum pole height - up to the skier's shoulders |
| Usually have a slightly curled nose | The curl of the bow is usually clearly visible |
