Features of mini skis

Many people at the word "mini-skis" imagine something almost toy, designed for toddlers. But this is an erroneous opinion, because mini-skis are able to instantly accelerate during descent and with their help you can make very steep maneuvers. Usually they are of serious interest to fans of skiing.

Perhaps mini-skis would not have appeared if there had not been an unusual model of boots with a smooth sole and a sharp edging. Athletes were not averse (for fun, of course) to slide down the mountain in these: they maneuvered well, could turn in any direction. So the joke grew into an invention, which became known as mini-skis, and also snowblades (by the common name of one of the models of a popular brand). And also these skis were called skibboards. This whole story happened in the early 90s of the twentieth century, and in 1998, skiboarding as a sport already made itself felt during the winter X Games. The latter helped the sport become even more popular.

True, after a few years at the same games, skiboarding was already gone, since the new school stepped on the heels, and the manufacturers also tried to concentrate on the production of full-size skis.

Usually such skis are made of plastic, their length is from 30 to 50 cm. There are also wooden ones, but their popularity is low. There are skis that have a heel support, and there are also skis without a support, but this option is not entirely convenient. Mini-skis are usually either strap or plastic. The strap has a narrow sling with plastic fittings. Completely plastic, alas, will break faster.

Basically, these are sports models, the very skiboards or blades, as skiers themselves call them. The movement on them is comparable to the movement on rollers, and therefore, for example, it is easy to make a central rack with such an inventory. And also adult models are actively used by climbers, as well as those who love speed and downhill skiing. Why exactly such skis attract attention - they are light, they will not take up much space in the luggage. Finally, they are easy to put on over your regular winter shoes.

Shortened equipment is also used in the popular orienteering now. But other types of riding are not suitable for mini-skis. Except that sometimes coaches use this equipment to maneuver around the trainees - in this sense, skis are very comfortable. And functional bodyweight training can also be called another option for using mini skis for adults.

Children need mini-skis for completely different purposes: there is no talk of serious sports achievements and training. But getting into winter sports from an early age is a completely logical goal. They differ from ordinary mini-skis made of plastic for children in a rectangular shape, they are wider than usual, have a pointed nose, and the assembly is different. This inventory has anti-slip notches on the surface. On such skis it will be fun to descend from the snow slides, it is great to take them for a walk and use them for a short time. Their fastening is such that special shoes are not required.

Small, wide skis can be used by children from the age of two. It's not that doing it earlier is dangerous, it's just that it's more difficult to interact with a younger baby. There can be no rush in learning: it is interesting for a child to overcome even a small, very conditional slide. He will be happy to get off her not on the priest, but on the legs, and mini-skis are very helpful in this. With classic cross-country running at 2 years of age, it is not yet possible to cope.

To put the child on mini-skis or not is a question with a definite answer. Of course yes. And not only because physical activity in the fresh air is useful, but also due to the beneficial effect of riding on the child's musculoskeletal system. But it is worth remembering: they are not an alternative to regular skiing. This is only an option, another opportunity, but not an end in itself. A full-fledged ski trip on a mini-model will not work, only a one-time entertainment, a leisure option, or rather, a part of it.

For short skis, the binding can be hard, semi-rigid and soft. Rigid mounts can be used by guys who are already 5 years old. You will need special boots, that is, the professionalism of such skiing is already felt. But the most popular (and still how) are semi-rigid mounts: these are iron brackets or springs. They can be worn over normal winter shoes. There is no doubt about the reliability of fixation, as well as convenience. And you can use such a mount at any age.

The padded mount obviously doesn't require special ski boots either. They can also be worn on ordinary shoes, boots or boots, warm sneakers. The belts in this mount are made of fabric. It will not be possible to fix them with one hundred percent reliability. Unfortunately, they stretch quite quickly and even tear. And the size range of such mounts is usually small.

As for the sticks, there is no need for them. For adults, they will even interfere with maneuvering, and distort the very sensation of riding. With children who first got on skis, you can do different things.Babies, in principle, are rarely put on skis with poles, the poles interfere with them. But those who are just learning, at first, sometimes need sticks for confidence.

This happens very often: parents buy equipment for their child, open the package and realize that they do not know at all how to assemble it. The instructions are either not sensible, or you can get confused in them.

What is usually included in the kit:

• 2 long strips of fasteners;
• 2 short strips of fasteners;
• 4 plastic fasteners;
• the skis themselves.

We collect children's mini-skis.

1. You need to take a short strip and a mount with four holes.
2. The strip is advanced through the first hole, then through the second. And then through the third.
3. You can put on a second clasp. The end of the strip must be pushed into the first hole.
4. Then the resulting system must be threaded into the ski itself, focusing on the length of the baby's leg.
5. Next, you need to turn to the plastic fasteners, where there are 3 holes. Thread the strip through the middle. And then in the first, so pull so that you feel a good tension. The clasp is ready.
6. This is the case with the rear attachment: a long strip is taken and must be handled in the same way as a short one. Thread through holes 1, 2 and 3, put on the small buckle and fold back into the first hole.
7. The rear mount can be threaded into the ski. Then the strip is sent to the middle hole. All is ready.

At first glance, it's hard, but if you collect inventory without haste, everything will definitely work out.

Happy riding!