A Note on Equipment Selection for kids



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A Note on Equipment Selection for kids (5 to 10 yrs)

By Dave Bradley and Rolf Waffler Revised: Nov 2012

Ski equipment plays a huge part in the enjoyment and success of the young skier.

If possible, families should try to size equipment very close to the child’s current needs rather than buying equipment that is big enough to last 2 or 3 seasons. Equipment that is too big hampers skill development and may actually diminish the fun and sense of accomplishment we hope your youngster will feel. If your child questions whether he/she wants to continue next year make sure equipment is not the hidden reason. Kids will not necessarily be able to tell you that is the reason because they do not necessarily know what skiing should feel like. All they know is that they don’t enjoy their class because it is hard to do what their coach is asking them to do. Complaints of cold feet and or sore feet, calves and shins are a common sign of improper fitting ski boots.

Keep the following key points in mind when selecting equipment:

SKIS

1. Sizing: Skis height for Entry Level kids should be no longer than chest to nose for kids between 5 and 10 who are just entering the sport. For those kids who have developed their skills to Level 3 Snow Stars or higher consider the guideline for stronger skiers.

New Skiers Stronger Skiers (Snow Stars Level 3 and up)

5 to 6 yrs – closer to chest 5 to 6 yrs – chest to shoulders

7 to 8 yrs – chest to shoulders 7 to 8 yrs – shoulders to nose

9 to10 yrs – shoulders to mouth or nose 9 to 10 yrs – nose to top of head

** If forced to compromise, less experienced skiers should stay on shorter skis

2. Ski properties: Skis that are shaped (more side cut) will assist in the progression and enjoyment of the skier. “Multi-Event” or slalom oriented skis with a turning radius of between 10-14 meters are optimum. The “radius” is usually printed on the ski. Try to buy wood core, sandwich construction skis with a straight sidewall. These skis provide the torsional rigidity needed to perform best on the hard pack snow prevalent in northern Ontario. A lifter plate between the binding and the ski is highly recommended. This plate is usually integrated right into the binding. This will allow the skier to achieve more edge angle. Skis should be maintained (waxed regularly) and kept sharpened. It is essential that skiers be able to hold an edge on the hard pack snow if they hope to acquire all the necessary skills to enjoy racing and free skiing.

Equipment Guidelines pg. 2

BINDINGS

Today’s bindings and skis are generally integrated systems ensuring the correct binding strength is matched to the ski’s properties. Bindings provide a range of DIN settings to accommodate skiers of different height and weight. Ensure bindings are set properly by a certified technician at the ski shop.

Boot/Binding compatibility is key!

Junior boot and binding compatibility is a key consideration that is often overlooked.  If the boots are not properly matched up with the bindings the skier will encounter play between the boot and the binding that results in pre-mature binding release as well as the sensation of steering a car with a loose steering wheel. Junior boots must be used with a junior binding unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

BOOTS

This is the most important piece of equipment and parents should invest the most in this area to ensure that the child has proper fitting boots to avoid cold feet and enjoy the sport.

Optimal fit is found when:

✓ shin rests evenly + comfortably against the tongue

✓ heel is held into heel pocket and does not slide up and/or forward out of the pocket

✓ ankles bend in concert with the boot allowing skier to achieve balance through flexion in the ankles and knees

1. For young entry-level skiers the use of front buckle (2 to 4 buckles) is recommended. The use of a rear entry boot will inhibit the skier from properly bending their knees and ankles as they progress along in their skier development.

2. For proper boot sizing, do the “shell test”:

Remove the liner and have the child stand in the shell with toes touching the front of the shell. If you can wiggle 1 to 1.5 adult finger(s) between the heel and the back of the shell you have a good fit. Any more room (e.g. 2 to 3 fingers) is too big. The child’s foot will slide forward forcing the child into an unbalanced backseat position on the skis. Typically child’s weight will be born by the calves resting on the back of the boot. This is very tiring, makes turning much more difficult and is hard on child’s growing knee joints and ligaments.

3. Check to make sure the child’s ankle joint lines up with or sits higher than metal hinge that holds upper cuff to the boot. If the hinge is too high (usually when boots are too big) the child will not be able to flex the boot. Heel lifts can be used to raise the ankle joints to optimum position and give skier more forward contact with tongue of boot.

Equipment Guidelines pg. 3

4. Top of tongue should sit below the midpoint between the top of the foot and the middle of the kneecap. For kids below 70lbs, the tongue should be no higher than the 1/3 point. Kids will not be able to flex boots properly when cuff of boot is too high.

5. When comparing boot options, pick the one with less cuff material (tongue/upper shell) and the one where the top buckle strap is lowest. This will allow the child to stay in a balanced position and bend as naturally as possible at the ankles.

6. Wear proper ski socks for warmth and best fit. Do so when fitting for new boots as well. Remember two socks are colder than one well fitting ski sock. Two socks are not a remedy for large boots!

7. Kids should be able to run and jump around (play) as naturally as possible in their boots! A close fitting boot will accomplish this. A big heavy clunky boot is no fun and just slows kids down.

If having to purchase an adult ski boot for a child because of foot size ensure they are able to flex the boot form the ankles. If not seek assistance from a boot fitting to have the stiffness of the boot reduced so the child can flex it.

8. Ongoing verification with coach and a mid-season visit to your ski shop for any required fitting adjustments will optimize boot performance. Ski shops can make modifications to boot as skier’s feet grow allowing the skier to maximize usage in the current size rather than having to move-up to the next size.

HELMETS

Head Fit:

The most important consideration when purchasing a helmet is the fit. A helmet is not a piece of equipment that you want to purchase too small or too large to grow into. If a helmet doesn’t fit correctly, it may not perform to its ability in the event of an accident. Ensure the head does not float or rotate inside the helmet and that it conforms to head shape with no pressure points. Different brands fit differently. Ask an experienced ski shop associate to assist you to identify the best brand for your head shape and confirm a proper fit. A helmet fit should not be obtained by wearing a toque underneath the helmet; this will impair the safety features of the helmet.

Safety Features for ski racers:

• For youngsters skiing slalom gates, a face/chin guard designed specifically for the child’s helmet is vital.

• Must completely cover head and ears with hard plastic

• Make sure the chin strap fits snugly and the clip is working properly

Goggle Compatibility:

When shopping for a helmet, bring along your goggles, or borrow pair that matches your own from the shop. Make sure your entire forehead (above eyebrows to hairline) is covered by your helmet or goggles, because if there’s a gap on your forehead between your helmet and your

Equipment Guidelines pg. 4

goggles, this exposed area can get cold and wet on snowy days. Unlike a hat, a helmet can’t be amended or “pushed down” to keep your forehead warm. Look for a helmet that is engineered

to work well with goggles or provides its own integrated goggles. It’s important for a helmet to work with goggles and glasses to maintain vision, airflow and comfort.

Helmet Certification:

Make sure the helmet is marked “Alpine Ski racing Helmet” and conforms to a ski/snowboard helmet standard (Common European Norm 1077, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and/or Snell.)

FURTHER SUGGESTIONS:

If possible discuss your child’s ski equipment needs with a senior Entry Level coach at your club. Various ski manufacturers have websites with recommendation charts matching specific products with weight and age of young ski racers.

Local ski shops have printed information and sales people that can help. Use this “equipment guideline” to ensure you are discussing all important elements with the salesperson when choosing equipment.

Proper ski maintenance (sharpening, de-burring, waxing) will help skier maximize the skis properties. Consult with ski shops/coach for an appraisal of the condition of your child’s skis.

Coaches can often help with teaching basic ski maintenance techniques. Ask your club head coach if any ski tuning sessions are planned during the season.

Disclaimer:

This guideline was written for the benefit of Entry Level ski racers in Thunder Bay area. The writers accept no responsibility or liability for consequences of any equipment choice resulting from this guideline.

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