The One. The Only. The Mother. The Fountainhead. The Originator. The Architect. Classic Skiing.
Despite its deep historical roots, classic skiing has fallen out of favor for skate skiing. No surprise, the flashiest and fastest will always ride a wave of attention. But, for true devotees to the "Nordic Way" classic skiing is their one, true love.
Below are six quotes from NORDJÖRK coaches and students. Each highlights the moment in their own journey when classic skiing became the crown jewel to their winter pursuits.
We hope it will inspire you, too. Let's get to it.
jenn
Finding "Forward" And What That Meant For My Body.
The glide in classic skiing makes it look beautiful and graceful, but it is only achieved when weight transfer from ski-to-ski happens at the right time, in the right way and with the body in the right place. This is the real-deal moment for skiers that will help them advance, explore and finally fall in love with classic skiing.
▶️ Try this:
• Ankles must be flexed with your knees over the toes WHEN THE SKI LANDS. Without this fundamental position, your weight will be too far back and getting 100% of your body weight onto ONE ski will become impossible.
• Once you've got all your weight onto one ski, simply LIFT the other ski off the snow.
• After the ski is up, don't let it land on the snow until your foot is IN FRONT of the other foot's toes. Umm, kinda like walking.
Looking for more information about "being forward"? Check out this post!
brett
You Must Balance Your Desire For Speed With Your Love of Learning and Skiing.
The science behind mindset is unquestionable. Depending on your attitude about an activity, task or skill will directly impact your physiological state and how you learn. If you want to put classic skiing into your winter activity playlist and move beyond the shuffle, you have to think about it differently. It's not like skate skiing, alpine or backcountry. Yes, you may have to take it slower to foment the skills, but isn't that true for everything worth doing, well?
▶️ Come into your lesson, instruction or classic journey with a growth mindset. Do the work and spend time in mindful focus.
karen
Cornering In The Tracks On Downhills. Total Game Changer.
Set track for life. Riding those rails on the downhills is fun, fast and incredibly rewarding (always choose safety when navigating downhills based on your skill and comfort). When the tracks settle out or start to climb again (and they will) you're ready to resume your stride, DP or KDP to keep those skis moving.
▶️ Try these:
• Get low: find a flexed ankle position, keep your head up and center of mass/weight INSIDE.
• Drive the bus: Hands and shoulders up and steering INTO the turn.
• Skis: Keep some pressure on outside ski, and carve/edge BOTH skis in the tracks. This is subtle, but an important piece of the process.
kevin
Like Unlocking The Next Level Of A Video Game Learning How To KDP Was Everything.
KDP is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup of Nordic skiing. Take two amazing things and combine them to make something even better. It is a fantastic transition gear between a diagonal stride and a straight-up double pole that helps maintain momentum. When power is applied to some proper technique, KDP will deliver amazing speed and glide – aka FUN!
▶️ Tips for KDP greatness:
• Separation: This motion has distinct and separate kick and double pole phases, with a transitioning “pause” in between. The timing is like a musical half-beat: pole and kick and pole and kick…
• Dynamic arm swing: The kick occurs at the end of the DP. With both arms at the bottom of the range, a purposeful forward arm swing in sync with the kick results in maximum glide and sets up the next DP.
• Balance Danielsan: Channel your inner Mr. Miagi and get comfortable hanging out on one ski with your arms forward and the kicking leg off the snow. Mastering this Nordic “crane technique” will make you a shoo-in at the All-Valley Championships.
Want more information about KDP. Check out this post!
marcus
Getting The Right Gear To Match My Goals.
Like any sport, you can get into a rabbit warren of gear with classic skiing. And also like any sport, if you're using dated, old, unmaintained, unwaxed, or improper gear for your current fitness or skiing goals - you gonna struggle. If you're looking to find MORE in your classic stride, you absolutely need to look at your gear and consult with a nordic ski shop or get deep with some blogs to understand sizing, pole lengths, pros/cons etc.
▶️ Having the right kick zone can make all the difference to finding more fun and efficiency in your classic game.
• Fishscales deserve a place in everyone's quiver, but if you're looking to move into a more dynamic classic skiing mode, it's time to move up.
• Skins are the perfect upgrade from scales, are great under specific conditions, and will reward better technique!
• Seeking classic life and want speed and power? Waxables are life-changing and more ideally suited for purist skiing goals.
david
Being Able To Apply Power To My DP And Pass Friends Who Were Skate Skiing. That Sold Me.
David's onto something. The subject of countless research papers, theses and dissertations the world over - a properly executed double pole (which we can not get into on this thread) will transform your skiing across all disciplines and sub-techniques. It can be soft, easy, powerful and dynamic. It's an absolute must for anyone seeking "more" from their classic skiing and wondering what the fuss is all about.
▶️ DP tips:
• Pole tips land in front of toes with ankles flexed and weight on the balls of feet.
• Arms at 90°, braced throughout the entire pushing phase.
• Drop center of mass and stabilize torso to extend the arms.
Looking for more information about DP? Check out this post.
the closer What We're Thinking About
That classic skiing is really awesome and we're wondering why we even have skate skis? JK.
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