06/09/2021
What are skis and why do we need them?
Summer is getting closer by the day, it's time to get up on skis! No, we didn't mix anything up.
The sun is shining, there are not a single cloud in the sky, and you are walking through town rejoicing that summer is very close - soon you will take off your jacket and walk in light shorts... And suddenly skiers block your way! One by one they cut through the heated asphalt and disappear behind the greening trees.
That's it, I think you overheated.
Or maybe it's just ski-rollers.
Summer skis, or roller skis, are a long invented means of transportation, but they never cease to amaze. They are shorter than the winter skis, but very similar to them, except that they ride on wheels.
Roller skis first appeared in Italy and northern Europe in the 1930s. For a long time they were used only by skiers in preparation for the winter season. In the 1970s, the situation changed: roller skis became a separate sport with separate competitions. How did that happen?
The first roller skis differed from today's skis: they had three wheels, one in front and two behind, their length varied from 70 to 100 cm, and they were made of metal. Over time, it became clear that the three wheels are skis to nothing - two-wheeled much faster and more maneuverable, but, admittedly, more difficult to handle. The first two-wheeled design invented Italian Skyrollo.
This invention and decided the fate of skijeroller. They became more high-speed - and they began to organize races, first in Italy and then around the world. It came to the fact that in 1985 in Europe was created ski-roller federation, and in 1988 held the European Championship in Holland. There was also the World Championship in 2000. Today, a lot of roller skiing competitions are held every year, including the World Championship (twice a year) and the summer biathlon.
Modern roller skis are made of aluminum and rubber, making them lighter and more comfortable than their ancestors. The length of the skis depends on their type - just like cross-country skis, cross-country skis come in classic and skate.
Classic models are often used by skiers for training in the summer. They have a longer frame (the frame - is the ski itself), from 70 to 100 cm. The wheels are thick, but of small diameter, which gives them increased stability. Another distinguishing feature of classic ski-roller - they have a ratchet mechanism on one of the two wheels, which blocks the movement backwards so you can push off.
Skate roller skis are more commonly used by racers. Thanks to the short frame - up to 60-65 cm - and the narrow and high wheels, they can achieve high speed.
Cross-country skis are also divided into high-speed and training. Training used by skiers to prepare for winter competitions, and speed, which is obvious - for racing. This does not mean that the training models can not accelerate well - their fastest wheels simulate the speed of movement on icy trails and can reach speeds of 30 km / h. In competition, of course, the speed of athletes is even higher - at an average speed of 50 km / h they can accelerate to about 100 km / h.
What do you need to ride on roller skis?
Of course, the skis themselves, poles, as well as special boots, helmet and protection for hands and feet. Do not hurt also sunglasses - they will save not only from the sun, but also from the sand and dust flying in your face.
If you are familiar with winter skiing, it is not difficult to choose the type of roller skis. If not, here is our advice: for beginners it is easier and more comfortable to start with the classic skis - they are more stable and do not run up to cosmic speeds. However, do not forget about the protection.
