The first week of June marks the beginning of rollerski season here in Central Oregon
Remember that when you start rollerskiing, start with easy sessions on fairly flat terrain...
The balance on rollerskis is often more difficult than snow and the asphalt is a whole lot harder. You should work up to the long distance adventures with caution and pay attention to your body. The joints at wrist, elbow and shoulder will appreciate a gradual introduction to pounding the pavement. Always wear a helmet and gloves as minimum protection. If you are going out early morning or late evening, make sure you are aware of the angle of the sun and the visibility of automobile drivers on the road with you. I prefer to ski on the right side of the road, moving in the same direction as traffic. The only times I have had close calls with cars was when I was on the left side. Wearing plenty of reflective gear is also a good idea.
NordicSkiRacer.com has a great link that lists some very good guidelines from the US Biathlon roller skiing team. I'll post the link below...
Click here for a link to US Biathlon roller skiing guidelines...
WebSkis carries the Swedish made Pro-Ski models for only $250.
Pro-Ski is one of the oldest rollerski companies out there...
Pro-Ski is one of the oldest rollerski companies out there and these rollerskis are still the tool of choice for many seasoned veterans all over the world. I will give you a quick run-down of the various models and you can decide which of these you need to add to your training equipment. Remember that the $350 price is currently reduced to $250 per pair.
Pro-Ski S5E - Only $250
The most popular skate ski for central Oregon is the Pro-Ski S5E. This aluminum shaft ski runs on 100mm rubber wheels that negotiate the rough pavement, small stones, sticks and pavement cracks. It is important to know the surface on which you will be training. The whole ski is just 63cm long. This reduces the weight and makes it quick, yet stable in step turns. Best suited to experienced skiers, the S5E helps enhance balance at the same time you are conditioning ski specific muscles and cardio-vascular systems. This is my rollerski of choice for skate skiing.
Click here for the Pro-Ski S5E rollerski review
Pro-Ski S2 - Only $250
If you are skating have access to smooth pavement you might like the Pro-Ski S2 model. This has small (70 mm) urethane wheels that are fast. The aluminum shaft is longer than the S5E and the whole ski comes in at 68cm long. With a longer shaft and smaller wheels it feels more stable than the S5E. Again, it is best suited to smooth pavement.
Click here for the Pro-Ski S2 rollerski review
Pro-Ski S2 Classic - only $250
If you can only afford one pair or rollerskis, this could be the perfect one...
The S2 also comes in a classic model. It is exactly the same as the S2 skate ski, but has the addition of a ratcheted rear wheel that only rolls forward. It is truly a dual purpose rollerski because it skates just like the S2 skate model and you can kick and glide with the ratcheted rear wheel. If you can only afford one pair or rollerskis, this could be the perfect one for those smooth, tree lined trails in the Midwest and the East.
Pro-Ski-C2 Classic - Only $250
The most popular classic ski from Pro-Ski is the C2. This model has rubber wheels that are 50mm wide and 68mm tall. The rear wheel is ratcheted providing perfect kick any where all the time. Total length is 78cm making for a nice stable platform for classic skiing or double poling. The wheels are made of soft rubber that helps dampen road vibration. The C2 model is identical with the exception of slower wheels. There are many top-level racers who use the C3 for those long over-distance double pole workouts in mid- summer.
Click here for the Pro-Ski C2 rollerski review
Pro-Ski Roadline Tech - only $250
The most innovative Pro-Ski model for classic skiing is the Pro-Ski Roadline Tech...
Here we have a ski that looks and performs differently than all the others. To start with, it has a small rubber front wheel and the wider C2 size rear wheel. The ratchet on the Roadline Tech is in the small front wheel. This requires better technique to achieve good kick all the time. The weight of the skier has to be up on the ball of the foot to get the small front wheel to grip the road like kick wax. If the lazy skier gets the weight too far back this will not provide that "bomber kick" feel that rear wheel ratchets deliver. The smaller front wheel will also encourage focus on balancing on a flat foot. There are college coaches who require that their athletes use the Roadline Tech for classic technique summer training.