Of course I had not. So that is why I kept falling over in exactly the same fashion, falling forwards and to the left. The man in the shop had said something about it, and even sold me the wax, but I had spent just a few seconds waxing my
The right skis for the right skier When you buy your skis you need to tell the shop your weight and height, so they can bend the ski appropriately and choose the correct length. As small children swished past impatiently while I hauled my sorry arse off the track, I resolved that this sport was not going to beat me. This is where I had problems. For many foreigners, it is not quite that simple.
EGAN RICHARDSON HEL SINKI TIMES
" YOU need to use your balance!" said my dear beloved girlfriend, as I tumbled into the snow once again. Cross country skiing is spectacularly good exercise, offering aerobic fitness and upper arm strength, but to take advantage of this you still need to master the basic skills involved. There is a style of skiing that does not require wax, but it looks like a lot more hard work than the upright, swish-swish Nordic style of skiing. You have to use the edge of the ski to kick off and propel yourself forward, and upper body strength is more important than in classical Nordic styles. The slight bend ensures that your forward movement is not hindered by the wax, as the middle part of the ski should be just off the ground with the correct bend. Precisely how I was supposed to use my balance was not made clear, but then cross country skiing is second nature to most Finns and explaining its intricacies to an overweight newbie is not a skill they learn at school. If Finland is covered in snow for half the year, then by golly I was going to use it to my advantage. This is what they do not tell you in health magazines. If you have your own skis they also offer a waxing and repair service, in order to avoid unnecessarily embarrassing tumbles while you find your feet.
Helsinki City Tourist Info operates at Pohjoisesplanadi 19. It is possi-
ble to buy combination skis and boots suitable for both styles. The City of Helsinki official web page in five languages: www.hel.fi Event guide of Helsinki: www.helsinki.fi Event calendar for the whole winter can be found at www.hel2.fi/tourism. The wax is crucial for Nordic style skiing, as it provides the traction for your forward movement. HELSINKI TIMES
WINTER SPORTS & TRAVEL
17 23 OCTOBER 2008
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Balance and wax: the keys to skiing like a pro
SC ANS TOCKPHOTO
Cross country skiing has progressed from a necessary means of transport to an enjoyable and efficient form of exercise in Finland. I struggled round the 6km track on the lake the easiest way for beginners to get started, as there are no hills and walked home, trying not to look the swishing 6-yearolds in the eye.
skis rather carelessly before heading out. Skiing in southern Finland has been difficult in recent years, as the climate has been warmer than usual. Failing to adequately wax your skis is a big mistake, in other words, and examining mine later it became clear that my right ski was slathered in the stuff while my left ski had barely a few spots. In the Helsinki region the Paloheinä
centre is the best option, it also offers ski rental for 25 euros per day. Skating style skiing is much more energetic, but possibly easier to master for those who already know how to skate. In competitions the wax-free style is faster, so they have separate events: Freestyle for the faster, unwaxed skiers and Nordic for those with waxed skis who use the grooved track.
Cross country skiing has evolved from an archaic means of transport to a modern competitive sport and popular form of recreation.
SC ANS TOCKPHOTO H E L S I N G I N K A U P U N G I N K U VA PA N K K I / T I M O N I U K K A N E N
Remember to wax "Did you wax your skis properly?" she asked innocently, after enjoying a couple of hours of hilarious entertainment at my expense