Equipment Guide 2009 -10

Equipment and Clothing

What to buy and when

Alpine skiing is a “gear intensive” sport but does not require you to buy expensive equipment all the time. It is possible to spend considerable sums of money on equipment. However, by shopping wisely, buying used equipment, and only buying what is essential, you can keep costs down.

All K1 racers will need the following equipment:

                        -One pair GS skis

                        - One pair Slalom skis

                        - Ski boots.

                        - Ski poles. We recommend that racers have two sets of poles - one for GS and one for Slalom. They are not an expensive item and having a pair of Slalom and a pair of GS poles prevents the racer having to take the pole guards on and off the poles [see below under protective equipment].

                        -Helmet.

                        - Goggles.

                        - Gloves.

                        - Jacket and pants.

                        - Speed suit.

                        - Protective equipment: shin guards, pole guards, chin guards, mouth guard,

                        - Slalom shorts [not essential, but recommended].

                        - Ski Bag.

                        - Tuning kit.

The following give some specific guidelines on what to look for when purchasing this equipment. Always look for equipment that was designed for junior racing as opposed to recreation gear. All junior racing products have been designed specifically with junior racing speeds and athlete sizes in mind. We recognize that this can be overwhelming for those new to the sport of ski racing. Thus we recommend that you be in close contact with the head coach to ensure that your athlete has the appropriate equipment that will do the job but not be prohibitively expensive.

Skis

                        - It is beneficial to go shorter rather than longer when choosing length for the entry-level participants.

                        - A shorter ski will facilitate turning, allowing quicker progression of basic skills and definitely increasing the athletes' enjoyment of skiing.

                        - The ski should be between the nose and the top of the forehead for entry level participants.

                        - Longer skis may be appropriate as skill acquisition occurs. Purchasing skis that are too long may impede skill development in the long term.

                        - Do not feel as though you have to buy new skis. Many used skis are available that have had limited use as they have been used solely for racing and not training by athletes. These skis are virtually new yet cost a fraction of the price.

                        - How do you know if you're looking at a Slalom or GS ski? It will be marked on the ski -- look for SL or GS. The length will also be marked on the ski.

FIS (International Ski Federation) rules apply for K1 skis:

                        - Minimum length for Slalom skis: 130 cm.

                        - Minimum length for GS skis: 140cm (it should be marked on the ski)

Please refer to the following weight rating for ski selection:

Bindings

Bindings are a very important part of the equipment, and it is important to get a junior binding for K 1 athletes. FIS rule applies: the distance between the sole of the ski and the sole of the foot cannot exceed 50 mm.

Ski Boots

We strongly recommend that you purchase your boots at a ski store accomplished in fitting racer boots. Some suitable stores are listed below.

A distinction needs to be made with respect to performance and comfort factors in boot fitting, keeping in mind that there are 2 options in boots for the entry level athlete; rear entry and overlap design. The overlap design has a cuff that articulates with the lower shell using a hinge at the ankle joint. This design provides performance for the entry level participant by allowing natural ankle flexion, due to the hinged cuff of the boot. The overlap design also allows for lateral action of the lower leg, a critical factor in skill development. Rear entry design is comprised of a single piece of plastic encompassing the foot. This design provides warmth, and is considered to offer a comfortable fit. However, overlap design is the one required for entry level athletes. Do not purchase a rear entry boot for your athlete.

For the entry level, a softer boot with greater flex will be more effective than a stiffer boot, due to strength limitations and skill level. To determine if a boot is soft enough, you should be able to see the forward boot flexion happening in the upper cuff simultaneously with the lower leg. If the lower leg moves forward and the upper cuff moves very little, then the boot is too stiff. The boots should not inhibit the natural alignment of the athlete.

Growth of the participants' feet during the season needs to be considered, but similar to skis, buying boots oversized is counterproductive for both performance and fit. Boots that are fitted poorly have the potential to cause bone spurs and possible medical problems in the long term.

Foot beds are an important factor for performance but at the entry level, foot beds do not play an important role due to growth and cost factors. This only becomes a concern at the K2 level.

Ski poles

GS are slightly curved, whereas Slalom poles are straight [see images below]. Although some racers have two sets of poles, this is not essential provided that you are prepared to take the pole guards on and off the poles [see below under protective equipment]. Poles are not an expensive item and as a result most racers find it easier to purchase two pairs. If you elect to purchase just one set of poles you should choose the Slalom style.

Helmet

The helmet should be a racing helmet [as distinct from recreational] with the ears covered by a hard shell. It must be capable of accepting a chin guard. The various makes of helmets fit quite differently. To find the helmet that fits best with the greatest comfort we recommend you try a selection before making a final purchase. Given the importance of the helmet we recommend you only buy new.

Goggles

Goggles should be a good fit with the helmet and have a good quality lens.

Gloves

There is no need to purchase expensive racing style, leather gloves. Any decent glove will suffice, although we recommend you have a spare pair in case the primary pair becomes soaked.

Jacket

All athletes require a warm jacket. Most choose to purchase the WMSC club jacket. However the wearing of the club uniform is not mandatory. Good deals can be found by purchasing a used jacket from either the WMSC buy and sell site or the soft good swap [see below for details].

Pants

Pants must have a full leg zipper for easy removal. These can be purchased at the club as part of the club uniform. As with the jackets, used pants can be found either on the WMSC buy and sell site or at the soft good swap [see below for details].

Speed suit

All athletes will require a speed suit. These can either come with integrated padding [a GS suit], or be without padding. For K1’s padding is not necessary but neither is it a problem to have. In terms of size while it is good to have some room, too big becomes less wind resistant and thus will defeat the purpose. A used speed suit rather than a new one will be perfectly adequate.

Shin Guards

Shin guards protect the athlete’s lower leg when they get close to the slalom gates. They are strapped on using Velcro. All athletes should have them. Shin guards come in different sizes and should cover the knee and extend down to just over the boot cuff. We suggest you try to find used shin guards.

Pole guards

Pole guards protect the athlete's hands as they hit the Slalom poles. All athletes should have them. One type covers the fist and another type goes right over the top of the pole handle. Either of these types are acceptable for K1. Note that pole guards are only used in Slalom and thus if you choose to purchase just one set of ski poles they will need to be removed when the athlete trains or races GS. Used pole guards will be perfectly adequate

Chin Guard

A chin guard is screwed onto an athlete's helmet to prevent Slalom poles hitting their face. All athletes should have a chin guard. Each chin guard is brand specific. Thus your chin guard needs to be made by the same manufacturer as the helmet. We recommend you purchase it at the same time as you purchase the helmet. Chin guards can only be worn in Slalom. They must always be removed when training or racing GS or free skiing. The athlete must be able to take their chin guard on and off without assistance.

Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are highly recommended for all racers engaging in gate training and competition activities. Not only have they been shown to minimize injury to teeth and mouth tissues during any kind of impact, but also relate to concussion issues from sudden acceleration of the lower jaw in the event of head trauma. It is important to note there are a number of types of mouth guards available, some of which are not particularly useful such as the “boil and bite” type found on shelves at sporting goods out-lets . Better to consult with your family dentist or check with the club for special arrangements and team pricing for custom manufactured models.

Back Protector

Now common for all racers competing in speed events (Super G and Downhill), modern back protectors offer a critical layer of protection against impact and injury to the vertebrae and spinal cord resulting from high speed falls or whiplash type decelerations. There are a number of different models available specifically designed for ski racers. Check with your coach for advice on which models are best suited to your athlete’s age and body type.

Slalom shorts

Slalom shorts, like the pants, have full-length side zippers. Although they are not essential, many athletes choose to wear Slalom shorts as they make it easier for SL training when wearing a GS suit and shin pads.

Stealth Top

The stealth top is worn under the speed suit for added protection when skiing GS. It is not necessary for first-year K1s and only becomes important when the skier begins to ski so close to the GS gates that they are likely to hit them.

Ski Bag

A ski bag big enough for two pairs of skis is necessary for away trips. Try and find a used one, or perhaps you know of someone who has one you may borrow.

Backpack

All athletes need to have a small backpack which they can take up on the hill. In this backpack they should have water, snacks and other equipment as specified by their coach.

Tuning Kit

In K1 athletes are expected to tune their own skis. Instruction is given at the start of the season to both athletes and parents. However, they will need to have a basic tuning kit consisting of the following:

                        - Ski vices.

                        - Elastic bands or break retention device.

                        - Ski brush (nylon and horse hair - sometimes brass).

                        - File card (or wire brush to remove filings).

                        - 6-10” metal files (mill bastard 2nd cut).

                        - 89-87 degree side file guides (0.5-1.5 degree base bevel & 89-87 degree side bevel).

                        - Soft or “Gummy” stone.

                        - Diamond stone (medium to fine).

                        - Quality Alpine ski hot wax (variety of snow temps).

                        - Waxing Iron.

                        - Plastic Scraper.

Everything should be put into a toolbox big enough to add more equipment as tuning skills develop.  you may soon want to find an area at home to designate a ski tuning area. Typically workshops or garages work well. For travel a soft-sided carrying case is recommended to reduce weight.

Where to buy new equipment

A number of sources are available to purchase both new and used equipment.

Local stores

Cleves – Source for Sports - Ski Wentworth, Truro, and Halifax

Aerobics First - Halifax

Hub Cycle - Truro

 When you go to purchase your equipment mention you are a WMSC racer and ask for a racer discount. The amount of the discount depends not only on the store but other sales and specials that are going on at that time.

Manufacturer Direct 

Elan Skis pleased to offer any Club Racer their RACER DISCOUNT which means that you can purchase JR RACE STOCK skis & Bindings for $420.00 per pair (+ tax & shipping) or FIS LEGAL Race Stock SLX and GSX skis plates and bindings for $920.00 per pair 

Please contact Gregor Byrne at BACK40@ns.aliantzinc.ca  902-209-7297

for more details and availability of sizes

On-line stores

There are a number of on-line stores that offer significant discounts on racer equipment, even when exchange rates, shipping and duty are factored in. Some of the stores you may want to check out include the following:

                        http://www.race-werks.com/

                        http://www.reliableracing.com/wintersports.cfm?c=w

                        http://www.the-raceplace.com/index.html

                        http://www.artechski.com/index.aspx

                        http://www.sportinglife.ca/sportinglife/browse/category.jsp?categoryId=cat260004&addFacet=9004%3Acat260004

Where to buy used equipment

A lot of used equipment can be found at the club, and in fact this is your best and easiest source.

The Ski Swap

The Ski Swap that takes at Ski Wentworth. Only skis and boots are available at the Ski Swap.

Prepare for this by knowing the length and type of skis you are looking for before you go. Try to get there early on Saturday morning to get the best selection. Look for skis that have enough edge left on them and are in reasonable shape. WSRC coaches will be on hand to advise you.

Buy and Sell

WSRC has a buy and sell area on the website where members can advertise items they wish to sell. It can be accessed at www.wentworthracing.org.  We recommend you check this website frequently for items. In addition, you may want to consider placing a "wanted" ad on this site.