Elpex guide to getting started with roller skiing
Roller skiing is one of the best ways to train cardio, strength, and balance. You work your entire body while keeping the impact on your knees and joints low. This is why roller skiing has become a popular form of exercise for both elite athletes and recreational skiers.
Many people think roller skiing is difficult to start with, but with the right equipment and a few simple tips, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to get started.
Which roller skis should you choose as a beginner?
When you start roller skiing, stability is more important than speed. A stable model makes it easier to find your balance and provides a more secure feeling on the road.
For classic skiing, models like Elpex Classic Wasa are a great choice for beginners. The wide wheels provide stable tracking and make the roller skis feel secure from the very first session.
If you want a slightly more responsive feel but still plenty of stability, Elpex Classic Team is also a good option for recreational skiers.
If you skate in winter and want to train the same technique in summer, Elpex Skate Race is a common choice. Skate requires a bit more balance, but it gives a more dynamic skiing style once you’ve got the technique down.
Classic roller skis or skate
A common question is whether to start with classic or skate.
Classic roller skiing means the skis move in parallel and you propel yourself forward through double poling or diagonal striding. Classic roller skis have a ratchet mechanism in the rear wheel, which prevents the ski from rolling backward when you kick off.
Skating works more like ice skating, where you push off in a V-shaped motion. Skate skis do not have a ratchet in the wheels and therefore require more balance.
For most beginners, classic roller skis are the easiest to start with because the skiing feels more stable and controlled.
What equipment is needed for roller skiing?
A big advantage of roller skiing is that you often already have some of the equipment at home. Boots, gloves, and poles are usually the same as those used for cross-country skiing in the winter.
What you normally need is:
- roller skis
- bindings
- boots
- poles
- helmet
- gloves
The poles should have tips adapted for asphalt. Roller ski tips wear down against the surface and need to be sharpened regularly to maintain a good grip. With a diamond file, you can easily sharpen the tips and restore the grip in your pole stroke.
Where should you go roller skiing?
When you start roller skiing, it’s best to choose a quiet bike path with good asphalt and little traffic. A relatively flat stretch makes it easier to focus on balance and technique.
Avoid steep hills in the beginning. The most important thing during your first few sessions is that you feel in control of your speed and learn to turn safely.
As your balance improves, you can gradually start going for longer rounds and more hilly roads.
How to start roller skiing
Your first sessions don’t need to be long. The most important thing is to get your body used to the movement and find your balance.
A good first session could look like this:
- ten minutes of easy skiing
- a few short technical sections where you focus on balance and calm pole strokes
- ten to fifteen minutes of easy skiing again
After a few sessions, your balance usually improves quickly and the skiing starts to feel more natural.
Why roller skiing is such great exercise
Roller skiing trains almost the entire body. Arms, back, stomach, and legs work together in every pole stroke. At the same time, the impact on the joints is low because the movement is smooth and gliding.
For many recreational athletes, roller skiing is therefore a great alternative to running. You get effective cardio training without the hard impact on your body.
Summary
Roller skiing is an effective and fun form of exercise that suits both beginners and experienced skiers. With stable roller skis, the right equipment, and easy first sessions, you’ll quickly get into the swing of things.
Feel free to start with classic roller skis, choose a stable model, and practice on quiet roads. Once you have your balance, both technique and fitness will develop naturally.