size of junior skis

Question
QUESTION: hi lisa

my children are 10 and 12 and just under 5ft tall with slim build.
My 12yr old is a low intermediate and my 10yr old is a high beginner. I have seen a fab deal for some ross skis that are 130cm in length. are these long enough?
Also I am an intermediate skier whose confidence has gone since ripping my knee to shreds. any tips on how to get it back and also the one thing that is stopping me progressing is i am scared of compact and icy, again any tips on how to ski on that and overcome my fear. My partner is going from strength to strength and will ski on anything and im holding him back now.

please help asap.

thanks


ANSWER: Hi and thanks for the question
skis these days are not always about length it is more about the make-up of the ski and the speed and style of the skier.

Those who like to do lots of turns usually like softer shorter, whilst those who like to go fast will need a stiffer longer ski.
Note longer is only about 5-10cm.

The other consideration is that kids keep growing, so at 130cm you will probably find they will only do you one season. Aim to get skis about eye height will mean you will have a better chance at getting 2 seasons out of them.  130 - does that come up to at least their chin?  But then you have to take into consideration the stiffness and type of ski it is.

For yourself -
you need to strengthen you quads, hamstrings, lowerback, abdo and calves.  by doing this you will take some of the strain off your knees.

However - if you are skiing correctly - there isnt alotof strain on your knees - so perhaos shouting yourself a few lessons will be the best money you spend if you enjoy skiing with your family.  I suggest a few private lessons will be your most beneficial as you need to make finer adjustments and you may need help to adjust the way you ski [especially if one knoee is worse than the other].

Lots of walking, bike riding and swimming [use a kickboard] if you are unable to do squats and the likes. Strengthen your abdo and lower back as these are the major muscle groups to hold you up improving the way you stand on your skis.

Icy condititions are difficult to master.  Most often people overlook the condition of their equipment. If you know its going to be icy - take the time to get some edges on your skis. The best tipi can give you is to not make any "sudden moves".  When you are on ice - think about decreasing the number of movements you make - you have to quieten your body so you dont lose balance and then over compensate to correct it.  Try sideslipping - get a feel for your edges, know where they are and how to get on them. Sideslipping is also the best way to improve the way you stand on your skis - thats why so many people find it difficult to do.

I hope there is some useful information here
if you need clarification or more info, feel free
to ask.

goodluck

lisa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi lisa

thanks for getting back so soon. my son likes to just bomb down gentle slopes but my daughter is into doing parallel turns now and is getting quite good. she will still only go on easy reds though.
the style of ski i was thinking of buying is:

rossignol 9s world cup skis.

would they do for at least 1-2 seasons as they are only ?5 including bindings new.

My own skis are 154cm, would that effect the way i ski or not?


Answer
hi
with the shape ski you only need them to come up to your chin or nose.
Again it depends how stiff it is - the stiffer it is you get go shorter depending how you ski ... its not a matter of how long the ski is and how tall.  there are too many variables..... and it never gets easier.

Are the skis in a shop? can you talk to the sales person about them?
Take the kids with you if possible.

o your kids weigh about the same? Were you looking to get them a pair each or to share? As boot size and DIN will need to be adjusted between them.

Shorter skis for "bombing" will slow him down as the ski will get a 'death wobble' about it - the ski shakes underfoot under speed as it isnt able to cope with the vibrations. The flip side is - is that it is quite dangerous to ski on skis like these.

I think the length will be too short for them, unless the ski comes up to at lest their eyes when you buy them [or they wil be too short next year].

As for your skis - you dont say how tall you are - but if they come up to your chin/nose they should be fine. The longer the more effort you need to turn them - depending on the style of ski.

Its not like buying a pair of shoes im afraid ...if the length is right & the price is right - then go for it. You should be able to sell them when you no longer need them if you look after them over the summer.

goodluck
lisa