Cross-skating – discover nature on wheels
Cross-skating is getting more and more popular
In the mid 90s the first Nordic skates with pneumatic tyres were introduced to the German market. Powerslide and Skike have become market. Leaders in the meantime. Nordic skating evolved from inline-skating. By using ski poles skate-skiing is simulated. This way you train your whole body, without straining the joints. These Nordic skates with pneumatic tyres have made the new sport Nordic cross skating so popular and suitable for almost everyone.
Experiencing nature differently
The most favoured terrains for Nordic cross-skating are forest and meadow tracks or even gravel tracks, which – thanks to the pneumatic tyres – can also be used. Skating off the paved roads far away from neon lights and gyms is even more fun. Speed does not come first. What counts is experiencing nature in the fresh air and the workout for your whole body.
Nordic cross skating brings your whole body in good shape
When you do Nordic cross skating your whole upper body is active, since the poles totally support the movement The muscles of the spine, shoulders and arms as well as the whole cardiovascular system are trained. The interaction of arms and legs with their respective poles and skates emphasizes the coordinative aspect.
A perfect addition for many athletes
Many athletes are attracted to Nordic cross skating, for example inline-skaters who cannot train due to damp weather. It is also an off-snow training method for cross country skiers. The Nordic cross skating season lasts all year. There is hardly any compulsory break because of bad weather.
The equipment
For Nordic cross skating, also called Nordic inline and offroad skating you need a pair of Nordic skates and Nordic blading poles. We recommend Powerslide Nordic skates like Powerslide XC Trainer or XC Path. We also stock Komperdell and Leki Nordic blading poles. Protective gear should always be worn, including a helmet.
The movement
Since the movement is similar to skate skiing, the technique of Nordic cross skating has to be converted from
inline-skating. The longer wheelbase and the pneumatic tyres (6 ¼ - ca. 156mm) require the technique of
tip-turning when you do turns. Crossovers are not possible. Breaking is done with the help of a very effective
calf brake system using the Powerslide Nordic skates. Just put your right foot (with the calf brake) forward.
The body posture remains upright, your feet are placed in a slight step-position.
All in all the techniques of Nordic cross skating as well as skate skiing are quite complex. Learning how
to cross skate is easier than skating on skis, since you don’t have to use any edges.
The correct basic position is most important for an effective training which takes it easy on your joints.
Especially beginners should always make sure that the knees are slightly bent.
Pole techniques
Nordic blading poles should come up to your shoulders. Our formula is body length x 0.92. Hands are fixed to the poles with adjustable wrist straps. Best begin with the simple double poling technique, whereby the legs are not moved but all the entire thrust is provided by the two poles used together. Later double poling can be combined with strides in the one-step and two-step double pole techniques.
Here you find Nordic blading infos by Wikipedia on pole techniques which can be applied to Nordic cross skating.
The Nordic blading variant
Nordic blading means skating on inline-skates supported by poles. It requires less energy than Nordic cross skating. Inline-skating wheels have a lower rolling resistance compared to pneumatic tyres, so you can skate at a higher speed. But Nordic blading is only possible on tarmacced tracks. And skating on wet roads means a greater danger of falling.
Hints for the first steps
- Take your time and first train on plane and smooth tarmacced roads. Get to know your Nordic skates, become acquainted with the new movements and gain confidence.
- Don’t go from naught to 100. Some skaters choose a distance which is much too long for beginners. Go step by step, this way you will enjoy your training as well.
- Special Nordic gloves are available as an accessory. They prevent marks and blisters, caused by wrist straps.
- In our online-shop you find everything you need for Nordic cross training.
