On 11/13/2011 6:21 PM, dardruba wrote:
I think an a brief explanation about the need for wax would be
beneficial at this early stage.
I've seen so many newbies thrutching about on hire skis in the Scottish
forests over the years. They generally have good walking clothing
suitable for the winter season and then a weekend parttimer hires them
skis, boots and poles with a statement that 'if you can walk you can
ski' but has no time to explain to them the basics of grip and glide.

On 13/11/2011 20:48, wrote:
Gary,

I think the following sources will help in piecing together your
article:
- xcskiworld.com
- http://www.rideandglide.org/
- http://www.a2skiclub.org/nordicski.htm

Gene

On Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:08:22 -0500
wrote:

I am writing a short article for my local XC club newsletter, aimed
at new XC skiers (or maybe the guys just trying it for the first time
ever), about the basic equipment needed.

Things you need to have a good experience XC skiing:
(assumes little or no grooming, East coast kind of snow (ie; wettish)


The obvious things are;
skis
poles
boots
Clothing
Wipe on wax



Am I forgetting anything essential?

What kind of clothing can I suggest for a newbie? It does not seem
likely that they will buy a lot of XC specific gear..... what kind of
clothing will the average person have around that might be suitable?

Thanks
GR


In this neck of the woods (upstate NY) the new skiers always start with
fishscale skis, largely because we have quite variable temperatures and
snow types. So, grip wax would not be useful to newbies, but glide and
wax to stop icing would be great for them to know about.

This is a chance to mention one of my favorite products; Start Grip
tape. I would not be using waxable skis, except for this stuff. It is so
durable and has such a wide temperature range, and most importantly;
does not have to be messed with each time I go skiing , that it deserves
high praise.
GR