New on the trail: skating or classic? How to discover the right technology for you
It's a question of style: first-timers in the world of fitness sports in particular need clues as to which technique to choose and when. You always hear and read about "classic versus skating". But what is it actually about?
Here you can find out the differences, tips for getting started and the advantages of each variant.
Two options
You are a winner as soon as you strap on your cross-country skis
It's nice that there are decisions in life where both options are right . The two basic styles of cross-country skiing, skating and classic, are equally healthy for the heart and circulation. It is advisable to take into account the sporting experience you have gained up to this point in order to choose the variant of Nordic sport that is perhaps the more obvious choice for you personally.
Classic technology
3 strong arguments in favor of the classic technique as an introduction
- The most obvious difference is the appearance of the trail. Where classic-style skiers move, you will find two groomed, parallel tracks that "guide" you a little more than those of the skaters. This "guide track" minimizes the risk of falling and also guides beginners safely from the starting point to the end point. Caution: Nevertheless, you should choose a trail that corresponds to your current skill level in order to have an enjoyable experience.
- The push-off movements are easy to learn with this technique and result in a diagonal step that moves you forward. The step is considered easy because it is very similar to the running step.
- According to training theory, anyone aiming to improve their basic endurance is well advised to take up classic cross-country skiing as a sport, especially as it allows you to keep your heart rate within an easily regulated range for a relatively long time.
Skating
Dynamic skating style: out of the comfort zone
- To start with the obvious again: In contrast to the classic technique just presented, there are no pre-made track grooves in skating. In this more dynamic variant of Nordic sports, you start with the skate step. First a pole push and then two gliding phases on one ski at a time. The magic word is "timing"! Correctly timed gliding and pole insertion require practice and internalization of the technique. Beginners sometimes stumble here. But with patience and enthusiasm comes confidence - so get on with the challenge!
- Once you have a solid foundation in skating, the only limit is your own physical and mental boundaries. Fighters push themselves to the limit when skating and do interval training sessions until they are exhausted. But ambitious hobby skaters can also achieve just as much for themselves. The key is to find a good mix of enjoyment and motivated drive.
- Completely free of performance ambitions and always at a leisurely pace, learning the skating style is still a good idea: steeper climbs are simply easier to master with this technique. And after all, there are plenty of magnificent cross-country ski trails that should not be missed because of individual passages.
Smooth meets rough & high meets low
Skis & boots are also different
The ski
The difference between skating skis and classic skis is not huge. But it's the small details that make the difference. Gliding plays an important role in skating, which is why the ski has a smooth surface throughout.
The classic style is different: you are constantly pushing off, which is why the boards have a roughened zone in the middle.
Another feature is the length of the skis. While the slightly longer classic skis are roughly the same height plus 20 centimetres, the skating skis are only ten centimetres longer.
The boot
The skating boot has a higher design to provide better lateral support. Additional stability is provided by an articulated cuff. The requirement for the sole is to enable a powerful footprint. This is why it is designed to be torsion-resistant.
The classic shoe is softer and flatter to ensure good forward and backward movement. The sole is flexible at the front for a natural rolling motion.
Combi or persuit boots are a middle ground and are sometimes chosen if you want to start with classic and move into skating later.
Choice without agony
Skating or classic?
Whichever style you prefer, whether you choose the more common entry route via the classic technique or want to become a direct skater - cross-country skiing is healthy, fitness-enhancing and energizing in both cases!
Tip
Learn the technique from the pros
Cross-country skiing is a sport that is all the more fun the better you master the underlying technique! Learn the basics at one of the region's excellent cross-country ski schools or hone your skills with a trainer! This will make the Nordic sport even more fun!
