Track Attack (TA) – Competitive Program

The checklist for TA skiers (ages 9-12)

Equipment:
Classic Gear:
•waxable classic skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight ( please have the camber & kick zone checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head or slightly longer is the approximate size ski length for this age group & skill level). Have your kick zones marked with permanent marker on the ski sidewall.
•classic poles- pole top/handle straps should be between the armpit & top of shoulder. Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
•classic boots that fit well. No lift or rubbing in the heel area. A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.
•skate skis that are appropriate for your child’s weight (please have the camber checked at a reputable ski store for weight) and height (tops curve over the head).
•skate poles- pole top/handle straps should be between chin and nose. Straps should be adjusted so hands are close to the pole.
•skate ski boots that fit well. No lift or rubbing in the heel area. A way to snug them up tightly ie) laces or pull tie.

Clothing:
3 w’s wicking layer (no cotton):
•under layer (wicking layer -to take dampness away from the skin such as polypropylene long underwear or wool (NO cotton!))
•mid layer (warm layer– fleece or wool works well)
•windproof layer (our club jacket and a pair of light windproof pants will work)

A vest is a good to keep your core warm. It is better to dress in multiple thin layers, rather than one bulky one. (you can regulate your temperature better). Be warm but avoid sweating – take off layers as needed and make sure your outer layers are breathable. Being damp is what will make you cold (especially if you have to stop moving)
•appropriate ski socks (no cotton)-You can again use the 3 Ws; wicking, warm, then your boots are the wind layer. It’s better to have two thin socks than one pair of bulky thick socks. If your feet are prone to getting cold, then get a ‘boot warmer’. (It’s a layer you put over your boots that are designed for ski boots and bindings). For kids- a large wool sock over their boot, (with the appropriate holes cut in it to accommodate bindings) will suffice as a boot warmer.
•mitts are warmer than gloves (no cotton). Again, for colder days, layering mitts are a good idea. Some little fleece mittens work well inside a x-country ski mitten for cold days. Instant hand warmers (‘hot shots’) are good if your hands get really cold.
•a toque
•thin neck buff (Lycra)
•sunglasses (for weekends)
•Headlamp mandatory (for evening classes)
•Plastic whistle mandatory for emergencies (no metal whistles)
•Wrist watch for ski events

Other:

•Water bottle and holder (the bottle needs to be covered or it will freeze)
•Snack for after practice
•Hip pack to carry water bottle and whistle. Backpacks are not optimal as they can throw the skier off balance especially when skate skiing.

Wax: (for the family)

For starting out, 3 hard waxes will suffice-for example: Swix green (-10/-20C), Swix blue extra (v40 -1/-7C), Swix red (-1/+2)
•Cork
•Scraper
•Wax remover- I like “KUU” bio citron base cleaner ( pump bottle)
•Shop cloths (lint free cloths- blue shop towels from Canadian Tire work great). The x-c version is called
•fiberlene-it’s much more expensive)
•Universal klister

Nice to have:
•Balaclava for our coldest days
•Ear warmers or headband for warmer days
•Other waxes not on the above list