It is my hope that we'll have several special guests involved with the Junior Racer program this year. Guest skiers will most likely join us for a Friday session and not only ski with our group, but also discuss an important topic (nutrition, race day preparation, waxing, healthy choices, etc.) and answer questions. While we don't have all our guests for the season confirmed yet, here's a preview of the current status.
The current plan involves having a few CVU skiers to come help us with a wax demo on the basics of waxing and prepping skis. In addition, there may even be more than a few CVU skiers joining us for a "ski with a CVUer" day which would be a good opportunity for Junior Racers to ask a few questions and learn a bit about what it's like to ski on a high school team. We'll also be seeing a lot of high school racers at the races that we attend so that will be good exposure to the scene as well.
Another guest that we've already got confirmed is ELISSA REHM. Elissa is a former CVU skier who went on to ski for four years at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. She was a great leader on the CVU team during her very sucessful high school career and was a carnival skier at Williams so has put in many miles on the road and on her skis. She will traveling from Worcester, MA to be with us and is very excited to ski with members of our Junior Racer program and offer her expertise.
JESSE DOWNS is one of the top biathletes in the nation and we are very lucky that he has generously offered his time to come for a ski and chat with members of our Junior Racer program. Jesse is originally from New York state and skied for Northern Michigan University. Since then he has gone on to great success as a biathlete and races for the National Guard while living in Jericho, VT. He is a member of the Army World Class Athlete Program and is currently focused on securing a spot on the US Olympic team for 2010. Given this, his presence at one of our guest sessions is dependent on his extremely busy schedule over these next months. Even if we can't pin him down for a visit quite yet, we'll look forward to following his progress and wish him fast legs and steady arms for the upcoming season!
And....there are more guests in the works, so stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Get your gear!
Stopped by Skirack yesterday to check out the goods they've got in store for our Junior Racers! Kyle (he's a former CVU skier and big Sleepy Hollow supporter!) was there and ever so helpful. The Skirack will be offering our crew TEAM PRICING so if you need some gear, they are a great resource. You can check them out at www.skirack.com to browse a bit, but I definitely recommend going into the store to get fit. If you have any questions about equipment for this season, don't hesitate to get in touch with me!
As skiers are expected to be skiing both skate/freestyle and classic techniques in the Junior Racer program there might be new issues that arise when selecting gear. There are several options. For skis, there are combi skis (on which you can do both skate and classic techniques, but that, no surprise here, are not ideal for either type of skiing), skate skis, and classic skis. The Skirack has both junior and adult skis in stock with junior skis typically being appropriate for skiers under 100lbs (a lot of proper ski fitting has to do with weight). Bindings are bindings when it comes to the race-type bindings as there is no difference in junior versus adult there. Once again there is the combi concept and then skate and classic, so don't forget to factor in the price of multiple bindings if you are getting multiple skis. We'll be going over some of the basics of the differences in equipment and what characteristics make skis and bindings skate or classic specific when we meet, but, once again, let me know if you have questions.
There are also combi boots, skate boots, and classic boots. Here, the combi option actually does work well. I skied on combi boots for quite a while when I was starting out and the extra support that they offer (since you need more support for skating) was really a benefit and a comfort as far as keeping me on top of my classic skis and not so wobbly. Skate boots and classic boots do have certain features that make them better suited for their individual techniques, but with growing feet, I gladly endorse use of a combi boot to save money and keep things simple.
As far as poles go, there isn't really a combi option as pole length really influences efficiency and comfort in each technique. There has long been debate on proper pole length for both techniques and many reference points that have evaded true consensus. For our purposes, here are some general guidelines. You'll want a classic pole that goes to the armpit and a skate pole that hits between the chin and your lips. When starting out, better to go on the shorter side than longer, but also realize that most poles (depending on material) can be cut down to size if needed. There are also different straps for poles - there is the more traditional loop strap and then more of a racer strap which velcros around the hand for greater control.
I was given some price range info, which I am happy to supply if you contact me, but I also suggest going into the Skirack to get more accurate and specific pricing. Other area stores may also have appropriate equipment, but I don't know of their stock or pricing. I believe we are beyond the ski swap season by now, but those can be good options for equipment as well. There is also the rental program at Sleepy Hollow which is a great option for growing skiers!
***Please let me know as soon as possible if anyone is finding that obtaining equipment is a barrier to participation in the program so that we can find a solution early***
As skiers are expected to be skiing both skate/freestyle and classic techniques in the Junior Racer program there might be new issues that arise when selecting gear. There are several options. For skis, there are combi skis (on which you can do both skate and classic techniques, but that, no surprise here, are not ideal for either type of skiing), skate skis, and classic skis. The Skirack has both junior and adult skis in stock with junior skis typically being appropriate for skiers under 100lbs (a lot of proper ski fitting has to do with weight). Bindings are bindings when it comes to the race-type bindings as there is no difference in junior versus adult there. Once again there is the combi concept and then skate and classic, so don't forget to factor in the price of multiple bindings if you are getting multiple skis. We'll be going over some of the basics of the differences in equipment and what characteristics make skis and bindings skate or classic specific when we meet, but, once again, let me know if you have questions.
There are also combi boots, skate boots, and classic boots. Here, the combi option actually does work well. I skied on combi boots for quite a while when I was starting out and the extra support that they offer (since you need more support for skating) was really a benefit and a comfort as far as keeping me on top of my classic skis and not so wobbly. Skate boots and classic boots do have certain features that make them better suited for their individual techniques, but with growing feet, I gladly endorse use of a combi boot to save money and keep things simple.
As far as poles go, there isn't really a combi option as pole length really influences efficiency and comfort in each technique. There has long been debate on proper pole length for both techniques and many reference points that have evaded true consensus. For our purposes, here are some general guidelines. You'll want a classic pole that goes to the armpit and a skate pole that hits between the chin and your lips. When starting out, better to go on the shorter side than longer, but also realize that most poles (depending on material) can be cut down to size if needed. There are also different straps for poles - there is the more traditional loop strap and then more of a racer strap which velcros around the hand for greater control.
I was given some price range info, which I am happy to supply if you contact me, but I also suggest going into the Skirack to get more accurate and specific pricing. Other area stores may also have appropriate equipment, but I don't know of their stock or pricing. I believe we are beyond the ski swap season by now, but those can be good options for equipment as well. There is also the rental program at Sleepy Hollow which is a great option for growing skiers!
***Please let me know as soon as possible if anyone is finding that obtaining equipment is a barrier to participation in the program so that we can find a solution early***
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Looking ahead...
There are big things coming down the line for the Sleepy Hollow BKL Junior Racers!
Rumor has it that we've already got some skiers signing up for the program and some good interest drumming up in the area for the program. Keep spreading the word and checking back here for updates!
As stated, the program will be meeting Tuesdays and Fridays in January and February so our first meeting is Tuesday January 5th.
The following schedule is a list of races that we may or may not elect to attend, but it will at least give you an idea of possible offerings for our races this coming season. These are high school races that have 'middle school' components as well. I have starred races with an * that I think may be good ones for us to go to as a group, but this is subject to change.
Saturday, January 9th, Sleepy Hollow hosted by South Burlington, Classic *
Wednesday, January 13th, Colchester, Freestyle
Saturday, January 16th, U32, Freestyle*
Thursday, February 4th, CollinsP, Freestyle Relays
Tuesday, February 9th, Colchester, Freestyle Relays*
Saturday, February 20th, Ethan Allen Range, Classic*
There is also a NENSA race at Trapps on February 6-7 which is open to J2 skiers, which may apply to some of our skiers (age 14-15 as of 12/31/09, born in 1994-1995). There is a classic 5k on Saturday the 6th and a freestyle 5k on Sunday the 7th.
The 2010 Bill Koch Youth Ski League Festival is in Pineland Farms, Maine, February 27-28!!!
Rumor has it that we've already got some skiers signing up for the program and some good interest drumming up in the area for the program. Keep spreading the word and checking back here for updates!
As stated, the program will be meeting Tuesdays and Fridays in January and February so our first meeting is Tuesday January 5th.
The following schedule is a list of races that we may or may not elect to attend, but it will at least give you an idea of possible offerings for our races this coming season. These are high school races that have 'middle school' components as well. I have starred races with an * that I think may be good ones for us to go to as a group, but this is subject to change.
Saturday, January 9th, Sleepy Hollow hosted by South Burlington, Classic *
Wednesday, January 13th, Colchester, Freestyle
Saturday, January 16th, U32, Freestyle*
Thursday, February 4th, CollinsP, Freestyle Relays
Tuesday, February 9th, Colchester, Freestyle Relays*
Saturday, February 20th, Ethan Allen Range, Classic*
There is also a NENSA race at Trapps on February 6-7 which is open to J2 skiers, which may apply to some of our skiers (age 14-15 as of 12/31/09, born in 1994-1995). There is a classic 5k on Saturday the 6th and a freestyle 5k on Sunday the 7th.
The 2010 Bill Koch Youth Ski League Festival is in Pineland Farms, Maine, February 27-28!!!
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