Trying to do everything possible so that the child grows up healthy, parents try to instill in him a love of sports. Often the choice falls on skiing. But here a number of questions arise. When to put the child on skis? What is the most suitable age?
At what age can a child be taught to ski?
Opinions of experts on this issue differ. Orthopedists, for example, believe that children should not engage in this sport before they reach the age of four. At an early age, the skeleton and skeletal system are actively formed. Therefore, serious classes should be postponed a little.
Trainers, in turn, are recruiting kids from the age of two in the section, considering this the most suitable age.
If you do not plan to make a world champion out of your child, you should stick to the middle ground and start classes from the age of three to four years.
Choosing skis
Do not buy skis "with a margin." Of course, children grow up quickly, but such a purchase would be inappropriate. For trial lessons it is better to use skis up to 70 cm long, which can be rented. So it will be easier for the child to master a new science.
If the kid liked the sport, it is worthwhile to purchase new skis, taking into account some requirements.
- Skis should correspond to the height of the child, the maximum allowable length is 5 cm above.
- If the baby’s height reaches 120 cm, it is necessary to buy skis according to “adult” rules. That is, the length should correspond to the distance from the floor to the palm of the hand raised up.
- The ski stick should be so long as to reach the armpits of the child.
- Up to 5 years a ski pole is not needed, it is better to use a tug.
Teaching children to ski will be easier if you follow these guidelines.
Dress for a ski trip correctly
A winter coat for this is not the most suitable option, it will be hot in it, and it’s just not very convenient. Therefore, it is worth buying a ski suit with fleece. You can wear a warm sweater under it, and a knitted hat on your head.
Shoes should also be comfortable, boots with a dull toe are best suited. Shoes should be fastened with a tight fitting strap.
How to teach children to ski
First you need to master the slide. To do this, take the skier's stance: legs need to be slightly bent and lean forward. Then a slight movement is made with one foot, the weight of the body is transferred to it. After that, repeat the same with the second leg. The duration of the slide depends on the strength of the shock.
Having learned to make such movements, you can continue using sticks.
Turn and Up
How to teach children to ski and make turns? For this, a method of crossing is suitable. To turn right, you need to cross with your right foot without tearing off the end of the ski from the snow. In the same way the left ski is rearranged. With the right alternation, snow should leave traces resembling diverging rays.
You can use several methods for lifting.
- "A little thing." This technique is useful for climbing a slope of medium steepness. One ski is placed on the entire plane, and the second edge.
- "Ladder". You need to stand with your left side to the hill. Skis are parallel. The first step is done with the left foot, the second with the right. With the help of sticks it is easy to climb a steep slope.
- For a gentle slope, you need to use stepping steps , slamming your skis in the snow.
If you do not know how to teach children to ski so that the procedure goes without injuries and disappointments, contact the instructor. He will teach basic techniques and help to avoid mistakes.
Descent and braking
The descent is the most exciting moment in skiing. But it should be done correctly. You need to take the skier's stance, push off well and go down, performing springy movements with your legs. When descending a steep hill, the legs should be in the most bent position.
Before climbing the slope, you need to learn how to slow down. When sliding one of the skis, transfer the weight of the body to it. At this time, the toe of the second ski is slightly directed towards the first, resting on the inner rib.
In principle, these are all the basic answers to the question of how to teach children to ski. Most importantly, show maximum exposure. Do not scold the baby if something does not work out. But at the same time, it is important to train him in ski discipline. Otherwise, pampering can result in a fall and even injury.
Teaching children to ski is best done in a less crowded place. This will not only avoid collisions, but also focus on the lesson.
Having taught the child how to ride, you can go skiing with the whole family. This is a great leisure time, which is not only good for health, but also helps to make family relationships warm and friendly. Believe me, a child will appreciate such a holiday and will tell his friends for a long time how he moved down the steepest hill.