Junior Nordic Kindergarten

Februry 10th

February 4th

January 28th

> January 20th
>
> Thanks: Laurie, Patrick, Nick, and Maureen for doing an excellent job
> running the activity stations at session #3.  Thanks for all other parents
> who came and helped, too.  Next week our assistants are Janet Frank, Jen
> Gillespie, Ryan Gunter, and Amy Starkovich.
>
> Session #3 was mostly about social interaction: skiing with friends,
> feeling independent, and having some silly fun.
>
> Session #4 is going to re-introduce the concepts of kick and glide.  Most
> of our skiers are already doing some kicking and gliding, but with little
> weight transfer.  It can take years to fully develop these skills, so
> we’re looking for just a small improvement over the course of an hour.
> Equipment will matter, so please, make sure your child shows up with skis
> that will actually glide!  This is a good time to apply glide wax to your
> child’s skis.  Go to a ski shop or ask us if you have questions about
> equipment.  548-0815.
>
> Be sure to mark your kindergartener’s ski sessions on their medals for
> miles sheet!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kevin  and Marlene
>
> P.S. The official announcement came out this week, and Torin is on his 3rd
> Olympic team.  Go Leavenworth, GO USA!
 

January 12^th

 January 5th, 2010

First of all, a big thanks to our assistants: Janet, Jen, Ryan, and Tina. Next week our assistants will be Amy Starkovich, Diana Runions, Glenn Ostrem, and Shannon Fallon.

Session #1 was all about setting the tone for the season, and getting moving on skis.  We accomplished those tasks.  Marlene and I were surprised how well everyone skied.  You should all be very proud of your children, they are wonderful people.  Our job will be easy this winter.

Session #2 will introduce poles.  Poles are important in cross-country skiing—for propulsion.  However, Learning to ski with them can make the skiing awkward at first, because it takes a bit more coordination.

Let’s make sure the kids have the right poles before they come to practice.   In classical cross-country skiing, ski poles should be just tall enough that they are snug in the skier’s armpit (or thereabout).  The poles need to be cross-country poles (not downhill poles).  Downhill poles have different grips, straps, and baskets—made for skiing downhill.  The way the grips and straps work on cross-country poles is specific for cross-country skiing.   It can be confusing, so call us if you have questions.  548-0815.

One more thing: use a sharpie pen and write your child’s name on their skis!

See you at Session #2!

Kevin and Marlene
 

What can I do to get ready?

• Make sure your child's equipment fits and is functional. 
  • The best thing to do is take your child, with all their gear and clothing, to one of the local sporting good stores and have everything checked out.
  • The following local sports stores specialize in cross-country gear:  Leavenworth Mountain Sports, Der Sportsman, Arlberg, and The Second Wind

Have your kids ski around the living room.  It's a great way to test skis and boots for fit, and it's fun too!

Kindergarten Equipment:

Skis: Waxless Classical

• What are waxless classical skis?  They are cross-country skis made for set tracks, and they have a 'fish scale' pattern printed in the center of the base.
• What size skis should I get for my kid? 
  • (1) Ask this question at your local sports store, or bring their current skis to have them checked for fit.
  • (2) If it's not possible to have a local ski store check your child's skis for fit, then call me.  Kevin's phone number 548-0815 

Poles: Classical Poles

• With the poles pointed down and your child standing straight, the top of the grips should be snug in their armpit, thereabouts, or slightly shorter. 
• Well fitted poles are important for propulsion.
• The poles need to have a strap attached to the grip
• We won't introduce poles until after the first week of practice, so it's okay to come without them, at first.

Bindings/Boots

• The bindings and boots must work together (there are two different types of noncompatible classical bindings).
• Make sure your childs bindings fit with their boots:  Have them try on the boots and skis, and have them ski around your living room. 
• Please, no strap in bindings!  We will need to have your child skiing with real skis, boots, and bindings.

Mittens/Gloves

• Your child will let you know if their hands are cold.  Hands are important, so let's get them covered.
• I recommend you have a couple choices of mittens and gloves on hand for your little skier.  Check the local ski stores, there are many options out there. 

Parka

• Again, choices reign.  It's a good idea to have more than one with you, and let the conditions at the trailhead dictate the final choice.
• Keep in mind that it gets cold pretty early in the afternoons in January.  Forget about what the weather is doing at 3PM when you are packing for this evening's practice session.  Instead, keep in mind that your child may be out there until well after dark.

Pants

• As long as they are warm, they fit, and they are made for snowsports they'll be fine. 

Socks

• Make sure they fit on your child's feet when their feet are inside their boots.
• Important: Make sure there are no big wrinkles--those wrinkles will bunch up against their skin and cause pain.
• Kids feet tend to get cold easily, so get socks that are made for cold weather sports.

Thermal Underwear

• Thermal underwear should be made for snow sports (synthetic or wool as opposed to cotton).
• There's lots of choices at your local sporting goods store, and one set of bottoms and tops are all you will need.

Ski Sweater

• Depending on the thickness of your childs jacket, this may be needed.

Ski Hat

• They will need this!  Try to get a warm one.

 Here's an example of a well equipped young skier.  Though we would prefer the poles have straps.