Additional Junior Nordic Equipment & Clothing Information
Skis
NSAA rental skis are available on a first-come basis. If you choose to rent, you must still provide your skier with boots and poles. The boots must match the bindings on the rental skis which are the NNN bindings. Any salesperson can steer you toward the correct boot. NSAA rental skis are combination skis—they work for both diagonal and skate skiing, but if you want high performance skis for an advanced skier they may not be appropriate.
Junior Nordic provides kick wax for when the kids are skiing classic technique. When the Otters, Wolverines and Hawks switch from classic to skate technique, the kick wax must be cleaned off the skis. We have wax remover at all of the venues, but you can also do this at home, with wax remover and a plastic scraper and rag or paper towel.
NSAA rental skis may be kept until the end of April at the end of the second session for an additional $10.00.
To ensure the return of equipment, we require a deposit of either a check or a credit card number when the equipment is checked out. Deposit check or credit card info will be shredded once the equipment has been returned.
Returned skis need to be cleaned of all wax!
Skis need to be the right length. If you are purchasing skis, the salesperson can help you to pick the right length. If you rent NSAA skis, we will help pick the right length for your skier.
If buying skis, do NOT get the NO WAX variety (fish scales on the bottom) since they will not work when your child starts to skate and they are SLOW for learning skiers. The best bet is a combination ski which is designed for both diagonal stride and skate techniques. If you already own waxless (fish scale) skis, it will be harder for your child to learn to skate ski when he or she becomes an Otter. It is recommended you rent NSAA skis.
IMPORTANT! Put your child’s name on their skis by writing it on a piece of electric tape and affixing to the topside of both skis. We provide tape for names when you pick up your skis at Kincaid.
Boots
NSAA does not provide boots, even if you rent NSAA skis.
Boots must match the ski bindings.
NSAA skis have the New Nordic Norm (NNN) bindings.
Boots are specialized like skis, but a combination boot, which is designed to work for both the traditional diagonal and the skate techniques, is the best value. Remember to get boots that have a little extra room to accommodate wool socks and some foot growth during the season. Feet that are squeezed into boots that are too small are often COLD feet. Please be sure BEFORE you bring your child to ski that the boots fit and stay in the bindings.
Poles
POLE length ideally varies with the technique.
Polar Cubs: poles should come just above the armpits.
Otters and Wolverines: poles that come almost to the child’s chin.
Hawks: skating poles should come up to the mouth when standing on flat feet. Diagonal (classic) poles should come up just above the bottom of the arm pits.
What to Wear
The key to a happy skier is being warm enough for conditions, but not so bundled up as to prevent movement. The secret is to make sure you have the following LAYERING system:
VENTILATION—closest to the skin to allow perspiration to move away from the skin. Breathable polypropylene or other synthetic long underwear provides the ventilation layer. NO COTTON!
INSULATION—to trap the warmth generated by your body. Fleece, wool, or other synthetic material provides the insulation layer. NO COTTON!
PROTECTION—the outer layer that protects you from wind and wet. Junior Nordic jacket, a pullover type shell, provides the protection layer. Wind pants are often necessary during periods of wind or extreme cold. NO COTTON!
HEADS AND HANDS – Wearing a hat is a must. NO HAT, NO PRACTICE! For hands, mittens work much better than gloves. On cold days a neck warmer keeps both the neck and the lower face warm and is required for children with asthma. A neck warmer can easily be carried in the pocket of the Jr Nordic jacket.
You’ll need to vary the insulation layer based on the temperature, keeping in mind that skiers warm up when they are moving but cool off when they are not. Keeping the extremities warm is the biggest challenge when it is cold. Wool socks over polypro socks will help keep the feet warm. Large wool socks with a hole cut in the toe to put over the boots or boot covers are essential during cold weather.
All skiers must be well fed and should take their medications before practice or as prescribed. A water bottle is required for Wolverines and Hawks and all children with asthma. It is also highly recommended that Otters and Polar Cubs carry water bottles.
MARK ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S CLOTHING, SKI BOOTS, POLES AND SKIS. Write your name on a piece of tape and tape it right on to the skis and poles.
Where to Purchase Ski Gear
Local businesses have experts to help you buy the best fitting skis, boots and poles for your child. If you already have skis (or are renting Junior Nordic skis), bring your skis in with you when you go to purchase boots. If you already have boots, bring those with you when you go to purchase skis.
- Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking (AMH)
- Hoarding Marmot
- Barney’s
- Play It Again Sports
- REI
Ski Swaps
Ski swaps can be a great way to find used equipment for much cheaper than you can find in a shop, but you can’t count on finding the correct size!