All rollerski skate techniques explained

Technique Overview: I’m going to show you skate 1, 2, 3 free skate and the infamous Teddy Bear, explain what terrain or situation each is used for, and the confusing different names we all have for them, in less than two minutes. For a deeper analyses subscribe to my channel and look out for the next video where we’ll go into more detail. • Skate 1 (correctly of course) (CAN - Offset) (USA - V1) o …is Perfect for skiing up hills because you’re always pushing with your arms or legs at some point through the motion. It’s great for sprint starts, ascending steep climbs and to cruise in slow conditions to keep the pulse down. o Pros: It’ll get you up big hills! o Cons: But, it enables you to suffer up big hills which otherwise you’d have wisely avoided! (and the timing’s tricky) • Skate 2 (CAN - One Skate) (USA - V2) o Is great for most terrains, but particularly on gradual, and even steep hills if you’re strong! The technique is mirrored with the same kick and pole on both sides and you’re essentially double poling on each foot – double pole, kick, double pole kick…. o Pros: It’s very powerful when properly implemented. o Cons: Requires good balance and strength • Skate 3 (CAN - Two Skate) (USA – V2 Alternate) o For flats, or gradual down hills, usually to retain momentum whilst conserving energy. It’s essentially double poling on one leg, then transferring your weight onto your non lead leg for a long glide. o Pros: It’s efficient! More so than skate 2 when used properly in the right conditions. o Cons: The timing is hard to get right and is often confused with skate 1. • Free Skate o Is for high speeds when skate 3 becomes ineffective because the wind drag slows you down more than striking with your poles, speeds you up. It’s also useful as a clean transition from tuck to skate 2 or more likely, 3. o Pros: Rapid for sprint finishes that are downhill or super quick o Cons: requires great balance to do properly • Teddy Bear o Super slow technique for beginners ascending steep hills. This is not the same as classic skiing as each ski slides or rolls when you place it. In classic, you would be disqualified if your foot moved. I only teach people this if they are struggling A LOT! • Tuck o It’s hardly a gear, or technique really, since it’s more like neutral mode. But This is what it isn’t, and this is what it isn’t, and this is what it is! You’re not sitting on a toilet, you’re not doing alpine Super G, you’re not trying to get satellite connection with your poles. You’re balancing recovery with being streamlined. For a deeper dive follow the channel and hit the notification bell to be pinged when I upload it, so you can be the first to ignore me when I upload more content.