Rollerskiing for Beginners | The Basics - Session #1

In this video Scott Dixon covers the basics of rollerskiing from what equipment is needed, and how to use it properly, to taking your first tentative steps out on the rollerskis.

If you would like to support me in making more videos like this, or show your appreciation for the videos you've watched so far, please feel free to buy me a coffee (however much or little - everything helps) by following this payment link: www.buymeacoffee.com/scottdixon

The lessons discussed in this video are also applicable to those coaching beginners, or people who are fairly new to rollerskiing. Re-visiting the basics is always helpful.

Below is a complete step by step outline of the session:

Beginner Rollerski Video - Introduction to rollerskiing – the basics

1: The basics: Equipment

1. Wear a helmet.
2. Wear something bright.
3. Wear gloves and if it makes you feel better, consider knee and elbow pads. Even if you don’t, consider tuba grips.
4. Boots – tighten.
5. Putting on rollerski .
6. Don’t put your poles on just yet.

2: Legs

1. First, walk on the grass – get used to the sideways slide and glide. Objective: retain outward angle of skis. Repeat.
2. Take off one ski and go on tarmac. Ski up and down on one ski. Then extend length of time on each ski, attempting to balance a little longer each time. Objective: Find your balance threshold on the rollerski.
3. Swap foot.
4. Put on both skis on the grass, then whilst leaning forward, do mini steps on the tarmac just as you did on the grass. No gliding at this point.
5. Attempt gliding and practice for five minutes.
6. Once stable, perform glide and clap. Objective: To get your nose, hip, knee and toe all in one line over the rollerski when you clap your hands. Avoid: Don’t just move your hands side to side. Use whole body.

3: Cornering/stopping.

1. Mini steps to left and right. Objective: Get used to being on one ski and moving laterally.
2. Spin on spot with lots of little fast steps.
3. Attempt to step in a circle.
4. Point inside leg where you want to go.
5. How to stop: Bail out into the grass. Don’t do flat footed. Practice putting one ski ahead of the other and weighting your back leg.

4: Poles

1. Straps – tighten to get used to letting go as early as possible. Objective: Be able to hold poles up behind you with arms fully extended. This is hard and requires palms of hands facing the sky, and tight poles.
2. Start by just pushing single arms. Objective: Teach bent arms from the beginning.
3. Double pole to finish with bent arms.
4. Conclusion. Practice separately before attempting to combine poles and legs.