Winter Preparations

We are continuing dry land training with the Nordic Club. These kids are tough and so positive, even with the high winds and rain and cold. If we get enough snow this weekend, please plan on skiing Monday. If you need help getting your gear out this first time, let Coach Hancock know and we can figure it out (stephanie_hancock@mac.com).

Check out the awesome Ski Shed. 

A great big THANK YOU to the Recreation Department for getting the port-a-potty on site. We are now all set for winter. Bring on the snow!

World Cup

Ryan told us about Skiing Vinnie, a great place to watch the World Cup events going on right now.  It's pretty amazing what the human body can do!
And check out this site for further news on the World Cup.

Nordic Club time adjustment

Coaches Steve & Stephanie both agree that we will need to end practice by about 5:10 until  mid- January when the days start getting longer.  We had planned on a 5:30 end time but it is just too dark to do anything by then.
Please let your rides know we'll wrap up around 5 and be loaded up and ready to go by 5:10.  In January when we have more daylight, we will be able to go longer.  We'll let you know. Thanks!

Cross or X Country Skiing-Free Skate Technique

This short video has years' worth of information!  Listen closely and watch over and over again. The problems and solutions he describes are easy to talk about, but can be difficult to recognize and fix.  Skate skiing doesn't have to be perfect to be tons of fun, so don't worry if you're not ready for the Olympics just yet.  :)

4 Tips for Beginner Diagonal Stride, Classic Skiing

Here's an excellent intro for beginners on Classic skis (and reminder to experienced skiers) as we get ready to be on snow.

First Nordic Practice

We had a super turnout for our first practice. We look forward to a great season.

It was really pretty cold today. Please bring good winter clothes with you - just keep a winter bag packed and bring it each time, if you like.   Also, it's a good idea to have a water bottle on hand or kept in your backpack.

The Ski Shed is AMAZING!  It is going to make the season so much easier to have a place for gear, for backpacks during practice, for kids waiting for rides or anyone needing a break.  I'll post pictures of it Thursday.

It was wonderful to have so many of you here today.  Spread the word! And remember to register through the City.  It'll cost you $10 for the season.  (There are two Nordic options offered, make sure you pick the "Rexburg Nordic Team" and not the "Family Cross Country Ski Clinic".)

If you need skis, boots, and poles,  you can try renting. Check with Forrest Southam (forrestglade@gmail.com), try the ORC, or you can buy used (just look around), or even borrow some.

Contact Stephanie Hancock with any questions:  stephanie_hancock@mac.com

Nordic Kids: Yes, we are meeting today

The Nordic Kids Club is meeting as planned, and will always meet regardless of the weather (unless it is a dangerous blizzard or well-below 0F, or is a school holiday).  Right now there's a mix of rain and snow, and wind.  The temperature isn't cold (36F), but if you are not dressed well, it could be very uncomfortable.
However, if you didn't pack warm clothing today, come anyway.  The Ski Hut is being set up right now at the golf course.  We can squeeze a fair number of kids in whenever anyone needs a break from the weather.  It isn't heated (unless we put in a space heater), but it is insulated and will give shelter (THANK YOU to Ryan Shirley for his craftsmanship and time, and Randy for his generous help).

As a suggestion, please pack an extra backpack for your winter clothes and bring it with you each time (don't forget warm socks, hats and gloves/mittens!).  See you awesome, tough skiers out there!  (I bet Steve will have plenty of stuff for you to do to warm you up).



NOTE:  Forrest Southam will be on site this afternoon to fit anyone with a ski package that needs it.  He has gear for rent at a very inexpensive price for the season.  If you need to contact him, check out the earlier posts for his information.