Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions for those who want to approach this sport for the first time.
1.
Roller skiing: what is it about? The movements performed by those who practise this sport are very similar to those of cross-country skiing. The tools are similar, too. The roller skis look like very short cross-country skis with wheels, moreover the same ski poles can be used: it is just a question of replacing the pole tips with other tips which are able to have a grip on the asphalt. The boots and the bindings are the same which are used with cross-country skis. There are two main different ways of practising this sport: the former consists in going mostly uphill as a training and preparation for cross-country skiing and it reminds of the earlier technique used on the snow (classic technique), while the latter is more recent and uses the skating step, which is very similar to roller-skating. Since each of these techniques requires very different equipment, we advise those who are approaching this sport to choose first which technique they want to start with, also depending on their own previous sports experience.
2.
Do I have to purchase roller skis which are suitable for my height? If possible, yes. Unfortunately, though, few manufacturers only take this aspect into consideration.
3.
Which equipment do I have to purchase? Taking into consideration the typical novice skiers, who generally already own the equipment for cross-country skiing, they will just have to buy the roller skis (commonly those who are starting purchase a model for training, which is slower and therefore easier to use), a pair of bindings (it would be better if they were directly assembled by the manufacturer), and if possible a pair of tips for the ski poles (necessarily made of widia). As far as clothing is concerned, a pair of old gloves for cross-country skiing can be used, or as an alternative cheap gardening or working gloves too, a pair of shorts and T-shirts like the ones used for running or athletics. Moreover, it is essential to use the crash helmet and a pair of protective glasses.
4.
Where can I practise it? This is the weak point of this activity. In Italy there are few facilities designed on purpose (see the relevant section). Otherwise one has to rely on cycle paths, cul-de-sacs or roads with very limited traffic, roller skating rinks. What is important is the presence of an asphalt surface, which has to be as smooth and homogeneous as possible, but not as hard as to impede the grip of the ski poles. At present also roller skis with pneumatic wheels are available, which are suitable to be used on cycle paths with compact dirt road.
5.
Please remember that in the Italian Highway Code currently in force, Article 190 paragraphs 8-9-10 precisely say (each paragraph is followed by the English translation):
6.
Art. 190-8 In Italy, the circulation through boards, skates or any other tools to accelerate the walk is forbidden on the roadways.
7.
Art. 190-9 On the roadways it is forbidden to carry out unauthorized games, trainings and sporting events. In the pedestrian precincts it is forbidden to use boards, skates or any other tools to accelerate the walk which may create dangerous situations for the other users.
8.
Art. 190-10 Whoever breaks the dispositions of the present article is liable to the administrative sanction of payment of an amount between 25 and 99 Euros.
9.
Therefore for the first times it is advisable to rely on the advice of more expert friends, maybe taking part in collective outings on authorized paths. Some municipal administrations allow trainings with the roller skis on routes closed to traffic at prearranged hours (see application form).
10.
Where can I learn? For some years the Italian Federation of Hockey and Skating (FIHP) has been organising courses to train Roller skiing Instructors/Trainers, qualified to teach the discipline of roller skiing. The list and any information about this new figure of teacher can be found in the relative section Instructors/Trainers or on the Federal website www.fihp.org.
11.
Is it very different from cross-country skiing? It depends on the chosen technique and on the type of materials. In general, since this tool is taller than a pair of skis, it requires more balance and more ankle strength. In the skating step, after acquiring experience, the difference is felt less and actually the inferior length as compared to the skis becomes advantageous. In the alternate step, since the track in the snow is missing, at the beginning it is a bit difficult to direct the tools correctly. The presence of the anti-return device on the wheels guarantees a good grip uphill, making the movement easier as compared to what happens on the snow, where the “grip” of the skis requires better technical skills, a higher sensitivity and a perfect ski-waxing.
12.
What is meant by “anti-return devices”? They are particular roller bearings, which are mounted on the wheels of the roller skis and which enable the rotation of the wheels only in the direction of the advancing. In this way it is possible to go ahead in the classic technique with the roller skis (alternate step and thrust step), simulating the effect of the grip ski-wax in the cross-country skis. In the roller skis for training for the classic technique, the anti-return device is usually mounted on one wheel only for each roller ski (on the front or on the rear one), while it is mounted even on all the wheels in the case of the roller skis for racing for the classic technique. For the skating technique the anti-return bearings are not necessary and people often avoid mounting them because they are very expensive: that is why the roller skis for skating are sometimes cheaper than the ones for the alternate. To know more click here.
13.
For the classic technique is it better to mount the anti-return devices on the front wheel or on the rear one? The anti-return devices on the rear wheel make the advancing easier, but they can facilitate a bad “sitting” posture of the skier. Mounting them on the front wheel enables a more correct posture and a higher sensitivity in the loading phase, which will entail undoubted advantages on the snow.
14.
Is it dangerous? And downhill? Apart from the obvious considerations about the proper use in safe places, the possible effects of a fall on the asphalt, even if at reduced speed, must be taken into consideration. It is not more dangerous than cycle racing or roller-skating. The presence of the ski poles can be of help in the event of momentary loss of balance. Going down a descent should be basically avoided, unless you are on specially designed paths and therefore equipped with slopes and differences in height which allow for a reasonably safe practice. The use of decelerators or speed reducers (devices which allow to maintain the speed within safety limits) is advised only to expert roller skiers.
15.
Is it expensive? At the beginning it can turn out quite expensive for those who have never tried cross-country skiing yet, while cross-country skiers will have to purchase the roller skis only, since they can use the same shoes and the same ski poles they use for cross-country skiing.
16.
Where can I buy them? In Italy the roller skis are distributed by different firms, including Skirollo, which sells its own items on the Internet through our On-Line Shop.
17.
How can I make a payment? There are different methods of payment: see point 11 of the web page Information;
18.
Do I have to register as a customer to be able to purchase? It is not necessary, in any case registration offers some advantages, such as being able to consult the list of placed orders, the situation of your latest purchase, and, upon your request, you will be able to receive our newsletters.
19.
I am not able to complete the registration procedure, an error is notified in the entered data, without any indication about the missing datum. Most probably you have already registered and your email address is already present in the system database. Make sure you haven’t registered as customer yet, maybe you have forgotten about it; try to log in from the homepage. If you cannot, write to shop@skiroll.it
20.
I am not able to replace the wheels of the roller skis, can I send them to the manufacturer? Replacing the wheels of the roller skis for the skating technique proves to be particularly easy and does not require special tools. Replacing the wheels for the classic technique is more complex, especially when you wish to reutilize some internal components. In this event, it could prove more advisable to send us the roller skis for a complete overhaul.