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CAMBER is the bend in the middle of the ski where the wax pocket or grip
zone is. A ski needs enough camber & stiffness to hold the grip zone off the snow when you're gliding. But, when you stand
on one ski and press down, the ski has to bend enough to let you grip the snow and move forward.
Your weight and skiing
ability affect the amount of camber and stiffness you need. Stiff skis are faster but more demanding of your technique. It
takes practice to avoid slipping backwards on stiff skis. Racers love stiff skis. Novice skiers are happier with a softer
ski that requires less force (especially at the end of a long day).
IMPORTANT POINT! to go faster, you should try to glide
further instead of moving your arms and legs faster. The longer you can balance and glide on one ski, the faster/smooth/better
skier you will become.
A WIDE ski gives more flotation in soft snow while a NARROW ski gives more speed and less drag.
People who ski on groomed trails use a narrower ski than backcountry skiers. People who ski with heavy packs choose wide skis.
SHAPE
OF THE SKI: Skis are hourglass shaped, narrower under the foot than at the ends. This is called sidecut and it makes the ski
easier to turn and steer. Backcountry skiers need skis that turn easier than a skier who is always in prepared tracks.
The
LENGTH of the ski is decided with your height, weight and skiing ability in mind. As a general rule: a shorter ski is easier
to handle and steer. A longer ski gives increased stability and glides further. A ski should be properly matched to your WEIGHT
and sking ABILITY. As a very general rule: CLASSICAL SKIS should reach to the wrist when you raise your arm over your head.
FREESTYLE (SKATING) skis are about 10 cm shorter.
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