Here are links to some of the key information for Ford Sayre Nordic parents:
What Happened to J-levels in Nordic Racing?
With the 2010/2011 season, NENSA (our parent organization) completed the transition to grade levels in place of J-levels. So, our programs are now broken down in 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade etc. Racing will also take place by grade level, not age or J-level. For most kids, this should mean a better chance to ski with peers and friends, and it eliminates the awkward transition for some 8th graders, who fell between the cracks in the old system.
What is NENSA and BKL and what do they have to offer?
NENSA is the New England Nordic Ski Association; our parent organization. They are the umbrella group for nordic ski racing in the North East. As a Ford Sayre BKL racer, you are obliged to be a member of NENSA -- hence the $20 you paid at registration.
In return, NENSA offers its members comprehensive information
and news on Nordic skiing in New England, including an online race schedule that covers the extended region and also lists "big people" races and junior events (if you just want the calendar that's relevant to the Ford Sayre BKL kids, go here).
A part of NENSA is BKL: The Bill Koch League. It's the little guys from 1st to 8th grade. The BKL pages on the NENSA site offers details on clinics, events, and general kid-related nordic info.
Gear: What Where How Why?
 Cross Country skis come in three flavors: classic, skate, and combi (skis that can be used both for classic technique and skate technique).
For beginners and little kids, combi skis will do just fine. For more serious skiers, a set of each (skate and classic) makes sense (you can also get your hands on two pairs of combi skis and dedicate a pair to each technique).
Classic skis can be waxless (they'll have fish scales in the middle), but we really prefer the kids to have waxable skis (except for the 1st and 2nd graders, where waxless skis are recommended). If so, they'll be completely smooth underneath, and most likely have a groove cut out in the middle running the length of the ski.
You'll also need poles -- generally longer for skating, a bit shorter for classic -- and boots. Beware bindings: there are several proprietary kinds, and they don't mix and match, so if your skis come with NNN bindings (most common around here, but not around the rest of the country) your boots will have to be NNN bindings. And, yes, there are separate skate (more rigid for better ankle support and push-off during the skate stride) and classic boots, too, but for the kids that's really not necessary to bother with at all. Get a decent pair of combi boots that fit (better a bit too big than too small -- and remember, they'll be wearing these with a thick sock) and your skier will be just fine.
Here are our equipment recommendations. Backcountry.com has a great comparison guide for everything here, complete with sizing guidelines. Aker Skis also have a good sizing chart here.
In addition to basic ski gear, you should make sure your skier has lots of layers (no cotton allowed -- they should be wicking material or silk/wool that'll stay warm even when wet), and lots and lots of mittens, hats, and socks. A note on gloves: a key part of nordic skiing is having a good grip on your pole, with the strap properly wrapped around the wrist. For proper skate skiing it's imperative that the skier be able to let go of the pole at the end of a stride, and besides, we tend to take the poles on and off lots of times during practice. All of that to say: it's really helpful if your skier wears gloves/mittens that allow easy finger movement and flexibility so they're not stuck fiddling with getting their poles on and off over a too-massive mitten.
Parent tip: stick a bag in the back of the car at all times with a spare hat, spare mittens, and spare socks. There's nothing more frustrating than getting to the parking lot at Oak Hill only to discover that your skier has left his mittens at school, or has soaking wet socks on after a day of playing in the snow. While you're at it, throw in a granola bar and a juice box for the pre/post practice munchies.
Get your gear here! Shop Local: these guys have equipment, supplies, and knowledgeable staff
Catalog and Online
- Akers (207) 392-4582. Has been a wonderful resource for decades, offering lots of kids' stuff and advise over the phone; they often have older models or non-mainstream brands, being sold for great prices. They're in Maine, so shipping is fast.
- Reliable Racing (800) 223-4448. In Upstate New York, so shipping is fast.
- Eagle River Nordic (800) 423-9730
- Skinny Skis (888) 733-7205 Also a great source; they're based out west, so shipping takes a little longer.
- ORS Direct (800) 894-7547 are based in Montpelier, VT and have great bargins and a large assortment of stuff.
Uniforms
Click here to download the Ford Sayre uniform order form. Please note that orders are due November 1st.
Waxing and Ski Maintenance
Robert Bradlee wrote this great summary of ski maintenance including equipment and basic waxing and cleaning instructions.
Classic skis need kick wax in the
middle of the ski (underfoot) to provide "kick" when the skier takes a
stride and pushes off against the snow. Glide wax on the tip and tail
of the ski then provides the glide as the Skate skis need glide wax
along the entire bottom of the ski to provide a smooth surface upon
which the skier glides from side to side.
Click here, here or here to learn more -- much, much more -- about waxing. If
you're new to and intimidated by the whole notion of waxing skis, then
do plan to attend the family night in early December, where we'll be
offering a wax demo.
Local Skiing
If you have a family pass to the Dartmouth Ski Trails, make use of it! Go ski the trails at Oak Hill where we practice during the week; try Garipay field, which offers a great 5K loop that even beginners can manage, or venture across to the Dartmouth golf course (the other side of Rte 10, across from the new COOP by the roundabout) and try the classic trails. You can also hit the Dartmouth trails from the comfort of the Outing Club House at Occum Pond. They will also rent you equipment (all sizes) for the day, and sell a day pass if your BKL skier is the only one in the family with a season pass to the Dartmouth trails.
In addition, there is excellent local skiing to be found in Thetford (the Thetford Academy trails behind the Academy at the top of Thetford Hill), in Norwich (Parcel 5, about two miles west on Beaver Meadow Road, look for the sign marked '5'), at Huntley Meadow (a 2K loop groomed on the meadow on Turnpike Road, left off Main Street, about half a mile north of Dan & Whit's). There is also an extensive network of trails behind Stella's Restaurant on the Green in Lyme.
Ask the coaches and program heads for additional tips on some epic local family skiing on weekends...
Please also take a look at the For Sayre BKL Parent's Handbook -- it answers many of the most common questions about Nordic skiing.
That waiver thing?
We need you to sign a liability waiver in order for your child to participate in the program. This is in addition to the online "click here" waiver. The signed waiver must be handed to a program head before the first day of practice. You can download the one page waiver here.
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