WINTER SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 30 (Supplement)

WINTER SPORTS.

THE OUTFIT. Br r.jLii. ... ■ .J: Now that the winter sports season is pbout' to descend upon us, the beginner jvill want to know something about the .clothes that aro being worn at the various centres. Ski-ing will probably be attempted, therefore, it will be, necessary to procure something suitable in the way of clothing. The most fashion- j able ski-ing k £uit is composed of a doublebreasted coat, with trousers in the form of " longsj" not riding breeches! These suits are supplied in gay colours, but for general use grey or fawn will bo found the most serviceable. The suit must be of wind-and-snow-proof material, and it is generally found that woollen gabardino answers the purpose best. Leaving the fashions for a moment, let lis assume that the, beginner has some clothes that will bo more or loss suitable for wear when " sporting," and, therefore, may not want to go to the expense of investing in complete outfit.' If riding breedhes are plentiful in the home, by all means wear a pair of them, as nothing looks smarter for ski-ing. They should be Of good, heavy material, close-woven, and warm. Putties makp a smart finish and are. a splendid > bratfer. for the legs, as well as being most useful, if.damp, softsnow is encountered. Failingputties, men's thick, golf socks will keep tho legs srarin. Over them should'.be worn two pairs of short, thick socks, or a pair of spe lial ski-ing socks, the tops of which turn down over the boot. A brightlycoloured jersey, worn silk shirt ■will look well, and the effect may be topped off with a woollen <scarf and cap of tho same colours. Generally, it will not be found necessary to wear ;a,coat, hut it is as well: to. carry; a tight, Avindproof one in the rucksack, as well as a spare jersey, socks and gloves. The gloves to bo worn generally consist of a woollen pair worn under canvas ones, the latter keeping out- the snow and wind, and .thus preventing frostbite. ■ , ' Now, as regards boots.. These are tho most .important item and will prove the most costly with the exception of the skis (if these are bought). The main requirements are that they be of soft and pliablb leather, at the same time watertight.; Also they must be large enough to allow of a plentiful supply of thick socks being worn inside them. They should be bought early and oiled unsparingly.; A day's gardening ir. them will work iwonders as to " breaking ihcrn in." If the skis are to be bought, the best plan to get a friend of experience to assist; at the buying. If this is not possible'a few notes on the subject may bo of usg. Skis are made of hickory, ash and pane. The first two aro equally popular, tint good hickory is more expensive thanjjgood ash. Yollow pino skis give fairly! good service, so perhaps it wouldbe as well for^a' beginner to buy a cheap pair df skis to-begin with, and thon, when more experience has been gained, to purchase a really -good pair of hickory or ash skis. The length of the skis is a debatable point. The correct length should be such that when the skis aro standing upright tho wearer should, jest bo able to curl the fihg'ers of the arm, extended above the head, ronnd their points. But the beginner will begin " much better if a shorter pair is bought to start off with. The skis should not bo made absolutely flat, but should bo slightly arched in the middle, 60 jhlit a springy effect is pro-,, duced wheh j&hey are stood upon. We now dome to the binding, by merius of which th&Vaki is attached to the boot, 5 The followinjjf'poir.ts should be noted when' the binding'ls first put on. There should, be just enough freedom to allow 61 the wearer's kneeling on the. skis. If 'there is any feeling of strain when kneeling, tho toe irons' will have to be bent in a little further, so that they allow the toe of the hoot oiily to protrude slightly' beyond them. 7 .'.Anyone .suffering from' stiff toes, eithen aS the result-of an accident, or from othjfer causes, will do well to get bindings inrVrtuch the tb<3 irons are not attached rigidly to the skis, otherwise it may maah "7£ v 'f Ufthef""accident to tho toes - ■ i'L-'iZci i v■; r . ; A pair of ski sticks will bo necessary. fTheso should be Of "sufficient length to come to about 6in. iibovo the wdist-line., When the skis are, bought, they must be plentifully oiled. Haw' linseed oil applied every day tt> 'the .running' surface until tho wood is satui'fited/ will make-tho soles sufficiently slipiiery to allow tho skis to run fairly well Without having to be waxed. The skis shbuld be left out in the sun between each oiling.