Basic equipment
In addition to grass skis, you will need ski boots, ski poles, a helmet and protective elements - a helmet and a spine/backbone protector.
Ski boots
Here it is necessary to point out some models of ski boots with switches on the back in the place above the heel, could prevent grass binding to properly close. The same problem may happen with boots for hard snowboard bindings. These shoes could be used but usage is not guaranteed! But otherwise you can use any ordinary ski boots. Competitors use harder models due to higher summer temperatures softening plastics.
Ski poles
You can easily use winter poles, but the grass skis are about 5 cm higher, so it is better to have poles 5 cm longer.
Clothing and protective elements
We recommend skiing in clothes with long sleeves and pants. It is also suitable to use gloves - older alpine gloves or work gloves are both fine. Much more important are protective elements such as a ski helmet (not a bicycle), a spine protector or elbow protectors - protectors for roller skates can be used.
Skiing technique
At the beginning, it is worth noting that grass skis are something between snow skis and roller skates. The length of grass skis ranges between 65-110cm, where lengths of 65-75cm are suitable only for children. As with winter skis, shorter skis turn easier, but are less stable.
Body posture - balance
Always try to keep the center of gravity in the middle of the ski like the young lady in the middle picture. If you have the center of gravity too far in front (left picture), the ski will be unstable and will "jam" on every turf of grass. On the other hand, if your center is shifted backward (right picture) initiating turn will be difficult. The hands in front of the body are a suitable aid to keep the center of gravity in the right place.
Proper hand position improves balance
Proper hand position is very important as it helps maintain the right posture and balance. As you can see, the young lady in the picture on the left is very straight and holds her hands along her body. This position is very unstable and initiating turning is difficult in this case. In the second case - in the middle picture - the position with too much protrusion of the hips. You may also notice a lack of forward incline in ski boots. For a comparison is last third image with the ideal posture, where both the inclination in the ski and the overall position of the body is properly addressed.
Leg position
Ever since its inception, grass skiing has been carving skiing. Over time, skiing in the snow became carving. The same principles apply to the position of the feet. Both legs and the ski must work in parallel, no knee by knee and no lifting of the legs at the beginning or end of the curve. These are elements of old technology that will not find application in grass skiing. As in the picture, it is necessary to always have both skis pointing parallel in the same direction. Also, try to keep the distance between ski and never knock ski together.
Skating
Initial steps include skating, which allows you to move more easily from and to the lift. Skating on grass skis is very similar to roller skating or cross-country skiing, and even complete beginners should be able to do it.
