Evolution of the Shape of Skiis: History, Current Styles, What is to come?
Skiing has come a long way since its inception as a means of transportation across snowy landscapes. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular recreational activity that millions of people enjoy each year. And along with this evolution have come changes in the shape of skis themselves.
So what are the different shapes of skis available today, and which one is right for you?
Winter sports can invoke a lot of memories for those who have experienced them. Whether is flying down a hill on a saucer, boot skating to go get your mail, or downhill skiing.
Let's start by taking a look at the different types of skis available on the market:
All Mountain Ski: This ski is designed for all-around use, and can be used for everything from cruising groomers to bombing down powder slopes. It has a versatile design that makes it suitable for any terrain or condition. See Downhill Skiing
Freestyle Ski: As its name suggests, this ski is designed for freestyle skiing. It is short and wide, with a flat profile, which makes it ideal for tricks and jumps.
Racing Ski: This ski is designed for competitive racing and has a narrow, tapered shape that allows for speed and agility on the slopes.
Powder Ski: As its name suggests, this ski is perfect for powder skiing. It has a fat waist and lots of rocker, which helps it to float on top of the snow.
Hybrid Shape: There are also a variety of hybrid shapes available on the market, which combine features of different shapes to create a versatile all-around ski. Whichever shape you choose, be sure to demo them first so that you can find the one that is best suited to your skiing style.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's take a closer look at each type of ski and see what makes them unique:
So what shape is right for you? That depends on your skiing style and the type of terrain you are most interested in skiing. If you are just starting out, we recommend choosing an all mountain ski, which will be versatile enough to handle any condition. If you are a freestyle skier or snowboarder, then a freestyle ski will be perfect for you. And if you're into racing, then a racing ski is the way to go.
As ski technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more new and innovative shapes to hit the market in the future. So stay tuned to see what new shapes come about and which one is right for you!
Sources:
https://www.wagnerskis.com/blogs/journal
https://www.freethepowder.com/pages/history-of-skiing
Skiing Magazine, Evolution of the Shape of Skiis: History, Current Styles, What is to come? by Matt Kepnes. Published on January 26, 2017. Accessed on January 30, 2017.