Gear

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EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Ensuring that your child has the right equipment and that it is well-maintained will significantly enhance their skiing experience and performance in the GKHAT programs.

SKIS 

For athletes in the U10 category and older, race skis (or at least carving skis) are required. Here are the key recommendations and guidelines:

• Recommend Race Skis: If purchasing only one pair, consider the following:
• Slalom (SL) Skis: Recommended for athletes under 120 lbs.
• Giant Slalom (GS) Skis: Recommended for athletes over 120 lbs. 

• Ski Length Guidelines:

• Slalom (SL) Skis: Generally, measure between the chin and nose.
• Giant Slalom (GS) Skis: Typically measure around the top of the head.
• Lighter and less experienced skiers should opt for shorter skis within the recommended range, while heavier or more aggressive ski racers may prefer skis on the longer end of the range.

• Binding Settings:

• DIN Settings: Review and adjust your child's DIN settings at the start of the season and during the season, especially if they experience a growth spurt. This is crucial for their safety as they ski faster and more aggressively.

• Ski Tuning:

• Regular Tuning: For both race and free skis, regular tuning is vital. Properly tuned skis enhance performance and safety.
• Before Races: Tuning race skis before competitions is strongly recommended.
• Discounted Tuning: Selkirk Sports offers discounted rates for tuning services for GKHAT athletes.

BOOTS  

Properly fitting ski boots are crucial for comfort, control, and performance on the slopes. Selecting the right size and flex for ski boots is vital to ensure that young skiers can perform optimally and comfortably. Always consider having a professional boot fitter assist if there is any uncertainty about the fit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose and fit ski boots for your young skier, along with a size chart for reference.

SIZE CHART

Fitting Procedure: 

1. Remove the Liner: Take out the liner from the boot shell.
2. Foot in Shell: Place the athlete's sock-covered foot into the shell with toes touching the front.
3. Check Space: Ensure there is approximately two finger's width (almost an inch) of space behind the heel.
4. Replace the Liner: If the shell seems to fit, put the liner back in and have the athlete try on the boot with the liner.
5. Flex Test: Ensure the athlete can flex the boot when it is warm. Boots will become stiffer in the cold, so this flexibility is essential.

Flex Rating Recommendations:

• U12 (Under 12 years old): Boots should not be stiffer than a 70 flex.
• U14 (Under 14 years old): Boots should not be stiffer than a 90 flex.

SKI POLES 

Turn the poles upside down and grip the pole below the basket, the elbow joint angle should be slightly smaller than 90 degrees.

HELMETS 

• U10 and older:  Hard ear race helmets are required for all skiers 
• U14 and older: Helmets must be FIS Approved.  

OTHER EQUIPMENT 

• Back protectors:
• U12 - Recommend 
• U14/U16 - Mandatory 
• Chin guards:
• U12 and Up - Mandatory for slalom training and zone races.
• Pole guards, shin guards, and arm guards:
• U12 and Up: Strongly recommended for training. 
• Required for all athletes traveling to away races.
• Race suits:
• U12/14/16 - Encouraged but optional

If you have specific questions about equipment fitting, please inquire at Selkirk Sports or email Ryan at headcoach@gkhat.ca.

JACKETS

• GKHAT does not require but encourages the purchase of a team jacket.
• Families are encouraged to purchase a previously loved jacket from other team members. If you are looking for a used or new jacket, please check out our Facebook Buy and Sell group or email info@gkhat.ca for more information.