Rollerskiing - cross-country skiing in London?

Anyone who's been in Hyde Park over the past 12 months may well have seen some odd looking people who appear to be skating on skis. Well, it's actually called rollerskiing and has been introduced to London by cross-country skier and biathlete, Iain Ballentine, who has set up The Rollerski Co which offers rollerski instruction.

Rollerskiing has its origins in cross-country skiing, and was originally designed for cross-country skiers to train for their sport in the summer. There are two styles - skating and classic - which reflect the two styles of cross-country skiing on snow.

You use poles to push yourself along and shortened 'skis' with wheels on either end. Classic rollerskis run parallel, and grip is given when you push back because the wheels only turn one way, which gives the same effect as skins or 'grip wax' on XC skis. As they're designed to be as similar as possible to the feeling of XC skiing, they give pretty much the same excellent workout! The GB rowing team and Paula Radcliffe are among sportsmen and women who use XC skiing in their training.

The skating technique is closer in feel to inline skating, and the foot movement is the same sideways push. The balance and ankle strength developed though inline skating is extremely transferrable, and skaters generally pick it up quicker than most.  Alpine skiers also seem to pick up rollerskiing very quickly, and feedback from clients has shown rollerskiing to be almost as useful for downhillers as for cross-country skiers.

Lessons in London take place in the evenings and at the weekends. 2 hour class sessions - which anyone can turn up to - cost £15, which includes all equipment hire (except gloves). Longer courses are also offered. The main venue is Hyde Park, but lessons are also held in Richmond Park and at Dorney Lake near Windsor. All can be booked online at www.rollerski.co.uk

Inline skating lessons :: About us :: Disclaimer :: Press Page

All material on this website is © Copyright 2000-2011 LondonSkaters.com, contributors, and associates. Please do not reproduce anything without permission.  If you wish to use photos or other material from this website, please contact me first.