What is crucial to achieve a reliable kick? Part III.: correctly defined kick area of the ski

In the article "What is crucial to achieve a reliable kick? Part I.: right stiffness and length of the skis” it was explained that skis base for classic cross-country skiing style consists of three parts / areas, two gliding areas (one in tip and one in tail of the ski) and one kicking area (in the centre of the ski).

If the skier is standing on both skis, in other words skier’s load is transferred to both skis equally, the middle area (kicking area) should not touch the snow surface and the skis should glide on the snow surface in the tip and tail areas (gliding areas).

In the opposite if the skier concetrates his/her load on one of both skis, the middle area is pressed down and get in touch with snow surface enabling the kick.

For a reliable kick is thus responsible stiffness and length of the skis (they must correspond with the weight and height of the skier) but also the length and position of the kicking area.

If the kicking area - where kick waxes are applied - is A. wrongly positioned along the ski or B. too short or too long no reliable kick can be provided.

If the kicking zone is correctly positioned, but too short the consequence is missing kick but still good gliding properties.

If the kicking zone is correctly positioned, but too long the cosequence is A. a reliable kick but bad gliding properties or B. freezing wax with no kick and horrible gliding properties or C. skis do not enable any movement.

If the kicking zone is incorectly positioned, the result is normaly too long kicking zone with consequences A / B / C depending on other factors as snow conditions, wax type etc.

Conclusions

Define the kicking area where kick waxes are applied carefully before you start to ski. If you do not know the kicking area, apply the kick waxes in a short window which can be increased with insufficient kick. In direction to ski tail the kicking zone ends latest where the ski boots end. If you need to improve kick properties by enlarging the kicking zone, go direction to tail first and stop at ski boot end. After you have reached the ski boots end, enlarge the kicking zone in direction to tip.