IT’S  N’ICE’

As temps begin to dip below zero, lakes ponds and rivers will begin to freeze, and with thick ice covering, one could take advantage of a beauty skate on the “Zandstra Nordic Ice Skate” blades. Here at Canadian Wintersports Inc, we have imported three different blade models to offer at this time. They are the 1) NIS blades, 2) Tango blades and 3) Competition blades. These Nordic blades are compatible with cross-country ski boots, so one would have a comfortable feel when speeding on ice surfaces. All you need is a set of Nordic ski bindings and your skate technique boots. And voila, an authentic “clap skate feel” when skating on that canal or oval. A great way to change up your ski practice on snow with a skating practice on a similar (very cold) yet different (very slippery) surface.

Special features of each blade are:

• The NIS Blade can have a NIS binding (or screw-on binding along with the correct hardware) mounted on this skate. The special milled upper side of the skate acts the same as a NIS 1.0 plate normally found on cross-country skis. NIS bindings are attached without using screws or bolts. Because of this, the binding is 40% lighter than regular bindings.

• The Tango model is for screw-on bindings. Either Salomon or Rottefella screw-on bindings are compatible. The Tango is also milled out of a reinforced T shaped aluminum profile. Stainless Toolsteel 1.25MM, 60 Rc

• The Competition blade is specially designed for skating on ovals. The front of the runner is blunt. The reason for this is to take turns on the 400-meter oval easier. The blades fit Rottefella, Salomon, XC, and BC screw-on bindings. High-Speed Steel Bi-Metal 1.1 MM, 64 Rc

With the winter season lasting up to 5 months, there would be many hours, days, and weeks to try out this new hobby/sport, which would definitely challenge your balance center, and power your lower extremities, and improve your fitness. Time to consider skating as a Winter Sport… A real Canadian Winter Sport.