One simple trick reduces the risk of both overuse injuries and crashes.
It’s spring and a lot of skiers are packing up their boards for the season, and pulling out the roller skis: Another dryland season coming up. Roller skiing is one of the best ski-specific workouts for the dryland season, providing endurance, ski-specific strength, balance, fun and fresh air.
But while roller skiing is one of the best training methods for skiers, roller skiing is also one of the most injury-troubled training methods: crashes and overuse issues frequently sideline both elite athletes and recreational skiers.
The key to staying on your feet can be as easy as making sure your roller ski ferrules are razor sharp. Dull ferrules increase the impact from pole planting on elbows and shoulders, which are the most injury-prone joints in terms of overuse when roller skiing.
Sharp ferrules prevent the poles from slipping, which can help avoid crashes. Sharp ferrules provide a more snow-like feel, also reduced the need to pound your poles into the pavement with unreasonable amounts of force, thus reduce the risk of elbow and shoulder injuries.
How to sharpen your ferrules: Get a diamond stone and get grinding. Often.