on Sports Recreation HOW TO PROPERLY FIT SKIDOO RIDING GEAR Jennifer Stojan The Helium Line is made of a non-porous Sympatex Goggles Gloves membrane which is very stretchable, windproof Choose a pair of winter goggles that fit properly When choosing and waterproof. With increased humidity comes in the helmet. You want the goggles to take up a glove look for increased breathability. When riding recreationally, Helmets as much room as possible to create a seal and something suitable 1. If desired you can start by measuring your warmth is very important. leave little skin exposed. Make sure that the to the conditions in head. To do this, wrap a measuring tape or goggles are resting on the skin of your face. which you will be string around the top of your head approximately Choosing an insulated jacket and pants is There are many different lens colors to choose riding. Generally, two and a half centimeters above your recommended. There are many different styles to from. Most goggles come with a form of a yellow when mountain eyebrows and ears. This ensures choose from. lens. Colors such as yellow, rose, riding, a lightweight, that you are measuring at and orange, are ideal in snowy breathable glove is the widest diameter. Use The most important thing to keep in mind when and overcast conditions, as they recommended such a sizing chart to find dressing for the cold is to layer up properly. The help to brighten your surroundings as the Skidoo Mountain the proper size. most commonly overlooked layer is the first, or and provide definition. Polarized lenses Glove or the Action glove base layer. Your first layer has skin contact. It are great in sunny conditions as they which are waterproof, windproof and breathable, 2. Try on the helmet should be tight fitting and should be made mostly provide UV protection. or the action glove which has a Sympatex by grasping both chin of polyester. Other materials such as spandex, x- membrane, both are designed for straps and pulling it static, silver and coconut fiber provide other benefits optimum grip. When trail riding, a completely onto your such as heat conduction (x-static), odor reduction warm glove or mitt is ideal. head ensuring that (silver) evaporative cooling and odor absorption and the top of your head to filter moisture while trapping warmth in. If there is touching the top of the is so much as a bead of sweat, it will be absorbed. helmet. The second layer is an insulating layer and will be Jackets & Pants thicker. Fleece is an excellent choice. And finally, 3. Check for a proper fit Once again, choosing the proper outer layer is your third or outer layer. Do NOT layer with cotton. a. Make sure all the comfort padding is in Boots crucial to comfort while riding. When riding in the Once cotton gets wet, it doesn’t dry very quickly contact with you head, cheeks and forehead. There are many different styles of boots to mountains, temperatures are generally warmer and therefore stays wet. As temperatures drop, and riders are much more active, therefore it becomes cold and can even freeze. Therefore, b. Place both your hands on each side of the choose from depending on the style of riding and the best choice of jacket and pants would be a even if wearing proper base and helmet. While holding your head as motionless personal comfort of the rider. It is recommended lightweight, waterproof, windproof and breathable outer layers, if you choose as possible, try rotating your helmet from left that active riders wear a stiff boot with lots of suit such as the Skidoo Helium line. cotton as a mid layer, you to right then up and down. If you can feel the ankle protection such as the Skidoo helium will inevitably have water helmet padding sliding on your head it is too big, boot which also offers the EZ-lace system, a between the membrane try a smaller size. You should feel the helmet waterproof Sympatex membrane removable move the skin on your head and face as you try insole and comfort rated to -59 degrees to move the helmet. celcius. Be sure the boots are well tightened and that the laces are not Avalanche c. Fasten the retention system (chin strap) as hanging down. For recreational tight as possible under your jaw without causing Backpacks and trail riding, a more versatile It is a must to carry pain. There must be no slack in the strap and boot that offers more movement an avalanche survival the strap must be tight against your jaw. of the ankle can be worn such as backpack complete with d. Test the retention system by putting your the Skidoo Rebel or Trail Boots. a beacon, shovel and hands on the back of the helmet and trying to These boots are probe. push it off by rotating it forward. Then put your suitable for hands on the front of the helmet above your most winter forehead (or the chin guard) and try to push the activities. STOJAN’S CARRY A WIDE VARIETY helmet off by rotating backward. OF SKIDOO RIDING GEAR FOR THE 4. Repeat steps two and ENTIRE FAMILY! three until you find a helmet that properly fits. Keep in mind that the padding in the helmet will condense so if the helmet is even slightly too big over time it will become much too big. 9415-163 Avenue • (780) 538-2934 • www.stojans.com www.theexperts.ca Ask The Experts® - Grande Prairie Edition - February 2013 5.