New Ski Jumping Gear
Jumping skis are the heaviest, longest, and widest skis in all of skiing. Men’s skis can be 250+ cm in length, over 4 inches wide, and weigh anywhere from 6 to 10 pounds each. The International Ski Federation (FIS) carefully controls every detail of jumpers’ gear and clothing. Skis may not exceed 147% of the skier’s height and may be no wider than 11.5 centimeters. Rules for suits include details such as thickness and air permeability of the fabric, collar circumference, location and type of seams, and sleeve length, to name just a few.
When you decide to buy new gear, your best course of action is to order it through your club or team, so you can get the benefit of your coach’s advice along with the team or club discount. If you’re on your own, and are buying online from Denmark, Slovenia, Norway, etc., be prepared to pay as much as 19% sales tax, plus shipping and handling costs.
New gear price ranges are listed below. The low prices are often junior sizes while the very high prices are for the more serious (and/or fully-grown) athlete. Elite jumpers often use custom-made gear, which costs even more.
- Suit – $115 to $600
- Skis – $300 to $700
- Boots – $300 to $550
- Bindings – $200 to $500
Helmets are available at local ski supply stores here in the States.
- Helmet/goggles – $100 to $300
What To Expect
Most club coaches agree that, while everyone progresses at their own rate, most people take about a year to master 10- and 20-meter jumps. With motivation, dedication, and skill, you may feel comfortable on the 40-meter hill sometime in your second year of jumping.
Coaches also agree that for a hard-working jumper, the 60-meter jump is a reasonable long-term goal. At the Olympics, there are two categories of jumps: normal hill (90-meters) and large hill (120-meters). During very long jumps, world-class skiers can spend as much as 20 seconds in the air, from take-off to landing. The jumps are carefully designed for safety, and landing hills are contoured so that even on the biggest jumps, skiers never fly more than 15 to 20 feet from the ground. Even so, it’s a sport that requires practice, discipline, a good coach, and a need for speed.
Final Word
Once you buy your own gear, you’ve probably decided ski jumping is the sport for you. Some jumpers have a great time honing their skills at their club’s facilities and other hills in the area. But some dream of competing – testing their skills on the tournament circuit. If competition is part of your game plan, you’ll find that local and regional tournaments are very affordable, but once you get out on the national circuit, with your eyes on the Junior Olympics, the National team, or the Olympics, be prepared to pay your own way as you travel (and jump) around the country and the world.