Roller skiing

In Norway, separate roller ski facilities have been constructed to allow exercise off public roads.

In the early 1950s, when cross-country skiing started to evolve to a serious competition sport, the necessity for good summer training grew.

In 1976, Giustino Del Vecchio, an air pilot, established a record in Monza by doing 240.5 kilometres (149.4 mi) in 24 hours on the roller skis he had designed, using material and technologies from the aircraft industry; narrow solid wheels with hard tread, reverse lock-up ball bearings to enable a forward push off the inactive ski.

Note that World Roller Skiing championships are not officially sanctioned races by FIS or recognized sports governing bodies.

Mateja Bogatec from Italy has been one of the most successful female rollers since the beginning of the FIS World Cup in 2000.

Wood was originally used, though this has mostly been replaced by aluminum, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber or a combination of these materials.

Many manufacturers sell junior roller skis, with shorter shafts to reduce the overall weight for younger skiers.

The bindings should never be mounted in a place that allows the cross country boot to be attached behind the balance point of the rollerski.

Most composite rollerski frames made of fiberglass or carbon fiber have aluminum arms mounted with bolts.

Cross-country ski poles are also used, with the basket replaced by a ferrule, essentially a reinforced carbide steel spike molded into strong plastic.

Extra protective clothing is recommended: full-finger gloves, helmet, eyewear, and knee and elbow pads.

Newer models of roller skis include technological advances such as frames with built-in suspension to reduce vibrations from asphalt, resulting in less stress on joints and a more snow-like experience.

Poles are the same length as snow, but a special hardened metal spike is used to withstand the wear and tear of asphalt.

To reduce wear and tear on the arms, there are pole grips with spring padding and special spikes that provide better cushioning.

FF Rollerskis uses special vulcanized rubber to provide better cushioning for the user, making the ski more skilike.

Roller skiing is most popular in Europe, particularly France, Italy, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, and Russia, where there are many serious races and even a World Cup Circuit.

In North America, roller skiing is popular in areas with many Nordic skiers such as Ontario, Alberta, Alaska, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Nordic blading can be more risky than inline skating as the poles complicate balance and coordination.

Typically uses specialized inline skates with two big all-terrain wheels (4-6 inch diameter, typically pneumatic) and special poles that the skater pumps like ski poles to make the skates go faster and provides a good workout for the majority of the major muscle groups, including upper body.