viking ski club
 

 

Arrows

The Arrows are Viking JR graduates, ranging in age from approximately 10 to 16 years, who want to improve their classic and skate techniques, develop race techniques and strategies, and take part in races.

Program: Lessons are held Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Weather permitting; the program lasts 10 weeks starting the first Saturday in January (January 6th, 2019). It consists of a combination of lessons and races. The typical season includes eight Saturday lessons and two race days.  During each lesson, Arrows will be refining both classic and skating technique.  In addition, the team members are encouraged to participate in the Viking Loppet and achieve personal targets. Although lessons are almost never cancelled, occasionally the weather simply doesn't cooperate and the lesson will be made up at the end of the season (weather permitting).   Age-applicable Arrows will be supported in the JDQ qualifying races.

Objectives: The focus of the Arrows program is to refine ski technique, developing endurance and learn race technique. Participants are encouraged to set personal challenges and goals with the coach at the beginning of the season. These could include development of a particular technique or skill, setting targets for the Viking Loppet or participating with the team. Technique will be videoed and reviewed during the course of the season. Arrows will learn how to glide-wax their skis and take responsibility for kick waxing their own skis.

Races:  Team members have an opportunity to participate in a number of races: two Coupe Fondeurs (Saturday) (regional qualifiers for Jeux de Québec); a NorAm race (Friday-Monday), the Oka Ski Marathon (Sunday); a Mt. St Bruno race (Sunday), and depending on the interest of the group, another regional race. All participants are expected to enter the Viking Loppet (Sunday).  Program fees do not include NorAm, Oka, St. Bruno, or Loppet race fees. 

Arrows Instructor: Kyle Stoyel has been a Viking member since the age of 7 when he started in the Viking JR program and immediately fell in love with the sport. Since his first race at the age of 9, Kyle has been hooked on racing, participating in both regional races and following the Quebec Cup. Kyle has coached children's skiing for the past seven years.  He is CANSI level 2-qualified and will be the group's main instructor.
Quentin Stoyel will be assistant coach and wax technician as required during the season. Quentin is a CANSI level-1 qualified instructor, and has coached skiing and waxed during the last five years.  He races and coaches for the McGill Nordic Ski team.

Equipment:  Properly fitted classic and skate skis are recommended.  A combi boot may be used for both skiing techniques.  A significant portion of the course will be coaching skate skiing. To optimize the benefits of this instruction and learning the technique, skate skis are suggested. The camber of these skis facilitates the technique and makes it more enjoyable.    

Cost: $240. This includes race fees and day licenses for two regional races.