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» Equipment » Training
Ski jumper's equipment is pretty expensive – its all elements cost at least 1000 euro. Most of young jumpers' parents can't afford it. Young competitors are provided with the equipment by their clubs, and best ski jumpers – by their teams. The money are received from sponsors, who often get, in turn, some place for their adverts on the equipment for the support.
Ski jumper's equipment consists of:
- skis with bindings
- a suit
- boots
- a helmet
- goggles
 Skis
Skis are undoubtedly the most important element of the equipment. These are not common skis that we can buy in every sporting shop. Skis used by ski jumpers are much longer and wider, but also very light. The greater length and width of the skis makes it possible for the jumper to soar for a longer time and, as a result of it, to lengthen the jump. To restrict the possibility of manipulating the equipment, FIS introduced some detailed regulations which clearly specify the acceptable length and width of skis. The length of a ski may not exceed 146% of the height of the competitor who use it. Its width may not exceed: 11,5 cm. in the front of the ski, within the distance of 30 cm. from the tip of the ski and at the end of the ski; 10,5 cm. under the bindings. What's more, there must be a straight line between these checkpoints. Such regulations cause that skis are properly shaped, which lessens their dimensions.
 Bindings
Bindings have been undergoing some important changes recently. They are safer now – they are supposed, at least theoretically to unfasten in case a jumper falls so that the danger of being contused is not so serious. The competitor may glide down the hill easily, whereas long skis might make it impossible. The back of the bindings is movable to enable the jumper to change the position of his body during the flight (to change the angle formed by his body and skis). In this case, FIS also introduced some restrictions. There are regulations concerning the assembling of the bindings and skis: e.g. the distance between the tip of the ski and the tip of the boot may not exceed 57% of the entire length of the ski.
 A suit
Very important part of the ski jumper's equipment is a suit, which helps to get a better aerodynamics during a flight. It is made of a special 5 mm thick foam (the thickness is restricted by FIS regulations). It may be additionally covered by a thin layer of a metallic material. A jumper who has got a looser suit is able to fly further, because there is a greater resistance and thanks to it, the suit fills up with air, just like a sail. The transmission of air equals 40 lit. per 1 cm2. It is, of course, restricted by FIS regulations. The dimensions of the suit are restricted as well. They may exceed competitor's real dimensions only by 10%. To check, whether suits used by competitors meet the FIS regulations, 6 points, in which the suit's dimensions are being controlled, have been fixed.
 Boots
Ski jumper's boots differ very much from traditional ski or snowboard boots. First of all, they are made of leather. Furthermore, they are very elastic, thus adjusting to foot's movement. Their backs are hardened to prevent undesirable injuries. Their whole construction has to hold the foot in the appropriate position, but also may not limit the ease of its movement. Thanks to it, ski jumpers are able to lean forward easily during a flight.
 A helmet and goggles
A helmet is an indispensable part of ski jumper's equipment, used compulsorily since 1980's. Its basic function is to prevent possible contusions (if a competitor uses a helmet, there is little probability of a brain concussion in case the jumper falls). Additionally, a properly constructed helmet may improve aerodynamics considerably.
Goggles are used by all jumpers because of practical reasons. If eyes are not protected, they may be tearing at such high speeds. Some jumpers additionally use a mask made of firm plastic. Thanks to it, face is covered and protected, while the competitor jumps.
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