The Joy of Pond Skimming: What Skis (If Any) Are Best for This Spring

Ever tried skiing across a pond? It’s the ultimate spring challenge for skiers and snowboarders. But here’s the deal: your gear can make or break your experience. Whether you want stability, speed, or trick potential, Snowfeet’s compact skis and skates offer options for every skill level. From the nimble 44 cm Skiskates to the stable 120 cm Skiblades, there’s something for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

For Beginners: Go with the 120 cm Skiblades for smooth rides and stability.
For Tricksters: The 44 cm Skiskates are perfect for spins and jumps.
For All-Around Performance: The 99 cm Skiblades strike a balance between control and fun.
For Precision Lovers: The 65 cm Skiblades are great for quick turns and creative moves.

Each choice works with your regular ski or snowboard boots, making setup a breeze. Ready to make a splash? Let’s dive into the details!

The Drop-In: Snowmass Closing Day 2022 Pond Skim POV

Snowmass

1. Snowfeet* Skiblades 65 cm

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The 65 cm Skiblades are perfect for pond skimming fans who want precision and control without the bulk of longer skis. At just 65 cm (around 2 ft 1 in), these compact skis deliver a fast, nimble ride that’s a refreshing change from traditional long skis.

Buoyancy and Stability

While these Skiblades don’t have the floatation of wider or longer skis, they hit a sweet spot for pond skimming. Their width helps spread your weight evenly, improving buoyancy. To stay afloat, you'll need good speed and a centered stance. Unlike longer skis that rely on sheer surface area, these shorter blades reward skimmers who bring momentum and balance to the game. Perfect for those looking to refine their technique.

Maneuverability and Trick Potential

The short length of the 65 cm Skiblades makes them incredibly responsive. Quick spins, sharp turns, and stylish jumps become much easier. Whether it’s a 360-degree spin or a flashy grab, these skiblades turn a simple pond crossing into a showcase of skill and creativity.

Portability and Ease of Use

One of the best parts? These skiblades are easy to carry around. Unlike traditional skis, which can be a hassle to transport, the lightweight design of the 65 cm Skiblades means they fit easily in your car and can be carried by hand. This is a game-changer, especially at busy pond skimming events where navigating the crowd can be just as tricky as the water.

Boot Compatibility

The 65 cm Skiblades are designed to work with standard ski boots, so you can use your current gear without a problem. They’re also compatible with snowboard or winter boots, so there’s no need to invest in specialized footwear. Plus, the adjustable bindings come with reliable release mechanisms, adding an extra layer of safety during your water crossings.

To make the most of these skiblades, hit the water with speed, keep those tips up, and stay centered. While they demand more precision than longer skis, the control and trick potential they offer give you a clear edge. These features make them a standout choice for pond skimming fans and a great introduction to the Snowfeet* lineup for those looking to elevate their skills.

2. Snowfeet* Skiblades 99 cm

Building on the precision of the 65 cm model, the 99 cm Skiblades strike a perfect balance between stability and maneuverability. With their added length, they offer more surface area, making them a solid choice for pond skimming enthusiasts who want both confidence and control. At 99 centimeters (about 3 feet 3 inches), these skiblades provide a sweet spot - not too short to compromise stability, yet not too long to lose agility. They're perfect for tackling spring's splashiest challenge.

Buoyancy and Stability

The extra length of the 99 cm Skiblades gives them a noticeable edge in flotation compared to their shorter counterparts. This added surface area makes them a great choice for skiers looking for more buoyancy and balance on the water. They’re forgiving enough to help you stay afloat even if your technique isn’t flawless.

Unlike traditional long skis, which can feel clunky and hard to control, these skiblades are designed for quick corrections. If you start to wobble or lose balance, their manageable size lets you adjust on the fly. The extra length provides a bit more room for error, so you can focus on enjoying the ride without stressing over every minor misstep.

Maneuverability and Trick Potential

These skiblades are all about blending stability with agility. Whether you’re spinning, pulling off 180s, or going for mid-air grabs, their design makes it easier to nail tricks that would be a struggle with traditional skis. Experienced skimmers often highlight the 99 cm length as ideal for stepping up your game, offering just enough control to keep things smooth while still being playful enough for daring moves.

Portability and Ease of Use

Even though they’re longer than the 65 cm model, the 99 cm Skiblades are still compact and lightweight compared to traditional skis. They’re easy to transport and quick to set up, making them perfect for those impromptu pond skimming sessions when the weather’s calling your name. No bulky gear to wrestle with - just grab your skiblades and you’re good to go.

Boot Compatibility

The 99 cm Skiblades work seamlessly with both ski and snowboard boots, thanks to their adjustable bindings. These bindings are designed for quick release, adding an extra layer of safety. Whether you prefer the snug fit of ski boots or the more relaxed feel of snowboard boots, these skiblades adapt to your style, so you can focus on perfecting your technique.

For the best results, hit the pond with some speed, keep your tips up, and stay centered. The extra length gives you a bit more leeway than shorter models, but they still deliver the responsive feel that makes pond skimming such an addictive spring tradition. These features make the 99 cm Skiblades a fantastic choice for skimmers ready to take their skills to the next level.

3. Snowfeet* Skiblades 120 cm

The Snowfeet* 120 cm Skiblades are the longest in their lineup, designed to offer a smooth and stable ride - perfect for pond skimming enthusiasts. At almost 4 feet long, these skiblades provide a larger surface area, making them a great pick for those who value a steady glide over daring tricks. They combine the steadiness of longer skis with the quick maneuverability of shorter skiblades.

"These 120 cm short mini skis are the greatest fun you can possibly have on a mountain as a skier, plus they're super easy to learn! Skiblades bring a new level of control and freedom to the slopes." - Snowfeetstore.com

Buoyancy and Stability

The longer length of these skiblades ensures better weight distribution, which improves buoyancy and makes for a smoother ride - especially for beginners. Thanks to their parabolic shape and narrow waist, carving is quick and responsive. Unlike bulky traditional skis, this model finds a sweet spot between control and staying afloat. Its wider design helps prevent sinking during water crossings, a feature many seasoned pond skimmers swear by. User feedback highlights how this model excels in providing both float and stability.

Maneuverability and Trick Potential

While these skiblades lean more toward stability, they still offer plenty of room for fun. The Camber with Tip and Tail Rocker design supports controlled spins, turns, and even jumps. One user shared, "They are super fun for riding backward, spinning, jumping, and all kinds of tricks". The extra length also gives a bit more forgiveness during jumps or grabs, making these skiblades a solid choice for skimmers who want a mix of stability and playful potential.

Portability and Ease of Use

Even with their longer size, these skiblades are lightweight and easier to carry than traditional skis. Their forgiving design and quick learning curve mean that skimmers of all experience levels can pick them up without much hassle - unlike the often challenging process of mastering full-length alpine skis.

Boot Compatibility

One of the standout features is the universal bindings, which work with most standard ski boots and include a quick-release safety mechanism. This flexibility eliminates the need for specialized boots, making it easy to gear up and hit the slopes. The 120 cm Skiblades round out Snowfeet*’s collection, offering a stable yet versatile option for pond skimming enthusiasts who want a little bit of everything.

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4. Snowfeet* Skiskates 44 cm

The Snowfeet* Skiskates, measuring just 44 cm (17.3 inches), are the most compact option in their lineup. Designed for snow enthusiasts who enjoy combining skiing and skating, these skiskates are all about agility and quick movements. Unlike traditional alpine skis from brands like Rossignol or K2, these are perfect for pond skimming fans who want something unique. Their short length makes them ideal for navigating slick, shallow pond surfaces with precision. While Skiblades offer more length for balanced control, these Skiskates shine when it comes to speed and creativity.

"In my opinion, Skiskates is the best product for slopes we developed so far. I love how easy they are to ski and skate and how many different kinds of tricks I can perform without much effort and almost no restrictions." - Zbyněk, Snowfeet* founder

Buoyancy and Stability

Because of their compact 44 cm size, these skiskates require speed and a bit of finesse to master. Their smaller surface area means they don’t float as much as longer skis, but the sturdy wood core ensures they hold up well during water crossings. Plus, their lightweight design makes quick adjustments and recoveries much easier.

Maneuverability and Trick Potential

The ultra-short length of the Skiskates opens up a whole new world of movement. You can pull off rapid turns, spins, and jumps that would be tough - if not impossible - on longer skis from brands like Salomon or Atomic. For pond skimming, this means you can make split-second moves and try out creative tricks that traditional gear might restrict. It’s all about pushing the limits and having fun.

Portability and Ease of Use

One of the best things about these Skiskates? They’re super portable. At just 44 cm, they’re small enough to fit in a backpack, making it easy to take them to hard-to-reach skimming spots. Unlike traditional skis, which often require roof racks or oversized bags, these are hassle-free. Just toss them in your bag and go.

"FIT INTO A BACKPACK - They are light and small and thus easy to carry around so you can take them anywhere"

Boot Compatibility

Ease of use doesn’t stop with portability - these skiskates also work with a broad range of boots. Thanks to Snowfeet*’s adjustable, tool-free bindings, you can use ski boots or snowboard boots without any extra fuss.

"ONE SIZE FITS ALL - Easy to adjust, tool-free non-release bindings fit ski boots or snowboard boots of all sizes. Includes safety leashes for secure attachment. Anti-slippery surface for perfect grip."

The bindings accommodate ski boots from sizes 4.5 to 14.5 US and snowboard boots from sizes 6 to 14.5 US. That means you can use your existing boots - no need to buy anything extra. It’s all about keeping things simple and versatile.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s break down the strengths and challenges of each Snowfeet* product, building on their detailed reviews.

The 65 cm Skiblades are all about tricks and quick movements. Their compact size makes them perfect for spins and creative jumps - things that are harder to pull off with traditional alpine skis. However, they demand speed and precision to maintain stability, so they might take some getting used to.

The 99 cm Skiblades find a balance between control and versatility. They’re more stable than the shorter 65 cm model and still much easier to carry around than full-length skis. The trade-off? They’re not as quick to turn as the 65 cm option, but they’re still a solid all-around choice.

The 120 cm Skiblades offer the closest experience to traditional skiing. They’re ideal for beginners who want the feel of regular skis without the bulk. This size is great for carving and provides a stable ride, especially in the 90–120 cm range. While they’re less portable than the shorter models, they’re still far more compact than conventional skis.

The Skiskates, at just 44 cm, are the most specialized option. These are built for speed and tricks that simply aren’t possible with traditional equipment. Their ultra-compact size means you can toss them in a backpack, but their short length requires a lot of skill to master.

Here’s a quick comparison to help visualize the differences:

Product	Length	Best For	Stability	Trick Potential	Portability
Skiskates	44 cm (17.3")	Advanced tricks, speed	Low	Highest	Excellent
Skiblades 65 cm	65 cm (25.6")	Park tricks, quick turns	Medium	High	Excellent
Skiblades 99 cm	99 cm (39")	All-around performance	High	Medium	Good
Skiblades 120 cm	120 cm (47.2")	Beginners, carving	Highest	Low	Good

One thing all Snowfeet* products have in common is their portability. Compared to traditional skis from brands like K2 or Atomic - which often require roof racks or oversized bags - these are a breeze to carry. Plus, they work with your regular boots, so there’s no need to invest in specialized footwear.

That said, there’s a bit of a learning curve. As Michael, a customer, put it:

"So much fun.....but also a lot of work at first. It is very similar to ice skating. I would say start out on a more beginner run to get the hang of it."

All models shine on groomed snow but are less effective on steep slopes or deep powder. This can also make them a bit tricky for pond skimming under certain conditions. However, Skiblades - especially the 99 cm and 120 cm options - are generally easier to balance than Skiskates or Snowfeet*. If you’re new to this type of gear, these two sizes are more forgiving. For experienced skimmers who want to push boundaries, the shorter 65 cm blades or Skiskates might be the better pick.

Each model caters to a different style, giving Snowfeet* a clear edge over traditional skis for those looking for something portable, fun, and unique.

Final Recommendations

Picking the right Snowfeet* gear comes down to matching the product to your skill level and what you’re looking to get out of it. Let’s break it down:

Beginners: If you’re just starting out, the 65 cm Skiblades are a great choice. Their shorter length makes them easier to control, especially on gentle slopes. Plus, if you’ve got experience with hockey, rollerblading, or ice skating, you’ll find these a breeze to pick up. They’re forgiving enough to help you build confidence while you get the hang of pond skimming.

Intermediate skimmers: The 99 cm Skiblades are the sweet spot for those with some experience. They offer a nice mix of stability and maneuverability, making them ideal for carving, trying out jumps, and experimenting with tricks as you level up your skills.

Advanced pond skimmers: If you’re all about tricks and park-style moves, go for the 44 cm Skiskates. These are built for speed and creativity but require precision to master. On the other hand, if you want something closer to a traditional skiing experience but with better portability, the 120 cm Skiblades are a solid pick. They’re a lightweight alternative to conventional skis from brands like K2 or Atomic.

Snowfeet* products stand out for their versatility and ease of use. Whether you’re gliding over ponds or tackling diverse terrains, they’re a hassle-free option that’s hard to beat.

FAQs

How do I choose the right length of Skiblades for pond skimming?

When picking Skiblades for pond skimming, it’s all about finding the right mix of control and stability. Shorter Skiblades (65–90 cm) are easier to handle, making them a solid choice for beginners or anyone wanting to try out tricks. On the other hand, longer Skiblades (up to 120 cm) are built for speed and offer greater stability - perfect for seasoned skimmers aiming for a smooth, fast glide.

Snowfeet’s 65 cm and 90 cm models are great if you’re just getting started or want maximum control for playful maneuvers. If you’re more experienced and crave speed, their 120 cm option delivers a great balance of stability and performance. Pick the size that matches your skills and style, and get ready to skim your way into spring fun!

What are the best tips for staying balanced and floating smoothly while pond skimming with Snowfeet Skiblades?

To keep your balance and glide smoothly while pond skimming with Snowfeet Skiblades, make sure to keep the tips of your skis slightly raised - this helps you avoid those dreaded nosedives. Distribute your weight evenly, and go for a centered stance with your knees slightly bent. This position gives you better control and keeps things stable. Oh, and don’t let the tails of your skis sink too deep; it can mess with your buoyancy.

What makes Snowfeet Skiblades a great choice? Their shorter, wider design offers better flotation and maneuverability compared to traditional skis. The compact build helps you stay steady, making your pond-skimming adventure smoother - and honestly, way more fun!

Why are Snowfeet Skiskates better than traditional skis for pond skimming?

Snowfeet Skiskates bring a whole new level of fun to pond skimming. Unlike traditional skis, which can be bulky and a pain to lug around, these mini skis are lightweight and compact. They're super easy to carry, set up, and stash away when you're done - ideal for those spur-of-the-moment adventures.

What really sets them apart is how nimble they are. With Snowfeet Skiskates, you can glide across the water with ease, focusing on the excitement instead of struggling with oversized gear. Whether you're a pro on the slopes or just trying this out for the first time, these skates are all about keeping things simple and making sure you have an absolute blast.