[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_class=”page-header” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Groms Program (4th-6th grade)” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” content_font_size=”20px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/apunordic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/DSC00449.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_vertical_offset=”6%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”300px” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”22px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” content_font_size_tablet=”17px” content_font_size_phone=”17px” content_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_header_container=”display: flex; || flex-direction: column; || justify-content: center;” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0.01em” title_text_shadow_color=”#0a4365″ content_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ content_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0.01em” content_text_shadow_color=”#0a4365″ border_width_bottom=”5px” border_color_bottom=”#fac61d” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Groms is an APUNSC year-round program built for elementary school age children in 4th through 6th grade. The program is designed to allow motivated kids an opportunity to expand their skiing potential! Groms get to emphasize fun while developing a lifelong love of the outdoors and sliding on snow. By joining Groms, kids will get to interact with other skiers from across the Anchorage bowl in a safe and friendly environment. Children will be coached by our professional staff of experienced coaches.<\/p>\n
\nGrom (short for \u201cGrommet\u201d)\u00a0<\/i> originated in the surfing world meaning a young surfer. Skiers and snowboarders also started to utilize the term, and liked it so much that now it is synonymous with any youngling on skis or a board.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_tabs active_tab_background_color=”#20a2dc” inactive_tab_background_color=”#f4f4f9″ active_tab_text_color=”#FFFFFF” admin_label=”Vertical Tabs” module_id=”fancy-tabs” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ tab_text_color=”#20a2dc” body_font_size=”17px” body_ul_font_size=”17px” body_ul_line_height=”1.3em” custom_css_main_element=”Display:flex;” custom_css_tabs_controls=”max-width:200px;||flex-wrap:wrap;||” custom_css_tab=”width:100%;||text-align:center;||margin:auto;||border-bottom: 1px solid #FFF;” custom_css_active_tab=”border-right:1px solid #20a2dc;” custom_css_tabs_content=”border:1px solid #f4f4f9″ border_width_all=”0px” border_color_all=”#f4f4f9″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display:block;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”Display:flex;” custom_css_tab_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_tab_tablet=”width:100%;||text-align:center;||margin:auto;||border:none;” custom_css_tabs_controls_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_tabs_controls_tablet=”max-width:100%;||display:block;||flex-wrap:wrap;” custom_css_tabs_controls_phone=”display:block;||flex-wrap:wrap;||” custom_css_tab_phone=”height:auto;” custom_css_active_tab_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_active_tab_phone=”border-left:1px solid #20a2dc;” custom_css_tabs_content_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_tabs_content_phone=”border:1px solid #f4f4f9″ custom_css_active_tab_tablet=”border-right:1px solid #20a2dc;” custom_css_tabs_content_tablet=”border:1px solid #f4f4f9″][et_pb_tab title=”Overview” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
During\u00a0Summer and Fall sessions<\/strong>\u00a0Groms will be running, hiking, and bounding around the trails. Once the snow flies, we\u2019ll be on skis as much as possible!
Training is typically located at Hillside, APU, and Kincaid. Athletes will also take special training sessions to run in the mountains or ski other trails.<\/p>\nProgram Coordinator:<\/strong>\u00a0Galen Johnston
Coaches:<\/strong>\u00a0Anna Darnell, Sean Clapp<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Schedule” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Summer (<\/strong>April 29, 2024 to August 15, 2024<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026.. $850<\/span>
3 sessions per week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Sessions are 5:00-6:00PM during ASD School Year, and 10:45AM-12:00PM during ASD summer break.<\/p>\nFall (<\/strong>August 19, 2024 to October 3, 2024<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026.. $290<\/span>
3 sessions per week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 \u2013 6:00PM<\/p>\nWinter 2 Day (October 7, 2024 to April 3, 2025<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026.. $870<\/span>
Monday and Wednesday, 5:00 \u2013 6:00PM
OR Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 \u2013 6:00PM<\/p>\nWinter 4 Day (October 7, 2024 to April 3, 2025<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026. $1,340<\/span>
Monday through Thursday, 5:00 \u2013 6:00PM<\/p>\nYear Round with Winter 2 day option (April 29, 2024<\/b> to April 3, 2025<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026.. $1,390<\/span>
All seasonal programs (with Winter 2 day) at reduced rate, bi-annual payment plan available.<\/p>\nYear Round with Winter 4 day option (April 29, 2024<\/b> to April 3, 2025<\/b>)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2026\u2026.. $1,960<\/span>
All seasonal programs (with Winter 4 day) at reduced rate, bi-annual payment plan available.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Locations” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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- APU (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet on the lawn in front of Atwood Center.<\/li>\n
- Hilltop Ski Area (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet at the far end of the inner parking area at the Nordic Ski Trailhead.<\/li>\n
- Kincaid Park (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet on the north side of the lower parking lot. (Below Gong Hill)<\/li>\n
- Glen Alps (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet at the main trailhead.<\/li>\n
- Prospect Heights (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet at the main trailhead.<\/li>\n
- Upper Huffman (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet at the main trailhead.<\/li>\n
- Rabbit Lake Trailhead (map link<\/a>) \u2013 Meet at the main trailhead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Equipment” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dryland (Summer\/Fall)<\/h4>\n
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- Classic or \u201cBounding\u201d poles<\/strong> – For days that we run and bound with poles. Your winter classic poles will work just fine, though if you have something a little shorter (fit in the armpit) that is ideal. Often just with growth this is the perfect use of last winter\u2019s classics\u2026<\/li>\n
- Mountain Bike<\/strong> – Good tire tread and mechanically sound.\u00a0 Riders need to be able to shift gears easily, and brakes should be in good working order<\/li>\n
- Bike Helmet<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Running shoes <\/strong>– Shoes with good tread are a requirement. Beyond that, find something that is comfortable for running and moving in! Avoid overly heavy, clunky shoes that don\u2019t move well with your feet.<\/li>\n
- Drink Belt or Hydration Pack<\/strong> – For Mountain Run days it\u2019s good to have a little water, a snack, and a way to carry a rain\/wind jacket<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
On Snow (Winter)<\/h4>\n
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- Running Shoes<\/strong> – Studded shoes or removable ice cleats recommended<\/li>\n
- Ski Boots<\/strong> – Fit is key. Find the boot that is comfortable for your foot in a skiing motion. Most Jr. Boots are a combi style boot meaning they work for skate and classic. This works great for Groms!\u00a0 As skiers grow and develop you may look at technique specific boots instead but likely not until your skier is a Devo age athlete.<\/li>\n
- Skate Poles<\/strong> – Length should be between lower lip and nose.<\/li>\n
- Classic Poles<\/strong> – Length to top of strap attachment should be 83% of body height standing in classic ski boots, or shorter.<\/li>\n
- \u00a0Rock Skis<\/strong> – A separate pair of skis for both Skate and Classic techniques is ideal though not required. Pick up the cheapest pair(s) you can find at Play it Again Sports or a Swap or Craigslist even. These are skis that serve dual purpose.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to care about them so much since they were cheap, so we can ski in marginal conditions, get scratches, and not worry about them! This allows us to explore more, and get on snow earlier in the year.\u00a0 If you race, these make great warm up skis to ski on while your coaches are busy waxing your other skis to race on!<\/li>\n
- Race Skis (Skate and Classic)<\/strong> A separate pair of skis for both Skate and Classic techniques is encouraged.<\/li>\n
- Skate Skis<\/strong> – For fit, look to have the ski length be somewhere between the top of the head and up to 4\u201d taller than head height.\u00a0 If buying used, ideally look for something from someone who was\/is a similar weight and height range.\u00a0 Skate ski flex can be as complicated and as technical as you want to make it. It\u2019s not an exact science, and there is a lot of wiggle room!\u00a0 Don\u2019t stress over it too much. If it glides, and is roughly the right size, it\u2019ll be fun!<\/li>\n
- Classic Skis<\/strong> – Waxable skis are STRONGLY encouraged. Waxless skis are acceptable for rock skis, but are too slow and do not allow for good technique development. Classic ski fit is very weight dependent for a good fit. The skier needs to be able to close the ski to the snow by standing on one foot and rolling up on the ball of the foot. Without this, they won\u2019t be able to achieve kick and classic will be a less than pleasant experience. If purchasing used equipment it would be worth either consulting a coach, or getting the skis flex tested to determine proper fit. Most ski shops have a glass bench that they can have you stand on, on the skis and slide paper under each ski to determine how it fits and if you can close it.\u00a0 Length can vary between the middle of the forearm (when held straight up above the head) to the crease of the wrist. Longer skis are slightly harder to control, but yield faster glide and in some cases better stability.<\/li>\n
- Combi Skis<\/strong> – Combi skis are also an option in lieu of the technique specific skis listed above. This can be a decent option, especially for smaller skiers. However, as we\u2019ll be switching back and forth between skate and classic during the week, there is some work required at home to scrape off old kick wax before skate days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wax<\/h4>\n
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- Classic Kick Wax <\/strong>– Lots of companies to choose from. Pick a basic line from one company and get to know it. One of each of the below waxes will cover most conditions.\n
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- Cork \u2013 Synthetic Corks work most efficiently<\/li>\n
- Binder- optional. Ironed onto bare base to increase kick and durability of kick wax layers.<\/li>\n
- Blue \u2013 Swix V40, Toko Blue, Start Blue are all good options<\/li>\n
- Violet \u2013 Swix V45 or V50, Start Purple, Toko Red<\/li>\n
- Red \u2013 Swix V60, Toko Yellow, Start Red or Yellow<\/li>\n
- Klister \u2013 Swix KX40S, Swix Silver Universal (can applicator is super easy\u2026)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Glide Wax<\/strong> – \u00a0Optional, but advised. Waxing skis regularly allows for skis to be faster and last longer. A good liquid glide wax will help a lot as well, but without the extra paraphernalia. Feel free to ask for guidance.\n
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- Waxing form<\/li>\n
- Waxing Iron<\/li>\n
- Wax \u2013 A \u201cGreen\u201d, a \u201cBlue\u201d and a \u201cRed\u201d wax are good places to start<\/li>\n
- Scraper<\/li>\n
- Groove scraper<\/li>\n
- Metal Brush \u2013 Copper or Steel<\/li>\n
- Nylon\/Horsehair Brush<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clothing<\/h4>\n
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- Hat<\/strong> \u2013 Something to keep your ears warm and your head covered<\/li>\n
- Gloves<\/strong> \u2013 Low profile but warm is ideal.<\/li>\n
- Mittens<\/strong> – If your hands ever get cold check out Toko, or Swix brand mittens. They are thin, so they fit in ski pole straps, but also very warm!<\/li>\n
- Buff<\/strong> \u2013 Or other face\/neck cover. Just wearing this around your throat warms the air going into your lungs.\u00a0 Optional – Cold air Mask \u2013 Airtrim makes a good mask that allows air to be warmed and moisturized as it comes into your lungs. If you have trouble breathing in the cold, or simply want to look out for your lungs, this is a good thing to have in the kit! They\u2019re great for warming up for cold races\u2026<\/li>\n
- Jacket<\/strong> \u2013 Something that you can move in that isn\u2019t overly bulky, but will keep you warm. Ideally an outer material that snow doesn\u2019t stick to too badly.<\/li>\n
- Pants<\/strong> \u2013 Not overly bulky, but warm. Ideally an outer material that snow doesn\u2019t stick to too badly.<\/li>\n
- Long underwear<\/strong> \u2013 Top and Bottom. Something other than cotton!<\/li>\n
- Race suit<\/strong> \u2013 Optional. Spandex to race in.\u00a0 Wind Briefs \u2013 If you\u2019re wearing a spandex suit and you\u2019re a boy you need these. I promise you will regret it if you don\u2019t wear them\u2026<\/li>\n
- Drink Belt or water bottle carrier<\/strong>. Optional. If you like a little water on the ski this is a good investment.<\/li>\n
- Boot Covers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Requirements” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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- Basic Physical Fitness<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Groms should be able to run or ski for 10-15 minutes without stopping and be able to move for over an hour with short breaks.<\/li>\n
- Health<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Participants must be healthy to participate in practice. Stay home and take rest when you\u2019re sick. Communicate with the Coach any existing injuries that may be affected by performing in our practice activities.<\/li>\n
- Readiness<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Participants are expected to arrive in time to receive important instructions given at the beginning of each practice, and with appropriate gear (see\u00a0Equipment<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Competitions” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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- 2022-23 Besh Cups Races, organized by\u00a0Cross Country Alaska<\/a>, sanctioned by\u00a0US Ski & Snowboard<\/a>\u00a0(must be a\u00a0USSS member<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Anchorage Cup Races organized by\u00a0NSAA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Middle School Racing organized by\u00a0NSAA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_tab][et_pb_tab title=”Policies” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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- Registration Payments and Waivers\u00a0All registration is online and required before attending the first session.<\/li>\n
- Besh\u00a0Cup\u00a0Race Support is included in the membership fees.<\/li>\n
- Family Discount after purchasing two year round memberships, all additional memberships are half price.\u00a0Please contact coaches to get a registration coupon<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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