Sun & Ski Sports

Ski ropes might be the most important piece of equipment in your ski tube kit. A poor quality ski rope puts the rider at risk, as does improper rope attachment. Be sure that you and everyone who uses your ski tube know how to attach ski ropes correctly and how to take care of them.

Keep these points in mind for safe use of ski tubes and ski ropes:

• Go long. Don’t use ski ropes shorter than 20 feet (even for kids). Any rope shorter than 20 feet places the rider too close to the exhaust from the boat, where he or she is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Think straight. Don’t use ski ropes made from elastic material. These ropes are more likely to break or cause injuries.
• Check it out. Inspect your ski ropes before each use. Don’t use ski ropes that are frayed, and check the connector for signs of wear.
• Store it safely. Consistent exposure to sunlight can deteriorate ski ropes; store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Some ski ropes are sold together with handles, such as the Straight Line Cutting Edge Deep V, which includes a water ski handle and 70-foot rope. These products are appropriate for both recreational and intermediate use.

Visit a Sun & Ski Sports shop near you for expert advice on selecting the right ski ropes for your water sport needs.

As women’s snowsports increase in popularity, so do women’s clothing choices for snowboarding and skiing. The principles of layering for snowsports remain the same for men and women: a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer, and a wind- and water-resistant outer layer.

Some useful features to keep in mind when buying women’s thermal underwear to layer with ski and snowboard clothing:

• Lightweight: Women’s thermal underwear, just like men’s and children’s thermal underwear, should be light in weight and made of moisture-wicking synthetic material. Cotton women’s thermal underwear will leave you feeling cold and clammy as soon as you break a sweat. To maximize warmth and minimize bulk, seek out base layers made of microfiber, such as Hot Chillys’ Peachskins collection.
• Flattering shape: Many manufacturers of women’s thermal underwear recognize that women want their sports gear to look as good as it performs.

The Hot Chillys Peachskin Women’s ¼ zip turtleneck addresses both of these issues. The top includes a drop tail to help keep you toasty, as well as a zip front for when things heat up. The Hot Chillys Peachskin thermal underwear is soft to the touch; it also contains antimicrobial fibers to reduce odor and bacterial buildup, and it features flat seams to minimize bulk.

Sport sandals are a worthwhile summer investment, regardless of your athletic activities. When you’re looking to buy men’s shoes for warm weather, don’t ignore sport sandals. Even men who don’t consider themselves sandal-wearers might be converted after trying some of the many comfortable and functional styles available. Sport sandals can be categorized into two basic groups:

• Athletic sport sandals: This type of sport sandal, such as the Teva Brigade, offers contoured soles to help protect your feet from rocky trails or large waves. The many styles of Teva men’s sandals are appropriate choices for several water sports. The Teva Ominum Watersports Sandals feature reinforced toes, quick-release buckles, and antimicrobial linings for durability and comfort.
• After-sport sandals: This type of sport sandal is what you want to put on after a workout or wear as part of any casual summer outfit. Look for a Reef sandals sale for many choices of stylish, comfortable sandals, such as the Reef Men’s Leather Smoothy Sandals.

Visit a Sun & Ski Sports store near you to try on variety of styles of sport sandals to meet your warm weather workout and casual wear needs.

An infant child carrier is an ideal option for babies approximately 6 months of age and younger who don’t yet have the head and neck control for a backpack-style child carrier. When choosing an infant child carrier, look for models that fit your shape and that have both waist and shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly. Front-riding infant carriers can hold approximately 25 to 30 pounds of baby and baby’s gear. This type of child carrier can be especially handy for running errands and going on airplane trips.

The Kelty Wallaby infant carrier offers many features to ensure a parent’s and child’s comfort, including:

• An adjustable seat, so your baby can face you or face out.
• Padded shoulder straps and waist strap for maximum comfort for parents.
• Padded, secure seat for your baby that’s adjustable for a customized fit.
• All cotton material for softness.

To take babies and children along when you’re cycling, check out the Croozer bike trailer, which has a padded harness and low center of gravity for safety and comfort.

You don’t have to put away your bike when winter sets in, but if you’re committed to riding regularly over the winter, it’s worth investing in cycling shoes and cycling clothes for this purpose. When selecting a cycling shoe for winter riding, keep these points in mind:

• Size up: Your winter cycling shoe should be a half-size larger than your fair-weather cycling shoe so you’ll have room for thick, warm socks.
• Be sock smart: Avoid cotton socks for winter cycling; they won’t keep your feet dry when they get wet from sweat and road slush. Choose wool-blend socks or other thick, yet moisture-wicking socks, and be sure to try on the socks with your prospective winter cycling shoe to ensure a good fit.

Shimano cycling shoes, such as the SH-RO85, are available in both men’s and women’s models. This road shoe is stable but lightweight and is appropriate for both fitness cyclists and racing club members. The shoe also features dual offset straps, which make subtle adjustments easier to accommodate different pairs of winter socks.

Specialty Sports Retailer to Outfit Farmington Valley

Avon, Conn., June 18, 2010 – Specialty sports retailer Sun & Ski Sports, known as the “guide to the great outside,” announces the opening of its newest store this week on Route 44 in Avon.

Located at 195 West Main Street, the new 16,255-square-foot store currently features bikes, cycling accessories and a full bike service shop. Sun & Ski will expand its product line this fall to include a full line of ski and snowboard gear.

“Connecticut’s active outdoor enthusiasts and proximity to some of the best skiing in the Northeast made Avon a natural fit for our newest store,” said Sun & Ski Sports CEO Barry Goldware. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to outfit the vibrant active outdoor community in the Farmington Valley.”

The 30 year old, 24-store adventure retailer, headquartered in Houston, Texas, prides itself in maintaining a staff of knowledgeable, sport-specific employees who provide hands-on, high-level customer service.

The Avon store features a specialized retail team, expert in cycling, boarding and skiing, to assist the beginner, intermediate or expert enthusiast. Sun & Ski will also feature educational and in-the-field events for the public this summer. Bicycle safety, women-only, and triathlon training events are planned for the Avon location.

Sun & Ski Sports’ corporate mission to specialize and departmentalize its stores allows for a comfortable, small-store feel with the advantage of big-store pricing.

“We stick to an old concept: Do a few things, but do them better than anybody else,” said CEO Barry Goldware. “This approach, combined with our knowledgeable staff, gives people more of what they want from a true specialty sports retailer.”

A respected industry leader on the cycling scene, Sun & Ski carries lines including Scott, Haro, Masi and Marin bicycles; Sugoi, Canari, Pearl Izumi and Primal Wear clothing; and Yakima, Giro and Shimano accessories. Additionally, they carry popular winter sport lines such as K2, Nordica, Burton, Ride, Dynastar, The North Face, Volkl, Salomon, Marmot, Orage and Rossignol.

For information, contact Sun & Ski headquarters at 281-340-5000, ext. 167; online customer support at 866-786-3869, or go to the web, www.sunandski.com.

Media Contact:
Gary Griffin
860-676-2300, ext. 131

Ski tubes can be a great accessory when you go out on the water, as long as you keep some safety features in mind:

• Follow the numbers. Don’t try to put more than one person on ski tubes meant for one. If you have multiple riders, choose ski tubes that accommodate more people.
• Find deep water. Use ski tubes in areas where the water is at least 5 feet deep and where there are at least 100 feet of open water on either side.
• Stay straight. When towing ski tubes, keep the rider directly behind the boat and designate a spotter on the boat (not the driver) to watch the rider. Be mindful of the rider when turning.
• Retrieve promptly. When someone falls off a ski tube, pick them up immediately.

For maximum convenience, look for ski tubes in kits, such as the World Ski Lines P-54 Kit, which includes a 55-foot main line and a 12-volt inflator.

Visit a Sun & Ski Sports shop in your area for expert advice about ski tubes and a wide selection of ski tubes and accessories.

The best snowboard jackets combine style and function. When choosing a snowboard jacket, your key considerations should be:

• Warm, but not too warm: For maximum comfort on the mountain, choose a jacket that’s lightweight, but durable.
• Waterproof, but breathable: Look for jackets made with Gore-Tex or similar water-resistant, yet breathable material.
• Fitted, but not too fitted: Snowboard jackets should look great, but they should also allow you full range of motion without being so baggy that they get in your way. When shopping for a snowboarding jacket, try it on along with the base and middle layers that you’re likely to wear underneath it, so you have a realistic sense of the fit.

Look for a recognized brand of snowboarding jacket, such as a Burton snowboard jacket, and you can feel confident that it will stand up to whatever you can dish out on the board.

For example, the Burton Men’s Entourage insulated snowboard jacket’s features include Thermacore insulation for lightweight warmth, DRYRIDE Durashell 2-layer fabric for water resistance, and a removable waist gaiter that attaches to Burton snowboard pants.

Trail running is much more fun when you have the right shoes. Features to keep in mind when shopping for women’s trail running shoes include:

• Terrain: Some trails are rougher than others, and some trail races often include sections on the road. The more rugged your usual trail running, the more important it is to have women’s trail shoes with serious grip and support, as well as added toe protection.
• Size: Some runners wear thicker socks for trail running. If you do, be sure to wear the socks you plan to run in when you try on women’s trail shoes. You might need to go a half-size larger.
• Weatherproofing: Most women’s trail shoes have varying amounts of Gore-Tex or other water-resistant material. Look for water resistance if your trail running is likely to take you across streams or through muddy areas.

Features of the Salomon Women’s Xa Pro 3d Xcr Trail Running Shoes include a breathable mesh upper and a reinforced heel and toe. In addition, these women’s trail running shoes feature a trademark Contagrip outsole that provides top-notch stability on varied terrain without getting in the way of speed.

For expert advice and a wide selection of womens trail running shoes, visit a Sun & Ski Sports Shop in your area.

With the right child carrier, you can take your baby or toddler along on a walk or easy hike in safety and comfort. Child carriers are recommended for traveling, walking, and mild hiking on stable surfaces. Things to keep in mind when choosing a child carrier include sun and weather protection, weight, and comfort for both parent and child.

To use a backpack-style child carrier, such as the Pathfinder child carrier, a child must be able to sit up unassisted. The appropriate recommended weight for a backpack child carrier ranges from a minimum of 16 pounds to a maximum of 40 pounds. Most children can start riding in a child carrier at approximately 6 to 8 months of age, but be sure to check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about whether or not your baby is ready to ride in a child carrier. For younger infants, a front model child carrier is a great option.

Child carriers should not be used for high-speed activities or activities on uneven surfaces, such as:

• Hiking on loose gravel
• Climbing
• Skiing
• Cycling
• In-line skating