December 30 Session Cancelled

The session on the 30th is canceled, because polar vortex.
We have high hopes for the 6th - think warm thoughts!

December 23 and 30

We have had an great few weeks of skiing including our time first time trials. They were a hit and we'll run them again towards the end of the season and see the progress.

This saturday Coach James and Coach Ted will be leading the session. On December 30 we'll have a casual ski with Coach James. We'll be back in full swing on the 6th of January.

Poles- Please label your poles. We have had a few get mixed up. We are specifically looking for a mismatched set of white poles for 2-4 year olds with plastic hand grips. If someone has the matching mis-matches set let us know.

Last week we also gave out out Jackrabbit toques for this year. Here is the group photo. 

Skiing December 2

The weather will be warm, but the conditions are not ideal. Plus Ted and Adam are both away this weekend. This Saturday will likely be a treasure hunt and some games. Based on the conditions we may cut it a bit short. A snow dance will definitely be in order!

Saturday November 18 and Notes for the year.

Wildwood Jackrabbits uses the the Jackrabbits and Bunnyrabbits programs of Cross Country Canada as our guide for programming. Jackrabbits itself has 4 levels of skills development plus some other fun stuff to help promote skiing. Older Kids can get into the Track Attack program, but, for this year anyway, we think the Jackrabbit levels will suffice. Here are the three core parts of the program that we will be using:

(1) Skills Development 

The 4 levels provide guidelines for developing the skiing basics. We have put the kids into 3 groups based on age and skill. This is an initially cut at this and we'll probably do a bit of moving once we have seen the kids in action.
You can see an outline of the 4 levels here. 

We have a pretty big group this year, which is great, but does mean we may be leaning on parents a bit to help wrangle. Also there is always room for more coaches! (see below for more info on that)

(2) Timed Ski

We are going to do a couple timed skis this year This is between a 50m and 100m sprint that is purely the children racing against their own time. We'll do one in the next few weeks and then one towards the end of the season and see how they progress. For the really young ones we'll adapt to where they are at, and parents can always help. You can see some more background on the sprints here. Kids will earn different stickers based on their speed.

(3) Snow Goals - getting out and skiing!

Skiing on Saturday is great. Skiing other times is even better! This little rewards program encourages families to get out and ski during the year. Every 5 non-Jackrabbit outings that you do earns a your jackrabbit a sticker. If you family gets to a 'snow goal', let us know at the next Jackrabbits and we'll give you a sticker. Here is more about that program. They way it is described is a bit stingy in terms of the stickers. We have adapted it a bit and will give out as many stickers as you can earn - the more you ski the better!

Some other notes

Wax and prep - it is important to prep your skis before each session. If you don't have wax or need some hints and tips, please let us know.  Here is a good video from Woodcock Cycle that talks about how to find your grip zone and how to wax.

One trick is to bring your skis inside the night before and wax them in the morning inside. The skis are warmer, the wax is warmer, you are warmer, it is all much easier. Waxing outside at Jackrabbits isn't ideal both in terms of time and how the wax will go on.

Swap Shop - is this Saturday. You'll want to go early if you are counting on getting gear there. It can be a bit crazy, but there is lots of good stuff to be had.

Coaching - we would welcome anyone who would be interested in joining the coaching team. There is formal training available (the next one in a few weeks) if you want to really get into it, and we also welcome 'assistant coaches' and casual help as well. There are a number of weeks where one or another of us are away, so more help is welcome. If you are interested or would like to know more, let one of us know.

Registration - you all have all either registered or told us that you are in the process - Thanks! We are going to be closing registration this weekend so for those who are almost done, the time is now.

This Saturday - we'll be splitting into 2 groups as James is away (did we mention coaching opportunities are available?). We'll be doing some hill and movement work. There still isn't enough snow to track... yet, so a snow dance will be in order! 

As always, if you have any questions please let us know.
We are pretty excited about the season and are looking forward to some great skiing.

Skiing November 11!

We had a great first session last week and started to get those ski muscles back in shape. Good thing too, because it looks like there is enough snow to actually ski! So get your gear ready. That said, it is still a bit sketchy, so of you have really good skis (parents mostly) this may not be the time to bring them out yet.

This Saturday is also Remembrance Day, and we will be pausing at 11:11 for a minute of silence to remember those who served.

A few other notes:

The Cross Country Ski Association Swap Shop is November 18th at Windsor Park Nordic Centre. https://www.ccsam.ca/swap-shop-2017/

Also, please register if you haven't had a chance to yet!

See you Saturday at 10:30 at the soccer field!

First Session November 4

We are on for 10:30 Saturday Morning (Nov 4). 

It look like it is going to be a wet snow morning, so boots may be advisable instead of shoes - keep an eye out in the morning. Layers are also important. It will be chilly, but we'll be moving lots and keeping warm. 

We are meeting at the soccer field to the north of the community club. Looks for our fancy new blue sign!

If you haven't had a chance to register yet, you can register online here:

https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=16426 

Registration Open! Startup on November 4th.

Wildwood Jackrabbits will be starting up on Saturday November 4th. We will be meeting 10:30 at the soccer field north of the community club. 

Registration

Registration is Open!

Please visit https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=16426 to register

Registration fees are the same as last year. Please make sue you opt int club emails! And make sure you register everyone (parents and kids). This is important for insurance. If you created profiles for your family members last year, you can use them again when you log in - it makes registration pretty speedy.

Several families are finishing up fall activities so can't join us until later this year or even January. That is totally fine, however we do ask that you register now so we can get a handle on numbers for enrollment kits (including the 2017/18 Jackrabbit Toque!) and planning. 

Gear

Start of the year is a good time to think about gear. The Community Club is organizing a Ski & Skate Swap on October 21. This is a great chance to trade up to bigger sizes, or clear out some of your stuff that may have been outgrown.

Wildwood Ski & Skate Swap

Saturday October 21

10am - 12noon

Visit http://www.wildwoodcc.ca/ for more information. 

Big thanks to Lara for organizing this!

We are really looking forward to getting our ski muscles back in shape and have been practicing our snow dance! It is shaping up to be a great year!

See you all soon!

Adam, James, Ted

Coaches - Wildwood Jackrabbits 

Start November 4 Ski Swap Oct 21

November 4 will be our first session. While we are excited for snow, we are pretty sure it won't be here yet. We'll play some games, go for a bit of a run, and start getting those skiing muscles back into shape.

Registration will be opening soon. If you can't join us until later in the season that is fine, but registering now would be helpful for our planning.

More info coming soon!

Also we the Community Club will be holding a Ski and Skate swap on  October 21 from 10 a.m. – 12noon here are the details:

Do you have extra winter sports gear you’d like to sell or give away, or are you looking for inexpensive skiing and/or skating equipment? The Wildwood Ski & Skate Swap is for you!

Bring your too-small or old gear to sell, trade or give away, or just come to see if there’s anything you want to buy! All are welcome to participate for free on the ground floor of the community centre. We’ll supply tables for your gear; you decide what to do with it. Set a price if you want to sell it, trade it for something else or give it away!

If you need skis, skates or accessories (poles, gloves etc.), and you’re not ready to buy new, come see if there are some gently used items for you!

Multiple Wildwood families have already indicated they’re interested in participating. Join us and let’s get a fun winter started at the club. If you have questions, email Lara Schroeder at laraschroeder@hotmail.com.

2017 Startup and Registration

Jackrabbits registration will starting mid October with the first 'dry land' session early November. We will be sure to email all the jackrabbit families who participated last year to let them know. If you'd like to be on the notification list please email us!

Looking forward to another great year of fun in the snow!

Windup Saturday April 8

This Saturday is our windup. We'll meet at the soccer field at 10:30 for some games and fun and snacks. If the field is super mucky we'll meet at the community centre.

Hope to see you there!

Windup Planned for April 8th

Looks like we could have done with a snow dance or two. It is so close to almost ski-able, but alas, it isn't going to happen. The season is officially over. (most people probably knew that 2 weeks ago, but we always hold out hope).

 Usually we get to wind up the season on snow. They year we aren't going to get that chance. Instead we will have a windup party on April 8th at the Community Centre. If it is nice, we'll be outside, if not, we'll play inside. Games and snacks and fun. We'll send out a reminder closer to the date.

Regardless of whether or not you're able to join us then, we'd love your feedback on the season - what worked, what we could change or work on, and what you would like to see next year. Shoot us an email or chat with us at the windup. Hope to see you on the 8th!

March 18 - Canceled and plans for a wrapup

Have you seen the outside?! This, Jackrabbit families, is not skiing weather. Coach Ted swung by the community club earlier today, and if last week was Neptune, this week is Pluto. It is just too icy. So skiing is canceled for Saturday. And we are likely done for the season.

 We'd like to give the kids a chance to get together one more time to wrap up the year. So we are planning a wrap-up in a week or two. We'll plan some games, have some treats and generally have some fun. If we can do outdoors we will, if we can't we'll be in the community club. We'll send more details in a few days.

 Stay Tuned!

March 11 Session Canceled

Windsor Park Nordic Centre has closed for the season. That is never a good sign. Coach James did a tour of the Wildwood trails last night and reported that it is like skiing on a frozen lake with a skiff of snow. So basically bad. 

We are getting close to the end of the season folks. Stay tuned. But this Saturday's session is canceled. 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our Wildwood Jackrabbits who raced at tonight Dash For Cash at Windsor Park Nordic Centre. Great effort everyone!
 

Saturday February 25

The tack and grid are icy, but it is certainly ski-able. Games and relays will be the order of the day. See you Saturday!

Saturday February 11 - Cookie Party

Looks like Saturday is going to be a great day for skiing. We had to cancel our Christmas cookie party because it was too cols, so we are having a Valentine's Cookie party (any excuse for a cookie party!) Tim Hortons is supplying the hot chocolate, we are asking all the families to bring some cookies (or something similar) to share. Along with regular skiing stuff we are planning e a stuffie scavenger hunt! It should be a pretty exciting day!

Saturday Feb 3

Looks like it will be a great day for a ski. Temperature should be about -11 by ski time with a windchill of -16. We may even have some snow falling!

Our focus for this Saturday will depend somewhat on the shape of the hill and the grid. Regardless, we'll generally do what we generally do! That is: warm up, play some games, do some work on our skills, and likely go for a ski, then play on the hill.

Just a reminder for all the budding artist out there. Get your jackrabbit touque designs in for next years toque!

Saturday January 28

Another warm one! Though actually not as warm as you think. The local models have us at -17 with the windchill. The air temperature for start time looks to be around -12 and we should be pretty sheltered from the wind. Perfect temperature for skiing. The snow will likely be pretty crusty given the thaw we had, so a warmer wax may be in order, but maybe not quite as warm as the -3 projected for the day.

We'll meet as per normal at 10:30 on the golf course. See you then!

Jackrabbit 2018 Toque Design Contest is now Open

Every year Jackrabbits holds a contest to design our toque for the year. The contest for next year is now open!

Here is the note:

All Jackrabbit and Bunnyrabbit are invited to participate in designing the 2018 Jackrabbit Toque, which will be worn by 10,500 Jackabbit and Bunnyrabbit skiers across Canada! This year, we’re adding a special theme! We would like to see designs that inspire you and all your Jackrabbits friends to cross-country ski and to always try your best! But also a design that will inspire Team Canada competing at the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Games in South Korea! Team Canada got inspired by the sport of cross-country skiing when they first learned as Jackrabbits, and maybe one day you could be at the Games too! Send us your designs by March 6th, 2017 at Noon MST! Here is the template for your design: http://bit.ly/2ji3ayd 

The criteria for entering in the contest are as follows:

• Contestants must be currently enrolled in a CCC Jackrabbit or Bunnyrabbit program 
• Contestants must be between the ages of 5-9. 

Selection process and timelines:

• Contest runs from January 16th – March 6th 2017. 
• Designs should be submitted to Eva Hornyansky at ehornyansky@cccski.com by March 6th, 2017 at Noon MST. 
• Cross Country Canada will select 10 final designs and post them on the CCC Facebook page for you to vote on. 
• The voting period will run from March 6th – 12th, 2017 at Noon MST. 

Remember to join CCC's Facebook page to ‘vote for your favourite Jackrabbit design’ Announcement of the ‘winning’ toque design will be posted on CCC’s Facebook Page on March 13th, 2017. Good Luck and have fun!

January 21 Session

Rain is an interesting change for the middle of January. The models show about +0.5C with a windchill of -2. Warm. But moist. For those of you with waxless skis this is your temperature for sure! for the rest, we are into the stickier warmer waxes. Relays, hills and some gliding work will be the order of the day. Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at 10:30

January 14 Session

We are on the way out of the deep freeze. Sunday will be lovely for anyone going to the Jackrabbit Jamboree (or just wanting a family ski!) but Saturday is still going to be chilly - in fact we are going to be close to our cutoff again, so dress warm and watch for kids getting cold. We'll keep 'em moving!

Provided our grid is not too snowed over, we are going to review diagonal stride. We'll also do some work on the hill with a focus on going up!

January 6 - Cold and Clear

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow we will be meeting as usually at 10:30 on the golf course. It looks to be a chilly one with windchill getting close to our cutoff of -27. This means a few things:

1. Layers and warm clothes. Proper fitting boots and gloves is also very important. If boots are too tight they can make things worse in the cold.
2. Parents keep an eye on the little ones particularly, if they are getting cold, don't be afraid to take a break in the car or back in the clubhouse if needed.
3. watch for signs of frost nip. 
4. keep moving

We'll take care of that last one. We are planning a fairly active session with some skills development, active games and maybe a distance ski or time on the hill.

Also, we have our 2017 Jackrabbit toques here! For those who were out last week and got yours please wear them this week so we can take a picture of the group. For everyone else you'll get yours this week. The toques are not actually super warm, so you may want to bring backup in case your Jackrabbit gets cold. But the look great!

Another note. the Jackrabbit Jamboree is on the 15th at Windsor Park. It is a great event with lots of fun activities geared to the jackrabbits. We'll talk more about this tomorrow, but registration is limited, so if you know you want to go, register now.

poster: http://redrivernordic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2017-Jamboree-Poster.pdf

register: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=14397&lan=1&cartlevel=1,

ccsam info: http://www.ccsam.ca/event-notice-jackrabbit-jamboree/

See you tomorrow!