For the Adventurous

Editor's Note: Have you ever misplaced something and forgotten all about it? I have, and this is one of those times. Author Richard Brousseau sent this article to TI Life in January 2025. This editor fell down on the job and completely lost it. All is not lost, however, since the snow is gone, the air is warmer, and ‘tis the season for roller blades and roller skis. The article is great fun to read, it’s timely, and this editor thinks it sounds like quite an adventure!

For the adventurous: Roller skiing and/or blading in Thousand Islands

Most readers are familiar with roller blading, often seen in city parks and on more quiet roadways. However, fewer of you are familiar with the similar sports activity of roller-skiing, which duplicates the movements of classic or cross-country (xc) skiing. See the links below to videos demonstrating both roller skiing techniques.

The main difference you will observe between roller blading and roller skiing is the use of the cross country ski poles, which activate the upper body muscles in the propulsion forward. Whereas roller blading only uses your leg muscles, roller skate skiing utilizes all major muscle groups, including neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, back, abdomen, hips, legs, and ankles. This results in a more thorough whole body work out, which burns more calories. Also, the up and down movement through the hips and back, plus the three different techniques relative to the terrain used in roller skiing, all relieve pressure on the lower back. Whereas in roller blading, one is in a constant crouched position regardless of terrain. I can personally attest to that, since I blew out my lower back pushing too hard while roller blade training earlier this summer because a shoulder injury prevented me from my true love of roller skate skiing.

Some of you might think this activity looks too risky, especially to most seniors. However, if you suit up with adequate safety gear, such as a mandatory bike helmet plus optional, but recommended, knee, elbow, and hips pads, pick suitable smooth pathways, and travel at a comfortable pace, then it is fairly safe, comparable to riding a bike. Proper progression into the technique is important.

There are hundreds of introductory instruction video available on YouTube. The Thousand Islands area is an ideal area to enjoy both roller skiing and blading. On the Canadian side is the Thousand Island bike path from Gananoque all the way to Brockville. On the American side one can enjoy the roadways in Grass Point State Park, Seaway Ave., and Collins Landing Wildlife Management Area, to name but a few. Also, any relatively quiet urban side street is usable. For myself, I can step out my door and roller-ski for miles on the side-streets of the small town of Gananoque.

You can always carry a small back pack with a light lunch and go out together with friends and make a great outing out of it. If some of you might think that might be interesting, but you do not have the equipment and the techniques seem too challenging to learn on your own, then here is an opportunity for Thousand Islands Life readers to overcome those hesitations.

Being a former cross-country ski racer, having won the Canadian Masters Championship twice in my age category, and being a CANSKI trained xc-ski instructor, I would be happy to lend my equipment to those willing to give it a try and to provide free technique instruction. My roller-skis are for skate ski technique only and my boots could accommodate from men’s size 7 to 9.

If you have xc-ski boots for NNN bindings, then I have skate roller skis to match. And of course, you could use your own roller blades with xc ski poles and learn with that.

Also, from a personal satisfaction perspective, you might just find roller skiing/blading more enjoyable than other fitness activities, such as biking or jogging. With the need to pay constant attention to your balance and awareness of your immediate surroundings regarding intersections and any debris on your roadway, it does require more mental concentration.

Personally, I found jogging and biking rather monotonous and mindless activities. And if you want to really focus on the proper technique, then you can find yourself totally absorbed in moving with precision to maintain the proper shifting of body weight over your roller-skis, the proper placement of various body parts, and the precise timing of movement. For me, it is almost a Zen-like experience, being totally one with the motion. It does not feel like a determined effort, but when you get the technique right, it feels more like you are in an invigorating flow through space. Like me, you might feel more like a ballet dancer on asphalt involved in an intricate, yet powerful, artistic dance. This experience can be repeated thousands of times in a single training section where each one is thoroughly enjoyable.

In the summer, going out roller-skiing is always the highlight of my day. And at 73 years old, it has kept me very fit and active with a less than 10% body fat composition. Muscle strength and endurance and balance are of no concern for me. As I like to say “I can still do it, because I still do it.” And of course, for those of you who enjoy winter xc-skiing, roller skiing/blading is a great cross training activity. When the snow finally falls and the ski trails are groomed and ready to go, then so will you. Here, on the Canadian side the best and closest ski trails for both classic and skate xc skiing are at Point Murphy’s Provincial Park near Perth. It is home to the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club, which does a wonderful job for a small club in grooming its extensive xc ski trail network of about 20 kms. I am also willing to provide free xc ski lessons for anyone at this park. Extra xc skis and poles can be provided, if needed.

On the American side, the best xc ski trails can be found at Winona State Forest, with 50 miles of expertly groomed trails. Also, you can ski at Washington Park and Keewaydin State Park State Forest, to name a few others. Do an internet search for “Cross country ski trails US 1000 Islands” and more will pop up. Plenty to go around.

In closing, if any of you readers wish to take me up on my offer, then you can email me at xcskiier1012@gmail.com.

By Richard Brousseau

Richard Brousseau lives in Gananoque and describes himself as the Worse Half of the pair of Richard and Sherry (Sherry L.B. Johnson) as readers will recognize Sherry from previous issues of TI Life and in this issue, as she helps the home called Blinkbonnie write its history. Together these two lead a busy and productive life in the Thousand Islands.