Biathlon at Viking

For general information biathlonvikingours@gmail.com
For .22 caliber information biathlonviking@gmail.com

The practice of biathlon at Viking is not new. From 1968 until 1974 the club hosted the Quebec Biathlon Championships.

Today, Viking Ski Club focuses on introductory biathlon activities. This is an exciting sport that requires participants to have a different skill set from all other sports: endurance, speed, strength and the coordination required for cross-country skiing, as well as the concentration and accuracy under pressure needed for the target shot.

Viking also advocates that participants learn to handle rifles safely and non-aggressively, a point that is highly prioritized in sports.

Faithful to the values ??of this discipline, the club's teaching program promotes determination, self-improvement and respect, in a setting where the pleasure of learning and the joy of enjoying the winter outdoors are at the forefront.

A member of Biathlon Canada and of the Quebec Biathlon Federation (FQB), the Viking Ski Club's teaching program is based on Biathlon Canada's Biathlon Bears© program.

Some experience required

Viking Ski Club's program aims to teach the basics of cross-country ski skating and air rifle shooting (.177 calibre).

To access the basic program, children must already be comfortable on skis and have the ski skills required by Jackrabbit Level 4 or its equivalent. For children with no cross-country skiing experience, it is strongly suggested they begin with the Jackrabbit Program, also offered at Viking, before considering biathlon.

Through the Biathlon Bears© program, participants will learn more about the practice of the sport, and lessons will be adjusted to reflect individual skill levels.

No shooting experience is necessary. Each class is designed to be as fun or competitive as the participant wishes.

The Biathlon Bear Program©

For boys and girls from 9 to 15 years old.

Classes are held Saturdays at Viking Ski Club's shooting range.

The program is based on the Biathlon Canada badge system, which recognizes improvement and success in shooting accuracy and ski skills.

The program includes three successive levels - Black Bear, Grizzly Bear and Polar Bear - and offers patches for participation and skill at each level.

As part of the first level of the program (Black Bear), participants will learn skating techniques and shooting skills such as:

• knowledge of rifle parts and assembly;
• viewfinder adjustment;
• prone position;
• aim;
• natural body alignment;
• breathing;
• trigger pressure while aiming.

The second level of the program (Grizzly Bear) is for children aged 11 and older who have mastered the basics of skate skiing and successfully completed the Black Bear initiation level of the program.

The third level (Polar Bear) is for children aged 12 and over with good technical skills in skating and shooting experience.

Each participant receives a passport at the end of the program, which identifies the skills acquired.

The ultimate goal of the Biathlon Bears© program is to develop a respect for safety, good technical skills and physical fitness, as well as to encourage an appreciation of the outdoors and healthy living.

A typical session

Each session (depending on weather and skills of the participants) is organized as follows:

• 10 minutes of group warm-up;
• 50 minutes of ski instruction;
• 50 minutes of target shooting instruction;
• 10 minutes of cool-down / stretching.

Notes
• We recommend that you arrive half an hour before the start of the class to prepare yourself;
• In order to ensure safety rules around the shooting range, it is generally advisable to let children attend classes without the direct involvement of parents. Our instructors are good with children and, based on experience, most participants develop better skills when they are independent.

Equipment

All equipment required for shooting is provided by Viking Ski Club: including carpets, air rifles, targets and pellets.

Participants must provide their own ski equipment. Since biathlon is officially practised in skating style, it is in the interest of the participants to obtain equipment adapted to this technique before the beginning lessons or when their skills are more developed:

• Skate skis;
• Poles of appropriate length for skating;
• SNS / NNN boots and bindings (no traditional 3-point bindings).

.22 Caliber Biathlon (Not available for 2024 season)

The program is also open to biathletes from other clubs and interested adults (subject to evaluation by the coaching team).

Participants must have their own rifle and provide their ammunition. Prior successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and possession of the Firearms Acquisition and Possession License are mandatory (by the parent for minor participants).

All participants must be members in good standing of the Viking Ski Club and must register with Biathlon Canada and the Fédération Québécoise de Biathlon (FQB) to participate in official competitions. When participating in competitions, participants will be responsible for the costs of the race and travel.

For information: biathlonviking@gmail.com .

Adults Introduction to Biathlon