Getting my kids into biathlon in Ontario?

[new and novice]

Well as much as I can, I am trying to peek my kids interest into shooting sports. We were watching the Biathlon yesterday, and my son said that he would love to do that. Is this even possible for an eight year old to do? I would love to have him at least try it.

We live in the GTA so anything close will be fine

 

[tacfoley]

Can he ski? [Not a stupid question, and I mean cross-country ski, not slope].

Can he shoot, safely?

Can he safely do both, one after the other?

In Sweden, Norway and Finland they roller-blade or bikes in the summer months, using air weapons. FX make a genuine Biathlon air rifle, but it's full-size and mucho $$$$$$, at least here in yUK [£1100.00].

I'd encourage him to take a look-see at how much fun it is, but emphasize that it is also unbelievably hard work - I did it for twelve years before it all changed over to .22LR, at which point [I was in the Army] it kind of lost all significance for me.

tac

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

There is a provincial biathlon association. The one organization that has a program of any sort is Army Cadets, but you'll have to do your research what, where and how they do it.

As for rifles, a competitive biathlon rifle will be a significant investment. A magazine-fed sporting rifle is a much much less significant investment. I'd go the cheaper route first.

 

[Stevebot-7]

Well, at the Calforex cup here back on Jan 25th and 26th there were quite a few kids who probably weren't older than 12 at the most, so 8 doesn't really seem too young.

That said, a few of the younger people were just using standard .22 rifles, I think they looked like CZ sporters. Most people were using the Anshutz ones, but you've got to question how much of a difference that really makes.

It looked like a pretty intensive workout though, a number of people just plain fell over at the finish line.

 

[tahw]

There's a biathlon scheduled the 22-23 near Collingwood. Highlands Nordic :http://www.highlandsnordic.on.ca/biathlon.cfm
They seem to run programs for shooting starting at 10, and ski programs at 8, but nothing says he cant start his shooting development before then.

Seems like the first step is the s400 before they go to the 22, but I'm sure there some budget alternatives to get shooting.

 

[glycerin]

We have army cadets practice biathlon at our gun club. Young small kids shoot off a hand support, stronger kids shoot prone and offhand(rifles(ss or 5 shot bolt action with peep), rifles left at firing line then run, rollerblade or ski a few 100m.

 

[new and novice]

Can he ski? [Not a stupid question, and I mean cross-country ski, not slope].

Can he shoot, safely?

Can he safely do both, one after the other?

In Sweden, Norway and Finland they roller-blade or bikes in the summer months, using air weapons. FX make a genuine Biathlon air rifle, but it's full-size and mucho $$$$$$, at least here in yUK [£1100.00].

I'd encourage him to take a look-see at how much fun it is, but emphasize that it is also unbelievably hard work - I did it for twelve years before it all changed over to .22LR, at which point [I was in the Army] it kind of lost all significance for me.

tac

He has never cross country skied, But he ice skates really well. I was hoping to get him on skis1st then go from there if he's still interested.