EQUIPMENT
Gear for Biathlon
Biathlon gear for children and young people is designed to make the sport accessible, safe and fun while helping them to develop their skills. Instead of using traditional small-bore rifles, many clubs provide laser or air rifles, which are lightweight and easy to handle. Alongside skiing equipment such as cross- country skis, boots and poles, young biathletes also use specialised clothing to stay comfortable and protected, especially during winter. This simplified setup allows children and young people to learn the fundamentals of biathlon safely and engagingly, building confidence and enthusiasm for the sport.
Laser/Optical Rifle
Biathlon for All promotes laser or optical rifles for shooting, which simulate accurate shooting without live ammunition. These rifles typically weigh 1.5 to 3 kg, making them lighter and easier to handle than standard biathlon rifles. Battery-operated or rechargeable, they are completely safe, using lasers instead of bullets while providing accuracy that mirrors live biathlon rifles. The stock, barrel, bolt, trigger, rear and front sights, hand stop, harness, and slings are key components.
Skis
Biathlon skis are designed for speed, control, and efficiency, optimised for the skating technique. They are typically 10-15 cm longer than the skier's height, though this varies with weight and skill level. Made of lightweight materials likecarbon fibre, their high-quality sintered bases ensure optimal gliding and resistance to friction and solvents. Compatible bindings provide robust ankle support essential for lateral movements.
Shooting Range
The standard biathlon shooting distance is 50 meters, though Biathlon for All typically uses a reduced range of 5 to 10 meters. Targets may be mechanical falling plates or electronic systems, with diameters of 45 mm for prone shooting and 115 mm for standing. Shorter ranges use proportionally smaller targets for accuracy training.
Clothing
Biathlon clothing prioritizes mobility, insulation, and performance. Ski suits are form-fitting, wind-resistant, and breathable, providing warmth and flexibility. Lightweight gloves balance insulation with grip and shooting precision. Sturdy ski boots, compatible with skate bindings, offer ankle support and comfort, crucial for skating technique efficiency.
Gear for Para Biathlon
Para biathlon has adaptations for different disabilities. In Para biathlon, rifles are frequently placed on a stand for stability, and visually impaired athletes use acoustic aiming systems instead of sights. Athletes with a physical impairment (LW) shoot pellets at mechanical targets using an air rifle. Athletes with vision impairment (VI) shoot at an electronic target using an electronic rifle with an infrared camera and aim by listening to acoustic signals through a headset. Signal intensity indicates when the athlete is on target.
Acoustic Aiming System
In Para biathlon, visually impaired athletes use acoustic aiming systems, which translate the target position into sound tones to guide their aim, or laser-based systems for safe indoor or adaptive training. The audio technology guides the athlete towards the centre of the target with sound signals. The pitch and tone of the sound change as the aiming point approaches the centre, allowing for very precise aiming. This allows athletes of all abilities to compete with equal precision.
Sit Skis
Para athletes use specialized ski setups tailored to their classification. Seated athletes compete using sit-skis - custom chairs mounted on cross-country ski frames - while standing athletes may use prosthetics or modified ski poles. These adaptations allow athletes with varying mobility levels to navigate the same ski courses as their able-bodied counterparts.
Shooting support
Unlike in traditional biathlon, Para biathlon allows rifle stands and rests for all competitors. This support helps maintain accuracy for athletes with balance or mobility impairments, ensuring safety and fair competition. Shooting positions are adapted to each classification: athletes may remain in a sit-ski or on a mat, but all shooting is performed from the prone position.
Adaptive Gear
Para biathlon athletes may use a range of custom adaptive equipment, including straps, harnesses, or seating systems to stabilize the body and ensure proper positioning. These personalized adjustments are critical to enable athletes of all abilities to focus on technique and performance rather than limitations.
Cleaning and maintenance of equipment
Cleaning and maintenance are required to keep the rifle in good condition for lifetime function and accuracy. Effective routines for maintaining the rifle will give the athlete, coach, and parents proper feedback from the athlete`s practice.
Tip #1
Keep the rifles dry. After using them in cold or moist conditions, take them to average room temperature to dry.
Tip #2
Check the batteries in the stock, remote, and targets. Recharge the targets after each session.
Tip #3
Keep all the rifle sets together in the provided cases. Mark the target and remote with the rifle. This allows you to save it longer.
Equipment recommendations
Coaches in the B4A programme are crucial in introducing children and young people to the sport. To ensure safe and practical training, here are some equipment recommendations tailored for coaches:
Recommendation #1
Prepare ski sets for participants: have several sizes of skate skis, poles, and boots available to accommodate different age groups and skill levels.
Recommendation #2
Do not forget rifle maintenance tools: basic tools for maintaining and adjusting rifles, such as battery replacements and sight adjustments, are available with every rifle set provided within a programme.
Recommendation #3
Consider a mobile shooting range setup: lightweight, folding shooting stands, tripods, and backstops to create a safe shooting environment in various locations. Consider the moveable shooting range located in the trailer.
Laser/optical rifle specification
LIBU supports NFs with a variety of laser/optical rifle sets for recruiting and training children and youths of different age classes. You can choose from easy solutions for kids U10 or advanced options for youths with slings, harnesses, and magazines. In the B4A programme, IBU supports NFs with products from Anschütz, APEOM, EcoAims, Larsen and Kiwi Precision.
EcoAims is the sole Para biathlon shooting system supplier for International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup and for Olympic Para Biathlon discipline since Salt Lake City 2002.
