A NEW sport is causing a rumble in South Oxfordshire.

Roller skiing is almost exactly like skiing but on wheels, which means you don’t need snow to do it.

South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) is running taster sessions in the sport in its office car park.

Ski instructor Felicity Bertram said: “It is a sport anyone can do, whether you want to have a nice roll around or go hard and fast.”

She added: “It has been an interesting marketing challenge, selling something that no one has heard of.”

Roller skiiing was invented as a way for cross country skiiers to stay in shape and practise over the summer.

Skiiers wear the same type of shoes, use ski poles to steer, and the same principles apply.

SODC participation co-ordinator Hendriette Thorn said: “It feels almost exactly the same as normal skiing.

“It is fantastic cardiovascular exercise and you don’t even realise you’re getting it because it is such great fun.”

SODC is hoping that if the taster sessions are successful they can expand the sport to cross country roller skiing.

If you fancy hitting the slopes in Crowmarsh Gifford, there are two more taster sessions this month, on Sunday 21 and 28.

They run from 10am to noon and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and cost £5 each.

Bring gloves to guard against the cold, but places need to be booked on 01491 823175.