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Post by livingproof on Nov 28, 2013 8:39:10 GMT -7
The genesis of this question was a thread, opened on Epic by Epic, who asked the question “what do you think about, work on, or, try to feel during you initial days of skiing this year. When Geoffda posted a link in another thread detailing the Harb drills performed in camp, when reviewing what was done on Day 1, it seemed a similar concept.
Skiing skill seems to return quickly. After a few runs, it’s comfortable, after a few days, it feels back to normal. But we all know that “feel” is not “real’, and, if I’m not working on progressing, then I’m probably regressing. Damn, this year I should do video early in the season.
As I hope to ski next week, I’ve been reviewing Harb’s books and video, and, have a day 1 short list:
- Get my weight onto the new downhill ski very early into the turn.
- With my new uphill boot, which is very lightly weighted, I try to pull the boot back to evenly match the downhill boot
- Tip the little toe edge on my unweighted uphill ski to a high angle and keep tipping through the turn
- Drill of staying way-forward with upper body over the front of skis and with feet pulled way back, done on green slopes ( I really need to focus on getting out of the backseat) - Keep hands out in front, visible to eyes at all times.
- Touch your boots to release drill, done on a green trail, to develop a flexing release
The above is probably way to much for a few hours on the first day. Another thought to obtain feedback on how each of the above feels in the body and on the snow.
The above is just basic PMTS, not everybody’s favorite, but, it’s how I choose to think about my skiing. BTW, it’s never work to work on my skiing!
So where do you re start?
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Post by HighAngles on Nov 28, 2013 17:58:48 GMT -7
- Get my weight onto the new downhill ski very early into the turn.
What movements will you be using to accomplish this? (you know this is a loaded question - fueled by tryptophan and alchohol ).
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Post by ron on Dec 2, 2013 12:10:45 GMT -7
and what precedes this.... what if the day is a powder day? 1st day starts like every day I ski, I waken up the toes, feet, ankles, knees, femurs, hips, core, shoulders, arms, neck and mind.... Ski slow and feel the ski and move deliberately feeling the entire length of the ski, the movements of the body and being aware. I exaggerate the movements for a few turns and then dive in.
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Post by ToddW on Dec 2, 2013 15:04:13 GMT -7
I always have trouble with the last part in that list -- waking up my mind. Caffeine only goes so far. But eventually the pleasurable sensations of skiing make my mind snap awake. (My alarm clock should get hazard pay during ski season )
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Post by HighAngles on Dec 2, 2013 17:53:42 GMT -7
I thought I was going to start out slow (especially since I've come into this season far out of shape), but once I was on the mountain my overzealous desire for high edge angles won out and I started committing all my past sins. So I had to make a hard reboot and be realistic with myself to get my skiing back on track toward improving.
I like the idea of really getting "in touch" with your skis - feeling what's happening with your balance and the ski response from those balance changes. Skiing is ultimately a sport about balance and yet most skiers never truly ski in balance. The assumption is that if you're not falling down you must be skiing in balance, but that couldn't be farther from the truth for the kind of balance you should be striving for. Most skiers balance against the forces of the turn. Instead strive to balance over the ski edges (both fore/aft and laterally). So start out your first few days on snow testing your balance and developing a feel for your skis' performance as a result of those balance changes.
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Post by ron on Dec 3, 2013 7:44:59 GMT -7
so true! ^^ as my PT guru says, balance is not about standing still on one foot its being in control of your body while moving. Understanding how you body reacts to movement and more importantly, unexpected movement is key!
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Post by gary on Dec 3, 2013 9:01:31 GMT -7
Feet, Balance, movement sequence, pole plant timing...
Can't wait! G
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Post by livingproof on Dec 3, 2013 18:46:57 GMT -7
Feet, Balance, movement sequence, pole plant timing...
Cain't wait.
Wow, the above leads me to believe that G has not skied this season, therefore, I got my first day before him. This is a first! Conditions were some great spring skiing in December, sunny with temps in the 40's. Granular snow became heavy early in the morning, but, this is s.e. Pa., so I'm a happy camper. Re-reading my OP, can't say that there is anything there that worked well and resulted in some great skiing. I think of skiing as similar to a tightly choreographed dance movement, in that it's easy to practice any one component, but, it's the overall performance that counts. Sure, I can practice flexing, but, without concentration in that area, it soon decreases. My skiing is more of a mess than tight. I would agree the concepts of finding better balance and feeling the entire length of the ski play a major role in beginning to feel competent. I liked Ron's thought of waking up your feet, it made a difference to get those muscles firing. Today was definitely more a day for "feeling" skiing than "thinking" skiing. It was a fun day getting reacquainted with my Blue Mountain friends. Many more great days to come this season.
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Post by gary on Dec 4, 2013 9:31:01 GMT -7
I'm such a slacker....BUT...heading out west Sunday....to grab some of the "boats" magical snow!
Mike...glad you're out making turns with the ski buds and FEELING great! THAT my friend is what it's all about!
Enjoy!
G
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Post by livingproof on Dec 4, 2013 19:09:30 GMT -7
I'm such a slacker....BUT...heading out west Sunday....to grab some of the "boats" magical snow!
Mike...glad you're out making turns with the ski buds and FEELING great! THAT my friend is what it's all about!
Enjoy!
G So I skied Blue for one day, then G heads to da 'boat for a week. It's a Pyrrhic Victory claiming being one ahead of Gary! Ron and G....enjoy and may Ullr smile on your days at the 'boat.
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