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J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

Messages posted by : pavelski

Have been reading questions from several chats and many have to same "problems"!
May I offer some basic points on how NOT to learn to ski!
1.Ask friends to tell you want to do.
2.Go to the top of ski center and point tips straight down.
3.Watch "good" skier and mimic his/her behavior.
4.Just do the trial and error route
5.Read lots of books on topic
6.Watch lots of videos on topic
7.Ask former ski racer to give tips
8.Play a lot of skiing video games
9.Follow a ski class and listen to instructor
10. Just close eyes and head downhill!

Now if you really want to learn to ski, I mean really ski on next string I will give you some hints.
Skiing is not that hard, what is hard is your comittement to taking the time to learn the basics ( and there are few).

The time you take to practice these basic moves will give you 10 times of skiing pleasure later on!

Nothing worthwhile is free! If you really want to become proficient skier you must master just three aspects of skiing. Yes just three!
They are;
edging
pressure control
pivoting

Before you can understand the importance of these three aspects of skiing, you must read the bible of skiing that all serious ski instructors, racers, expert skiers have read and apply.
Go buy ( I have no relation to author or editor) "The Athletic Skier" by W. Witherell and D. Evrard
Then you will understand my next message.
You will not become an expert skier right away but you will understand, why you skid, why you pick up speed, why you lose control in the steeps!

By understanding what you should do (as a result of your reading), you will begin to apply some basic techniques that your instructor will as you to do!

You are on your way to becoming a better skier!

Ski tuning
Started by User in Ski Hardware, 4 Replies
Wanna...
First advice!
Do not get tune up tools from ski companies because prices are very high!
Here is the basic kit you need. Go to your local hardware store!
6 " mill bastard file
120 grid metal sand paper
180 " "
200 " "
medium diamond knife sharpener
4" paint scraper ( soft flex)
6 rought pads of plastic
pots cleaners
6 medium pads of plastic
pot cleaners
glummy block ( in car body shop section)
fine knife sharpening stone
plastic scraper ( at auto body shop or ski shop)

OK you will have to invest in ski
vices but vices will last a lifetime.
Mine are 40 years old and going strong!

Ski wax!
I can tell you where to get wholesale but not on internet...

Get "old fashion" iron with no steam holes, with temp dial.
I have 5 which got for 5$ each at church sale!
Cut electric chord and install new chord at least 3 metes long You will discover why!

Get several rolls of quality wipe paper!

I have just finished a video with a Rossignol WC race technician. I am now editing it. Once finished I can burn DVD for you, First you must get all products listed, then we will talk.

Once you have skied on a "tune waxed ski" you will never,,, ever ski on a "ordinary ski"!
Welcome !
Looking for a slalom ski
Started by User in Ski Hardware, 6 Replies
The question was...a SL ski!
Pure SL skis are ....like a well tuned violin. If you can play it will give you harmony like you have never had.
The Atomic SL 12 is in a class far above others, but it is not for every skier!
If you do not have mastry of the new ski technique do not get modern SL skis! Any SL ski since they are very very sensitive to fore/aft pressure and will rocket you out of any turn that is not tight and right!

May I suggest a de-tuned SL ( all ski companies have them). 165 cm may be just a tad too short. I have a Rossi Z9 that is very very responsive not a true SL but I would pick it above the Metron ( and I have two Metrons mex and B5)
Ski Length
Started by User in Ski Hardware, 2 Replies
Demonic
There is no one rule for ski length now!
Three factors must be considered;
1.Your ability level
2.Skiing type you will do
3.Skiing terrain you will mostly be on.

Let me illustrate
On hard race course type run,,, I ski a 165 cm Atomic SL12

On powder snow up to my chest I ski my Atomic Sugar Daddys at 180 cm +

On varied terrain with crud, soft snow I ski with Rossi Z9 170 cm.

If I had one rule for beginner skiers it would be get a ski that is between nose and forehead!
I need help choosing a ski!
Started by User in Ski Hardware, 3 Replies
dB
Inorder to help you choose your ski, you must be more precise on your needs. I read "versatile, large uberoot, rip up hill, highspeed". You do not determine your competency level, your skiing type, your skiing requirements and your body type.
Al help in determining what ski is "good" for you.
Some basic principles!
Nothing is free! If you want a ski that "rips up slope" on prepared runs like WC runs then you can not also have a wide ski with "soft flec pattern!

If your technique is "good" there are many skis for you, that I can recommend, but how is our wallet size?

Today's skis are so good it amazes me but at same time their performance "range" is getting narrower. Let me explain!
The modern SL ski is designed for the 12 meter WC race course and is unbelieveable. Wiggle your ear and it will turn.But can you hande this Porsche?

The big trend in all sk companies n 2007 is "the fats". Those large underfoot, soft skis hat are great in carpeted runs, but on ice?

Whatever you choose you have to set according to your needs. No ski can do all( even if ski companies say they have an all-roundski)

How to select your ski?
Be hones with yourself and etablish your skiing level.
Then ask yourself where you ski
Finally ask yourself how much you want to spend!

I have evaluated most of the 2007 skis and I can tell you three skis that will answer your needs. You have to be honest with yourself on what you want and if you can truly get the most from that ski!

I have pair of Salomon lab 2V just about your size. It "rips up the slope" but if you ever so much as let the skis go, you will be history because it has just two speeds; fast and faster!

The skis you suggested Armada are excellent skis! Why the ARV model?
Utah, Or Jackson Hole (in December)??
Started by User in Ski Chatter, 4 Replies
Jackson would be my pick also due to the reaons given above, however one consideration you mau not have thought!
If you stay in Sandy ( a small suburb of Salt Lake City, you will be close to at least five major centers. The trick in powder is getting there first and knowhing the "stash".
In Sandy there is a local ski shop where all powder hounds are.See them and they will "host you".

Check Cam from Snowbird to make final decision. See Solitude back bowls!!! ( just don't tell too many people) Pssss since this is an European site "few" Utah or Americam skiers will discover this "stash"!

Good holiday!
If you see a skier on Sugar Daddys with snorkle say "hi" !
Jasmine,
Welcome to skiing! Great place to meet nice men( but that is another story)
A short story first.
Real skiers, I mean REAL skiers will not look at what you wear, they will look at how you ski.So spent your money on lessons rather than on "expensive clothing"! You will quickly discover the meaning of "ski bunny"!
There is a girl who is 16 where I ski who wears functional attire. Not "fashionable" . Yes she does not have latest Bogner pants, but when she makes those first turns...people look and remember!
They talk about her at the end of the day. The men want to meet her to talk about skiing! You see she is the very best junior "off-piste" skier in North America!

Do not buy ski equipement until you have skied for at least 5 times to see if you like it!
Just go to any "outdoor" sports store and look at jackets and pants!Buy clothing that is "cross-purpose" for hiking, camping etc...
The "loose look" in in so just find something you like. Dress for you!
What you will need ( not for the fashion) are the following. These also will be appropriate for other activities ( unless you are from Saudia Arabia):
1.Underwear polar fleece mid weight
2.Gloves ( do not get most expensive. Your future boyfriend will get you those)
3.Polar fleece jacket ( Do not get tight fit)
4.Polar fleece ( Turtle Fur best) collar
5.Ski socks ( Not regular socks)
Do not skimp on these. They will last you at least 10 years and wear them ONLY for skiing!
6.Ski pants and jacket!
I will not discuss color but you must think "functional". That means no tight fitting. I know at your age you wish to highlight your "figure" however in skiing we all look at your style. That is what impresses skiers.
I have found ( not knowing where you are from) that last year's outfits are much cheaper. Also in my area we have ski bazzars where ski racing clubs sell "used" equipment. It is your choice!
7. Googles.
I would not buy cheapest units. These are very important. Get double SEALED lenses! Get light lenses since you need googles for storms or fog! It amazes me that people buy dark dark lense for sunlight!
When the sun is out wear your sunglasses!

8. Here is something no one will have and very few skiers are aware of, yet once you get this you will swear by them.Tennis section in sports store. Buy two wrist bands that tennis player use to wipe sweat!
When you ski, you will not that the interface between the gloves and ski jacket is not perfect! Either you have to put jacket sleeve over gloves or gloves must go over jacket sleeve!
Snow and wind will get in!!!
If you put these wrist warmers on you will have no "cold" problems.
I suspect your friend will be very happy to get this gift from you!

Have a good time skiing and be patient in learning this wonderful activity!

Now for the "indoor" dress code, I am sure you know how to dress!!

Have fun!
I am a ski gypsy so I avoid the crowds and marketing !
Take any package deal, then break it down into its parts and see if you can beat the overall price!
The internet is a powerful tool and can help you locate great centers that are not huge, thus can not attract many skiers or have major marketing programs.
Evaluate your trip needs. What is most important?
Skiing. Partying. Hotel activities etc...
Watch out for that cheap hotel...5 km. away from center!
If you are beginner may I suggest a center that is noted for .good" teaching. Why do you need a center that has 60% expert runs!!!

Know your needs!
Know your budget!
Search!

In my experience tour packages are great for "sheep", for the gypsy there are always "hidden" pearls!
You pick. Tours offer you "all planned activities"
Just have fun and welcome to this life style.. Watch out it is addictive!