J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

In regards to carrying skis and other "ski related skills" it is amazing how beginner skiers do not observe better , more experienced skier and try to model their behavior.

Ski instructors think just ski techniques and rarely now provide instruction on other important "ski skills". Just one example is evident.

Learning how to get up from a fall.

In past 10 years have never seen an instructor, teaching this vital skill BEFORE skier falls. Typically, once a skier has fallen ( in a tough section), is stressed, frustrated and must learn how to get up ( while rest of class is watching).

Not very good learning context.

I agree with above posts,,,you can tell with about 90% accuracy who the beginner, less effective skier are based on how they carry their skis.

Here is my list of the most ineffective way to carry skis.

1. dragging them
2. holding each ski with each hand ( one per hand)
3.Throwing them ahead every 5 meters ( yes saw this)
4. Carrying them across arms like firewood.
5. placing one on each shoulder, then across throat in front. This is called the guillotine approach.
6. the famous "chevalier technique". You have all seen this. Skis under elbow à la jouesting knight. Great technique for spearing child.
7.The last and most ineffective method is,,,,,,,leaving the skis on the ski rack.
( Every year ski resorts have hundreds of orphan skis left on ski racks)

This summer take out your skis and learn how to carry your skis, poles,boots and still have a free hand to hold your girlfriends ( wife's ) hand.

I suspect only 5% know how to do this simple move.

Please do not laugh when you read this one.

It just happened to me.

Here is another procedure which all skiers should practice before skiing season or else you will look silly when this happens to you.

Friend comes to see me with a sheepish look on his face.

He took ski boot liner out of shell and now can not get it back IN shell.

There is a hard way and a easy way to do this.

Most skiers do the hard way, forcing, twisting liner into boot shell.

I will give you the easy elegant way to do this.

But first some advice.

Never try to place a liner into a cold ski boot. You will hurt yourself. Cut hands and twist back.

Step 1. Make sure there is plastic foot bed still in shell ( often they fall out )
Step 2. Heat boot shell for 4-5 minutes with heat gun, hair drier or best with a boot heater.
Step 3. Get friend to spread top two buckle straps as wide as possible
Step 4. Sprinkle baby powder ( picksy dust will do also,,,,,Peter Pan type will do,,) into boot shell
Step 5. place your hand into boot liner and with other hand make sure tongue is well centred and top cuff is tight.
Step 6. With toe section first slip into shell.
Step 7. Test liner with your own foot.

Voilà. Practice this at least three times,,,so you look like an old pro.

No device is needed.

Shoulder is best "device" !

Just learn how to carry skis correctly.

Andy,

Interesting suggestions on ACL brace.

I did some literature analysis on the use of such braces. There are two distinct "camps". The pro surgeons recommend this as a secondary prevention with exercise.
The "nays" suggest it is more of a psychological "support".

I had one for 10 years and can recommend them,,,,,,with lots of exercise.

The side effects? Black and blue band across thigh. Too many stares,,so I finally placed brace under pants.

Just my point of vire.

In my part of the ski world this term is never used in the context given.

A "easy to ski" is called forgiving, entry level ski, or beginner ski. Never accessible.

A ski center can be accessible by car, boat or plane.

A office can be accessible via green door.

A airport can be accessible via route 56.

Ranchero,

Know your pain, your patience and desires.

May I suggest;

1. Work the mind. No more attitude, "no pain no gain" .
2. Think repetitions with endurance rather than brute force
3. Think long term skiing ( at least 50 years) , rather short term thrills.

and finally

work the ski technic from very start on slopes.

Wish you the very best. You will be a much better skier after this operation since you will not force skis to follow you.

Seems only one person interested in making shot ski, so will wait till need becomes more urgent.

Meanwhile we will drink the traditional way,,,,one shot one person.

brooksy,

First, hope you did not drink Vodka.

That comes at very end with 4 others ( depending on length of ski )

Since we are on subject and you are first in "class" , let us discuss length of ski and fun factor.

In these modern times short is IN,,,but as you get older you discover that longer is better ( please this is a family site and Dave is "watching" so keep this serious ).

With shot ski this is even more important. Why ?

You want to get as many persons on shot ski as possible.

I have a Fischer GS 190 cm. ski for my shot ski and it allows 5 persons shoulder to shoulder to enjoy mutual drinking happiness.

I am now looking for a 210-220 downhill ski since I seem to get more and more skiers waiting to try my shot glass. You know that you should never make the ladies wait,,so,,,,,

What is next for you brooksy,,,,,look for a long long longer ski. That is part of the fun. You are ahead of everyone else.

Oh,,,hide that vodka bottle until you are finished project.