Messages posted by : pavelski
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Often people ask me to "help" them choose a ski !
Over the years I have made in my mind a "classification" which helps me target the possible skis for the skier! I hope this helps some of you find your "identity" and then chose a ski ! The source of this "personalized" classification comes from Ski Press a once free ski publication. Skier Types[u] Race Carver Speed is in your blood.You are first on the bottom of slope. You spend most of your time on carving fast perfect turns from top to bottom. You never stop mid slope. Precise, race-like turns is what makes your ski day perfect. Mountain Technician You ski with elegance and precision in all types of conditions and terrain. Most of your time is spent on groomed slopes, but you do adventure hors piste at will. You ski with the soul of a carve, yet can adjust your style depending on the conditions and your mood. If you are not an instructor, you ski like one ! All Mountain Freeskier You look at a mountain and want to conquer it all! You have a cam glued to your helmet. You want others to see you take that chute. You spend little time on groomed slopes, just "warm ups" for you. You want that virgin snow, that virgin slope that forbidden valley! You push the limits for that adrenaline rush! Weekend Warrior You are a good athlete who likes to ski as much as possible! You flow in easy terrain and intermediate groomed slopes, but your technique is weak in steeper, expert level runs. You want to carve turns, but pick up too much speed. "Someday", you say to yourself ! [i]Pleasure Holiday Skier[b] Skiing is an easy, relaxed activity with friends and family. You are laid back skier who stays on easy wide runs and once they get "used up", time for the bar. You love the easy cruising/turning ski. Neophyte You want to ski down that easy run once without falling! |
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Ian,
There are several reasons why skiers should wipe off skis after skiing. 1. With plates and rails for ski bindings water can and does seep between parts and thus get into ski core ( if technician did not place some glue into screw holes ) 2.Rust begins the second you put skis on snow/ice/water. Placing skis in a warm, corner helps rust! 3. If your bases have not been waxed for several months and you gave a serious gouge/groove into base,,,,you will get water infiltraton. This happens at tails where base meets end metal or rubber unit! 4. I know you will laugh,,,,,I know you will be incredulous,,,,,I know you will be "unbelievers" but I believe in taking care of my skis,,,,,they give me that extra performance! They are an extension of me! When I feel good,,,,they feel good! In moments when I need them,,,they are there for me ! That is why all skiers should take care of their skis! They are not "objects",,,,rather they create passions, emotions, very much like an musical instrument ! It is a small "thank you" you give to your skis in taking a rag and just wiping them off! Cleaning them after every ski day! It takes seconds ad it will provide you with hours of pleasure! But that is me! You try it for a season and and end of this season,,,ask yourself, "did my skiing improve"? |
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Snapzzzzzzzzzzz,
The question should not even be asked ! Of course everyone takes a towel or rag and wipes off their skis at end of day ! No one just throws skis in car, in closet, in garage etc,,,, and forgets them ! They gave you so much pleasure,,,,should you not "tuck them in" dry ! Dream on,,,,,, Pavel |
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Catp,
Your method is excellent! This towel wipe comes in a format very much like "baby's wraps" and is used by skaters, hockey players and now skiers! It was given to me by a friend to try when I gave a ski tuning clinic! It works and is cheaper and faster than waxing skis! I will try to get the "market name" or brand to you via PM since I do not want others to conclude that I am selling this product! Pavel |
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If you love your skis!
If you want them to give you more pleasure next season, you have to know how to say "bye" to your skis ! Of course we all wipe them after the end of a ski day ! I have a found a cheaper way to store skis for the Summer! In the past I waxed my skis with a low grade all purpose wax! I have discovered in my country a small " towel wrap" for ice skates which cleans/dries ice skate blades and also applies a thin thin film of special rust inhibitors! Then I take a special painters tape and apply to each edge for Summer! Voilà ! The ski edges are protected from rust and any other "events" ! Next year no new tuning,,just take tape off ! Hope this helps some of you ! Pavel |
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Dave Mac,
Again some "pearls" of wisdom ! Your post made me think of another sport,,,windsurfing ! In high high winds you must learn not to fight the wind by adjusting the sail angle,,,,,very much like adjusting the ski angle to allow flow of ski! That is the result of "experience" ! Adjusting the ski angle or adjusting the sail angle comes from hours of "practice"! Happy Spring skiing ! |
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Verbier Ski Bum,
Spring skiing is so short and is so wonderful that most "good skiers" want to get most from "Spring Experience" ! They can tan any time during Summer ! Those "slushy bumps" do not exist higher up ! Why you ask ? There is a pattern to how skiers at various levels ski! Those "slushy bumps" are created by skiers who want to slow down, who want to make quick "windshield wiper"turns! Thus pushing snow to side! If you look to the sides,,,the edges of the trail, no "bumps" there ! Now go higher up,,to steeper runs and look at the "lines" of the skiers who passed by ! Very different ! Why pay for a lift ticket to get a sun tan near a resto ? Still skiing Spring snow and at 3 pm few skiers on slopes! |
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Yes buy on on need or else you "follow the crowd" on the latest looks !!!!
I always "measure" my new skis and check at end of every year the camber and flex range of my skis! I also check the edges ( how much out ) ! Most of my skis stay with me 4-6 years since I wax them every ski day and tune them every ski day by hand! I also check my clothing at end of year! I noticed my 5 year old Spyder Spring gloves are all worn at finger tips! Leather just worn !!! Too much Spring skiing! I sit down and make a list of material I missed during year ! I never change due to style or "fashion" since I believe form follows "fashion" ! I know I need new socks since they are thin around heels! My advise,,,,select quality material and get classic designs,,,,not latest looks which die after 2 years ! Boots,,,never never change once they fit you Skis,,,,why change once you have the best! Just add to inventory ! Jackets,,,,,well if great deals come etc,,,,,,,, |
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