J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

AlistairS,
I did forget one minor point about powder tracers which I call powder ribbons!

I sew a short small diameter ( 10 cm. ) elastic loop on ribbon. It has two functions.
1. It allows a "give" once the ski is released so that ribbon does not tear off bindings.
2. It allows me to insert ribbon on any ski binding since you can extend elastic piece over tang of rear binding. So if a friend comes without ribbon or in my case (I guide groups in powder heli trips) I lend my ribbons to clients!

Hope this helps you all find that powder heaven!

Pavel

May I add my observations on issue !

First
Can we agree that we should use "facts", data that is consistent, correct, reliable in order to make an informed decision.
If so,,the incidental "personal" incidents should not be used to generalized for all skiing situations!

Second
Can we agree that we should collect skiing data on world wide skiing accidents and determine causes,,then find solutions!

Third
Can we be consistent, coherent in or "safety" decisions.



Let me start with the last point.
If you are concerned about skiing safety,,,your skiing safety then by all means "protect yourself" ! Look at figures.
40% of injuries are in the core body areas. Chest and back! Thus wear spine plastic protection and chest plates.
30% of skiing injuries are in the wrist / thumb area. Thus wear gloves with metal thang in wrist area.
10 % of skiing injuries are in the knee area. Thus wear plastic knee protection
3-4 % of skiing injuries are in the head area . Thus wear a full face ( nose protection) helmet!

Before any skier makes a decision about helmet they should explore sites that deal with ski safety on a "professional" basis such as sites for government regulations, physician/patroller safety sites etc,,,
In my opinion the worst place to find information about helmet use is; ski company sites, stores and media.

The first point is the key element of all ski helmet debate. The issue is not should one choose to wear a helmet but should helmets while skiing be a mandatory part of skiing. Many persons do feel that this should be the case!
The reasons they use is;
-high profile skiing accident cases
-store marketing information
etc,,,

In my opinion this is a personal choice and should remain so.

I do observe that skiers are not consistent in their "safety" concerns while skiing. Yes they will wear a helmet but;
-no spine protection
-no chest protection
-no wrist protection
-no face protection
-drink at lunch then ski
-not take lessons
-ski in slopes above their ability level
-not exercise before skiing
-etc,,,,

*** One small note! There are more persons who have accidents ( requiring hospital visits) in spas than while skiing! Think about this!

There are more head injuries to males ( 28-27 ) in "social" situations such as in bars, street conflicts than while skiing.

Can we agree that presently no data justifies collective world wide mandatory use of helmets!

If you look up the past 10 years statistics of "head injuries" while skiing,,,it has not gone up or down !


The solution!

That will come!

Pavel

Busy man.
Happy man.
Free man.

Enjoy life and many ski trips.
and
if ever you come in my "galaxy" there are some skis and boots ready for you.

As far as "pleasures" on the slope, it will be memorable and videotaped for your sons!

Pavel

Boot selection and fitting will always be a "personal" choice which is far more important than price!

Once you find a mold that fits you,,stick to it!

Do not be a sheep!

Pavel

Ian,
I see you have mastered the "Spanish' ski technique à la torro !"

Yes wonderful "defensive moves" !

Olé!!!

Pavel

Ian

Have you hear about the "secondary crash" incidents ?

Statistics indicate that more people die from secondary crashes,,,that is crashes (in cars) after initial accident ! Seems human nature is such ,,that we all want to see "accident" !

So it is with skiing!

Beware of a group of fallen skiers! They are like a magnet to others! Accidents will follow!

Best to make a large X above fallen skiers with skis! Get friends to stand above fallen skiers to protect them.

I know you stop.....question is how do you stop? On top of them! beside them?

Best to let ski patrol do work!

I once saw a person do more harm trying to lift a fallen skier who had a broken leg!

My best friend last year was hit by another skier. he is 6' 2" ! He insisted in skiing down. We found out later he had a fracture ankle. Fractured clavicle and a fracture rib!

Best to stay down,,Rest and let sled come to get you!

Best just protect fallen skier ..from other missles!

Pavel

You will never see me posting comments in a ski technique debate among "experts"!

Why?

Because there is not ONE ski technique. Not one way to ski!

There are some basic rules, techniques, moves that make for effective skiing but there is no one way to ski!

Let me explain.

The beauty of this sport is that you never stop learning how to ski better!

Every single day is different, because mother nature varies the conditions in which we ski.
Every single day I learn new moves, new approaches, new ways to ski better.

That is what every skier should aim for,,,,to become better ! Not to master the technique. That is impossible!

Rarely will I say a skier has mastered skiing",,,rather I will say he/she is effective within the skiing conditions!

That is the essence of skiing. To be able to adjust skiing technique based on what nature gives us! A great skier is a flexible skier who has a repetoire of skiing skills and knows when and how to change technique!

Let me illustrate.

The "IN" technique everyone seems to wanted to master is to carve. Yes with new ski design that is the effective way to ski in some specific ski conditions! !
In some other skiing conditions such as powder up to chest level,,,,forget carving! The key concept,,key technique is to float ! Think of snow as if it was water! The ski edges have little impact in +60 cm. of snow!

In short the sport of skiing is a constant learning curve! A life time of learning, adapting ,,applying!

Be patient and enjoy the road to "skiing nirvana"! It is long but very very pleasurable!

Hope this helps some of you accept the frustrations with the pleasures!

Ian,
It is more than "just a surface" !
It is a challenge
It is a "male ritual of passage from childhood to manhood"
It is a "springboard for Icarus"
In short it separates the men from the boys ( yes the great women skiers also)

Ian,,one turn on ice is the equivalent of 4 hours of "bragging' at the bar about how great you were today"

Ice teaches humility!
Ice teaches honesty!
Ice teaches "fragility"
Ice teaches "patience"

May the ice be with you Ian!

Pavel