Pole position (excuse the pun)

Iceman wrote:
When ppl learn these days they are tiught without poles. Is this to cvoncentrate on the skiing and not the rhythm sticks (I am sure there is a song about that....hit me with your rhythm stick,,,hit me :D )

I think that when people use poles while learning, they miss out on learning a lot of subtle ski control.
Just learning to skate and manauver in the lift queue w/o poles, provides control experiences that are part of the being one with the skis.

Trencher

I miss the good old days of falling over in the lift queue and not being able to stand up....poles probably caused it! :oops:

I would say rhythm is as important to skiing now as it has always been.

Trust me, I don't ski feet together (there is a time and a place for skidding though). However, I like to be in control and using a rhythmical style definitely allows me to do this.

OK. Each to his own. I just like to give some alternative thoughts.

Trencher

I know you were all ripping on Bode Miller for flailing his poles, but here is an interesting video demonstrating his pole planting views.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2KAtSx0SnPs

I think Trencher must have had a bad experience with ski poles as a child. ;) I have to say that sometimes poles are a nuisance, and I have been tempted to just not use them, but they do make it easier to get out of your skis. Just because you are carrying poles does not mean you can't skate. I hate pushing myself around with my poles! Another use is if you happen to fall and lose a ski, it gives you a way to get extra support to get back in. Or, in one case I loaned a pole to a girl who was skiing for her first time, and her boyfriend told her she didn't need poles. I don't know why he didn't hike back up the hill to help her get back in her ski. . .

As for rhythm - I was always fond of a little rubato. :)

Iceman wrote:

It was a serious question.

OK so here is one aspect of pole planting: it helps in the process of edge changing. Try standing on your skis as if in the final part of your arc. Now make the movements of the pole plant while looking at your skis. As you move the pole into the plant, you should see your skis will start to flatten a bit. Just one part of the whole business of flowing (yes flowing Trencher!) into the next turn, but helpful.

As to flow and rhythm, well what's the difference. I like to go for a rhythmic flow. :wink:

I seem to have generated a bit of debate there with my initial question. As a relatively new skier, I can relate to what trencher is talking about. In fact when I was first taught to ski, my poles were taken off me after a day as they were just another thing to have to think about and were limiting my progress. I was then only reunited with my poles once I had learnt the feel of the skis when turning, the transition of weight etc. I will stand by that inital day or so of skiing without poles as I progressed more that day than any other single day since. Indeed I was even thinking about not using my poles on my last trip there, however it is all the little small points that everyone has brought up that make your poles so useful such as getting out of your skis etc. My problem which I will just have to work on, was what I did with my poles after one pole plant to the other. We were skiing in fresh snow which just turned to moguls after a few hours and I think I was just enjoying myself a bit too much and throwing my poles around!

We often see skiers who have a good and attractive ski technique ~ except for the pole action. Respectfully suggest:

For most of the turn the poles are held at body angle or slightly less steeper than body angle, and with tips slightly further out from the grips.

Approaching the end of the turn, you are comfortable with your speed control, smoothly move the outside stick forwards, (finishing a left turn, move the right stick. Plant the stick around 6 inches to side of the ski front. Carry out the weight change, smoothly moving the outside ski,knee,hip forwards. Depending on your technique there will also be a change in angulation.

You have now committed to the opposite turn, and have passed the stick tip, so now now the stick is angled with your body again.

When going straight line fast on a schuss, never stab the stick between the skis in front of you, especially if your hand is low. It is several days before your eyes cease watering.