Pole position (excuse the pun)

Thanks for the explanation bennyboy. Just a few comments...

bennyboy wrote:Poles are for stability,

You'll fall over without them ?

bennyboy wrote:a strong pole plant in short radius turns helps you recentre yourself for the next turn.

You can't do this without a pole ?

bennyboy wrote:the arms should only move to bring the pole forward,

So the pole is determining the arm movement, not balance, weighting and rotation ?

Pretty much comfirms my contention that in most on piste situations using modern equipment, Instructors have come up with things to do with the poles because they're there, not because they're needed. )

Trencher

I call them my rhythm sticks as they greatly aid my timing.

They are also great as a feeler - testing the state of the snow infront of you.

Trencher wrote:

Colin L wrote:

Iceman wrote:What is the purpose of poles apart from push you along and stopping you from falling over on a green run? :oops:

IS that a serious question or a wind-up? If it's serious, I'll give you an answer.

Don't mean to troll, but for me, that's always a serious question :?:

Trencher

It was a serious question. I find them good for rhythm and 'feeling safe'.

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 )

So everyone is fixated on rythem. Skiing with rythem goes with the feet together, bum twitching, skidded turn, style that has mostly died out. Skiing now should be about flowing down the hill, using the contours of the hill, not ignoring them for some artificial timing. It's the same as my argument against poles, your body movements are being dictated by rythem and not what is most efficient or appropriate for that moment.

Trencher

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