Carving mindset for Mike

[quote=Trencher
On the day the gif was made, the snow was granular over patchy ice, so I was skiing a little defensively and A framing slightly.

So, for what it's worth, here is my cross under transition/turn for a medium radius turn. The obvious difference from the crossover turn is that you stay low during transition. From this position, the legs can be actively extended during the first half of the turn and actively retracted during the second half of the turn. This type of turn/transition lends itself to short radius carves, but staying low for the transition, also gives better stability at higher speeds. It feels very smooth because your body stays low and continuing down the fall line as the skis carve back underneath you to start the new turn. The transition is aided by extending the old inside leg.



Trencher

Trencher,

Another great gif and matching description. Thanks!
You have an enviable talent in my opinion.

What are the specs on the skis you're using in this gif? About 165 in length? And what's the radius side cut? Are they a fairly stiff ski or easily flexed?

Just can't wait for next winter to get back at it !!

Mike

Mike from NS wrote:
What are the specs on the skis you're using in this gif? About 165 in length? And what's the radius side cut? Are they a fairly stiff ski or easily flexed?

Mike, Fischer Race SC 170/14M. A really easy to use, medium flexing ski. Damp, but still fun. Great edge hold on ice. Not a fast ski for Nastar, but very easy to run a course with. The in between radius makes them very versatile for general carving.

Trencher

Trencher wrote:
Mike, Fischer Race SC 170/14M. A really easy to use, medium flexing ski. Damp, but still fun. Great edge hold on ice. Not a fast ski for Nastar, but very easy to run a course with. The in between radius makes them very versatile for general carving.
Trencher

Trencher, I had expected in order to get such fluid tight turns, as you do, that you may have been using a shorter ski with soft flex to help the results. When you have the talent - the equipment comes along for the ride

I'm using Atomic SX9, 170 @ 15M. I suppose these too have a medium flex with the rating of "9"; or is this considered soft. They work well and have given may hours of great fun.

Haven't you posted a clip at some time using snow blades? I bet there you would produce some really tight turns with these!

Mike

Trencher,
Reading your posts I can't help thinking your a fan of Harold Harb? I bought his essentials book this year and it really seems to make sense but so many people seem to have a downer on him. Are you a fan?
Mike

Mike3000 wrote:Trencher,
Reading your posts I can't help thinking your a fan of Harold Harb? I bought his essentials book this year and it really seems to make sense but so many people seem to have a downer on him. Are you a fan?
Mike

Mike, there are many resources for free carving,Harold Harb's stuff is well worth looking at. I take ideas from many places and see what works for me. One thing to bear in mind is that most of the info on carving is racing oriented. In racing the idea is to get the turn over with and get to the next gate going as fast as possible. For me. free carving is about enjoying the turns, hanging in there for as long as possible, and controlling speed without resorting to skidding. This is at odds with what race coaches are trying to achieve.

Trencher

Great informative forum piece and images to demonstrate.
I will study and apply soon.