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Carving mindset for Mike

Carving mindset for Mike

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Started by Trencher in Ski Technique - 50 Replies

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Mike from NS
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

dustyfog wrote:
now mike from NS - is that Nova Scotia! just curious..


Yes dustyfog, NS = Nova Scotia -- the land of the Bluenose and Peggy's Cove. Have you ever visited here?

I think you're ready for White Face at Lake Placid. That's relatively close for you. Some really steep trails there :!: A friend sent me a DVD recently of a really great time he had there this spring. Perfectly clear skies and great skiing conditions!!
Mike :wink:
Age is but a number.

Edited 2 times. Last update at 17-May-2009

Trencher
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

Mike from NS wrote:Here we are on May 16th, -- the flies and weeds now realize it's their time of the year --- and we are still "wishfully" on the snow. :shock: :thumbup:


Are the actions for carving the same on roller blades as on the skis? I've heard before that it is one of the best cross training means for the skiing off season. I have the blades but haven't yet acquired confidence to relax enough. Maybe when I get some elbow pads that will come too. :roll: I suppose using the ski poles with the roller blades may help with the confidence a bit too.

There are many sports that share concepts. The concept theme of this thread is used in mountain biking, skate boarding, and other sports. Just about anything where you can use vertical motion to gain extra traction, whether it's a wheel, a shoe or an edge.
Inline skating obviously has some similarities with skiing and there are ski carving concepts that can be discovered and practiced using inline skates.
Aside from the vertical motion, angulation and the effect of various rotation movements can be explored. The effect of any rotational movement is very pronounced on skates, so it's a good way to practice keeping a quiet body. The basic skating stroke for propulsion is what in many sports is called a pumping movement. Pumping turns on line skates (with the legs parallel) is a great work out. It's possible to slalom uphill on skates using this pumping effect. Incorporating this into the first half of carved ski turns, can increase speed.
Spending time slaloming on skates seems to loosen up your movements and make them more flowing.
Pads, wrist guards, and a helmet are essential. If you are frightened to fall, you won't learn much. Like carving on skis, carving on skates takes a little commitment. In your part of the world Mike (where it won't look so strange), a pair of hockey shorts can make the odd fall easier on your butt.
Once you start getting the skates on edge further, you have to watch out for the brake. Being wider than the wheels, it can lift the wheels up mid turn. rather like boot out on skis. I like to have a brake on skates, because it saves a lot of wear on the wheels, but I trim the rubber block a bit narrower.
Trencher
because I'm so inclined .....

Edited 2 times. Last update at 23-Dec-2017

Mike from NS
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

Trencher wrote:
Not to mention the mosquitoes. Minnesota's state bird btw, along with the wood tick, our state animal.

Yes, let's not mention the mosquitoes ... we might get them buzzing :evil: And the ticks are well established here as well. You would think more people would appreciate winter at which time these critters are scarce!

Good gloves are good to have along with the wrist guards and knee pads, and helmet. The "law" here will ticket you if not wearing a helmet while on in-line skates, skate boards or bicycles. I must pick up some good elbow pads and the hockey shorts are a good idea too.

There is a school parking lot nearby with a perfect incline -- slight :!:--- to try what you have mentioned Trencher.

I have tried playing with turning feet and angulation of the ankles as much as possible on the ice skates. I skate on figure skates so I have to watch getting the picks too close to the ice. My roller blades have LED toe and heel lights -- so I'm set for night time skating. :lol:

Thanks for your pointers Trencher -- muchly appreciated,

Mike


Age is but a number.

Edited 1 time. Last update at 18-May-2009

Dustyfog
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

Mike - would love to visit NS one of these days, i think once we did have a vacation planned to hit NS, Newfoundland, Labrador etc but life intervened. Where do you normally ski? I am only one year into it and most of my skiing is done in upstate NY at a small mountain called Catamount. Love the place, they nurtured my boy's natural love and skill at the sport, he took to it on the first day like an eagle takes to the skies...never looked back. Have been to Sunshine Village, Alberta with him, last year, great place, big mountain and so much snow in late spring. This year as you know from the thread, was Austria, have a TR in the Austria forum. Live in well, as I see it, the nerve centre of the planet, Manhattan!

Will inline skate once I am able. Have to find softboot skates, they exist I know.

Trencher for a good ole boy from Minnesota, well, actually its a very progressive state for sure; you have skiied many places on this planet. Were you a professional in the field, or just a passion you have made significant efforts to pursue? Regardless, your counsel, has been a pleasure and its all mine.
Skiing is good for the soul!

Mike from NS
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

dustyfog wrote:
Will inline skate once I am able. Have to find softboot skates, they exist I know.

dustyfog,

My inline skates are Firefly SL300 and are a soft boot. Very comfortable!
Mike :wink:
Age is but a number.

Trencher
reply to 'Carving mindset for Mike' posted May-2009

dustyfog wrote:Will inline skate once I am able. Have to find softboot skates, they exist I know.



Inline skates, like most other sports gear, needs a little research befor buying for the first time.

I think most skates now have a soft boot. For the cross training we are talking about, it's best to get as much ankle support as possible. So avoid low cut racing models. The frame is maybe the most important part of an inline skate. Cheaper models have frames that flex and twist, which is not good. For learning to skate, 80mm wheels are good. Once you are comfortable on skates, 90mm wheels seem to work best and cope with rougher surfaces better. Wheels of 100mm or more make for some long skates, which are harder to turn and balance on.

Definitely read some beginner inline skate instruction books. There are a few basic skills that make inline skating much easier and safer.

Trencher
because I'm so inclined .....

Edited 1 time. Last update at 18-May-2009

Topic last updated on 18-May-2009 at 16:04