J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by pavelski

I forgot to mention one great place to get "real" honest information.
I never suggest sites or experts to others,,,but this site is the very best for advice and real comments.
Visit Realskiers site. They are allowing an open house viewing since they are changing presentation.
They do not accept free skis from companies. They do not allow reps to provide "evaluation" texts. You will notice that all evaluations do not contain "marketing" phrases or terms.
Just visit them.
Pavel

Can we "forget the WIDE STANCE " goal and think more comfortable stance?

Let me explain with a simple analogy.

When you walk do you have a wide stance,,that is feet apart more than shoulders ?
When you walk do you have your feet close together so shoes rub against each other ?

99% of persons find over time a comfortable walking position that is effective, stable and safe. Yes we also have our style of walking.

So it is in skiing.
Modern skis allow for a easier softer turn , thus skier should have skis apart ( for technical reasons which you will all discover ).

Try this at home. Put ski boots on and walk around yard. Yes your neighbours will wonder,,,but you will learn your comfort stance. Then practice skiing on easy slopes with that comfort stance. Your comfort stance.

Both extremes ( too tight à la Stein Erickson or too wide à la sumo wrestler) is ineffective and trying.

Let time and practice help you.

Hope this helps you.é

Pav

Old Andy is right on the mark!
Toe pressure due to too small boots.
Try this.
Take some foam out of rear liner. Just where heel will be. Try some thinner socks.

Finally get new boots!

How many ways,,,,,,???
In fact a good effective skier varies his/her turns constantly based on speed, terrain and desired effect.

There are some basic procedures you must master ( that will come with time) .
-keeping hands in front of hips
-keeping pressure on big toe
-looking ahead 3-4 meters
-never rotate body ( forcing turns with body )
-never sitting back on tails at end of turn
Above all be "soft" on edge sets. The faster you go,,,the softer touch you need on edges.

An interesting effective skiers plays with his/her skis all the time.

If you want some serious analysis on topic see Ron Lemaster and his site. This "drift" before turn has a name and a special way to do this.
Not recommended for average skier.

As others noted "background" information would help.
I presume he is in the 10-12 year old range.

First just have fun. Keep technical information to minimum.
As noted allow boy to follow a better skier who can vary turns from 12 meters to 30 meters.

Some small "picky" items which can work on in the coming years;

Hands closer in .
Notice the skis that "wander' during turn. This is more due to young muscular level. As adolescences sets in the leg and core muscles will be stronger. Thus carve will be more "dynamique" .
If you look carefully some turns are flat turns,,that is outside edge of ski is not angled a great deal, thus you do not see that one thin carving line.
-How to get this ? Ask sone to lift inside boot on turn. It will force him to put all weigth on outside ski .

If you can next time focus camera on ski boots and tips for several turns.

Have your son watch this video http://vimeo.com/6494951

Well on his way to great skiing!

I hope this helps.

Pav

No they are not.
Skis have a "personality", a special feel, a performance range, however it takes a good skier to allow the ski to express itself.
Most skiers "force" the ski to turn, thus not allowing the ski to "do its thing"!
I train neophyte ski testers by making them ski with unbuckled boots for at least 3 hours. To learn to feel the ski. To learn to be "soft" with the ski.
Skis do have differences.
Problem is the marketing jargon does not help the average skier with such phrases as;
"the one quiver, all terrain ski"
"the ski will improve your skiing" ( you will improve your skiing)
"the rocker XXXX will carve better on hard packed slopes"
"the special unique XYZ material will,,,,,,,,,,," ( you fill in the blank)

My advice.
First do your homework rather than ask "experts" on net what is the best ski.
Learn what those figures mean,,,, R= 13 ( racing SL ski ) 123- 110- 15
Try all sorts of skis on easy terrain.
Learn to rate a ski with specific parameters that you think are important to you.

* Did those smart skiers pick up that mistake?

Just my opinion.
Pav

Innsbrucker,
Yes those older skis take you everywhere.
Yes they are great skis.

Consider this!

Do you want your skiing experience to be better?
Do you want to use less muscle and get same effect?
Do you want to go to higher levels of "pleasure" ?

Modern skis do make skiing easier and more enjoyable.

Yes the marketing is too much, however modern skis are in a class by themselves.
Do you still drive your old Austin,,,,
Do you still use the old crank phone ?
Do you still listen on your 78 records?

Give yourself a chance o have greater pleasure.

Just a view of an old dinosaur who has no cell phone, drives a 911 and still has his Dynamic VR17s.