J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by ellistine

Pavelski wrote:How did you determine that the racers have longer poles?
Were you beside them? Were you at base lodge when they finished the race?

I'll have you know that I've skiid down the Wixie in Wengen with Hermann Maier! I have to admit that at the time I was on the verge of being stationary trying to maintain my uprightness on a particularly icey patch of piste. I had to assume that as it was his first time down the piste he hadn't had time to realise how difficult the conditions were.

I have a FK Tools iron. Something about the shade of blue they use - very functional looking 8)

have a look at the pics in this article

http://www.youcanski.com/en/coaching/pole_plant.htm

I've seen shorter fishing rods!

I know the subject should be 'How long are yours?' but it probably got your attention quicker!

I currently use a pair of 125cm poles. This length was deemed appropriate after carrying out the usual 'hold pole upside down just below the basket and with elbow bent the forearm should be level'.

However, looking at most ski racers their poles are much longer. I even read on one race coaching site that with one end of the pole touching the snow, your arm should be completely straight when holding the other end.

Now I know I ain't Bode (I wasn't born in New Hampshire) but there must be some advantages to longer poles or else they would be using the same length as the rest of us.

Any thoughts?

I found this on the Skiclub of GB website;

http://www.atomicbootcamp.co.uk/index.html

This hasn't gone to press yet so still plenty of availability. I just booked myself 3days :P :P :P

Without wanting to get back into that whole skiing vs snowboarding thing, I think generaly snowboarders at the early stages of mastering their pursuit, tend to spend more time 'getting back up again' than similar level skiers. Also falling off skis is usually more of a rolling action where as snowboarders (from what I've seen) tend to hit the ground quite hard, either forward or backwards, with their wrists taking much of the load.

Other than a helmet I personally think you would be better off spending the money on private lessons.

Yes, I know the type you mean. With these particular Salomon adjusters there is no 'tighten or loosen' but just a 180 degree rotable adjuster. I think that's probably the problem.

I think I've spotted another winner!

If you look at greenskiers group shot again - the bloke stood 3rd from the back. Great facial hair and superb ski pants!