Lesson 2 : The Lego Approach

Lesson Goal : To understand the interaction of various components in order to produce effective skiing.

I know you have all the tools ready and are anxious to get hands dirty. I know you want to start to cut, file and wax, but you must first understand how boots, skis, bindings and skis all interact to produce effective skiing! You can not have one without the other! That is why this class is called the Lego Approach.

Think of all your ski equipment like blocks of Legos, each fitting into each other thus making a tower or house! Each contributing for that final form!

As an effective tuner you must not think that you can build with one block! That is tuning side edges and ski base!

You must think of tuning: boots, bindings, skis! Later in class we will look into each one in more detail but this introduction is to present the concept of integration, of interface and correct adjustment of each component!

Boots
I will assume you have the correct boots for you! Now you must learn to tune boots ( in later classes this will be done) for you! That is set flex adjustment and lateral side cuff! ( that round screw near ankle)
Of course you all have orthotic soles! If not go right now to store and get some. You will thank me!

Bindings
I am sure you are wondering what is the issue with bindings, just set DIN and go off skiing. Well sorry to tell you this but there is in the ski business now a whole controversy about ski binding placement! Where do bindings go in reference to skis. In the old days two methods were used; chord line mid point or running surface mid point! Now it seems there are no standards. A recent article in Realskier site noted that for one ski company ( Atomic) different models had different binding positions! Over the past three years whenever I test skis, I first measure and see where the company reps placed the bindings! There seems to be no rule!

I do not have the answer but I will share with you how I place my bindings. I suggest you "play" with placement until you feel right!

Ski tuning
Base - two or three classes on this is coming
Edges - three classes on this
Waxing - 4 classes on this


My point in this class is to make you realize that you must think Lego! Each unit fitting into each other make a sound structure!

For homework take you skis and measure the distance form tip to tail. Divide number by 2 and note this point on ski!
Then place you boot into binding.

Imagine where your big toe would be and where the "ball" of the big toe would be in the boot. Mark the boot on the side part of the shell!

This point on boot should align with that first mark you made on ski!

Do not panic if it does not. Just PM me and we will discuss solution!