Message #10941

[Gary]

Perry, for many many years including those I skied 99mm skis with no poles, I just didn't have any sense of what those sticks were for. As I pushed my self to more challenging terrain, I finally was taught (had it pounded in)  the pole plant was the key to releasing the skis edges and moving into the new turn. Why it became more clear here was as I got into bumps...for sure a skier without a well timed pole plant was taking the "wild pony ride" in that terrain.

So stick with it.....read Johns book and review the DVD...see how the pole plant starts with a swing of the pole out in front of the ski and drops to the touch point. Also notice how the arms are held wide of the body. You can see this on all athletics skiers for balance. You can see the same use of the pole plant with all the great teachers of the best ski disciplines.

Skiing stacked and fluid with quiet exact motions makes carving, brushing, floating and bumping very efficient and a beautiful thing to see.
Best,
Gary