Message #9814

[ToddW]

Terryl,

There are 3 models of Harb Carvers.? They differ in axle width and wheel size/stand height.

? Comp model, front wheels 76mm rear 102mm
Pro model, wheels 76 mm
Slalom model, wheels 59 mm

There are 3 main differences between carvers and inline skates, all of them geared towards creating a more skiing-like experience.

1.? There are two rows of wheels to simulate the two edges of a ski.? Inline skates are inherently unstable laterally and want to tip to one side or the other.? Skaters actively control this to keep from falling over.? Skis on the other hand are naturally stable when flat on the snow.? Skiers have to exert some effort to get them on edge and to keep them on edge because the edges are offset from the center of the foot.? The same is true of harb carvers:? users must develop strong active tipping skills to set them on edge to turn them.? The wider and taller the carver model, the greater the tipping skill required to ride them.

2.? The wheels are not spaced equally.? There are two pairs of wheels in the back and one pair forward.? In the top model, the forward pair is also smaller.? With correct fore-aft balance, this asymmetry makes the carvers turn more sharply than a similar inline skate could in a purely carved turn.? This is because the front wheel supports more weight than a single rear wheel and is consequently deformed (squished) more, which makes it turn sharply and the rear wheels follow.? If you get in the back seat, they don't turn near as well and watch out for your elbows and noggin as you practice falling.

3.? You use your own ski boots and poles on carvers.? This way you learn to edge/tip in ways that are compatible with the constraints your ski boot's geometry will impose on snow -- it helps guarantee transfer of technique onto snow.

Here's a clip of a really strong skier playing on Harb Carvers

Are there any exercises utilizing weights that anyone could recommend?
 

I do all of the exercises I mentioned earlier with spare weight encircling my abdomen.? It doesn't seem to do much for skiing, so I'm planning to get rid of it by next season?