Post by QikTrnz on Feb 24, 2008 9:51:19 GMT -5
Recently, I got into a technique debate with a skier who has basically learned as an adult, and claims to have a grasp on the "Ideal" ski instruction, but admits that there are times when he can not seem to apply these "Ideals" to the conditions he faces.
My position was that the application of these "Ideal" concepts is much too narrow for any skier to rely on.
My standard analogy for this type of technique debate is to compare the skier to an artist.
The Artist does not paint a picture with one color.
He/She has a pallet of colors that will be used either individually or mixed together to achieve the complete picture.
The skiers "Pallet" is their repertoire of techniques that can be used to negotiate any given set of surface conditions.
I say "Set" because on any run there will most likely be variables such as pitch, width, snow conditions, traffic, hazards, etc., that the skier will have to deal with.
Being "Locked In" to one mode will sooner or later fall short of the immediate needs required for those variables.
Another way to say it is that no skier can afford to be a "One Trick Pony".
OVERHEARD WHILE HAVING LUNCH AT THE TOP:
"I think that those "Old School" skiers who ski with their feet so close together sliding around look really silly" .... then a few minutes later .... " I was trying to carve on Expo ... (for those who don't know... double diamond, steep, moguls the size of Volkswagens), ... but I fell and twisted my leg"....
Now, you might be saying to yourself .. boy, what a nut ... but there are actually people out there that think they can use the same technique everywhere on the mountain.
The complete skier recognizes the need for both the practice and application of multiple techniques or skills to maximize all mountain abilities.
"Stating The Obvious" you say .... ???? ... Of course, but some times the "Obvious" only seems that way in Hindsight .... but the complete skier incorporates multiple skills LOOKING FORWARD .... and is never Locked In to one way and actually works on being able to shift gears (change technique), on the fly....
[glow=blue,2,300]Practice mixing it up .... then when you need it ... you'll be better equipped to handle different conditions.[/glow]
My position was that the application of these "Ideal" concepts is much too narrow for any skier to rely on.
My standard analogy for this type of technique debate is to compare the skier to an artist.
The Artist does not paint a picture with one color.
He/She has a pallet of colors that will be used either individually or mixed together to achieve the complete picture.
The skiers "Pallet" is their repertoire of techniques that can be used to negotiate any given set of surface conditions.
I say "Set" because on any run there will most likely be variables such as pitch, width, snow conditions, traffic, hazards, etc., that the skier will have to deal with.
Being "Locked In" to one mode will sooner or later fall short of the immediate needs required for those variables.
Another way to say it is that no skier can afford to be a "One Trick Pony".
OVERHEARD WHILE HAVING LUNCH AT THE TOP:
"I think that those "Old School" skiers who ski with their feet so close together sliding around look really silly" .... then a few minutes later .... " I was trying to carve on Expo ... (for those who don't know... double diamond, steep, moguls the size of Volkswagens), ... but I fell and twisted my leg"....
Now, you might be saying to yourself .. boy, what a nut ... but there are actually people out there that think they can use the same technique everywhere on the mountain.
The complete skier recognizes the need for both the practice and application of multiple techniques or skills to maximize all mountain abilities.
"Stating The Obvious" you say .... ???? ... Of course, but some times the "Obvious" only seems that way in Hindsight .... but the complete skier incorporates multiple skills LOOKING FORWARD .... and is never Locked In to one way and actually works on being able to shift gears (change technique), on the fly....
[glow=blue,2,300]Practice mixing it up .... then when you need it ... you'll be better equipped to handle different conditions.[/glow]