daemon@decwrl.UUCP (The devil himself) (11/11/85)
Hello fellow skiers and racers, This year I am planning on doing quite a bit of racing in Colorado. I have noticed in several magazines lately that the racers are using some 'gadgets' to keep from crossing their tips/hitting gates... Has anyone had any experience with these?? My racing skis are also to be used for regular skiing after the race. Do these get in the way, or cause problems?? Any suggestions would help. I have not have any problems with crossing my tips while racing, but I have managed to catch a couple of gates (rather painful I might add). Thanks, Nicki Lipp Digital - Colorado Springs decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-bison!lipp ****************************************** Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!! ******************************************
raspuzzi@2littl.DEC (Michael Raspuzzi) (11/12/85)
Ski magazine has had a couple of good articles in there past 2 issues about aggressive gate running. It is very painful to catch a tip on a gate (I've broken 10 ribs and tore ligaments in my ankle from doing it). You just have to keep you eye on the line you intend to ski. If you get close enough, you can use your forearm, back of your hand or even your lower leg to move the gate out of the way. I usually let my forearm lead the way through the slalom pole (glad they invented padded sweaters) and try and keep my skis away from the pole. Hooking your tips could be an indication that your shoulders are not square (they may be turned in to the gate). Have someone take some pictures of you while you run gates (if this is feasible) or have someone check your shoulder alignment if you are habitually catching them darn poles. It helped me (you wouldn't believe the difference in balance when you concentrate on your shoulders in order to get used to keeping them square). Good luck! Mike Raspuzzi DEC Software Specialist ARPA: mraspuzzi@DEC-TOPS20.arpa UUCP: ...decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-2littl!raspuzzi