Tele Teaching Technique

I posted the same query on the PSIA Nordic forum. Warren Souther responded with suggestions that resonated with me. I am 'hanging in there' with this thread because I know there are many AT guys out there wondering about Tele and thinking about giving it a shot. Let's leave the heat about AT vs Tele vs Riding out of it - guys and gals interested in the crossover can benefit from solid techniques and visualizations. It does not have to be a fearsome experience. If you're interested, you can check out a couple of his response to me here: www.psia.org/forum/forums/thread-view.as...=670&posts=2&start=1

I responded (PM) with :
Thanks for your input on the tele teaching approach. It seems to me that your input re. hopping from turn to turn, during an otherwise straight and gentle run, and so finding your balance given the conditions presents a very usable image, one that a proficient skiier can readily assimilate. This incorporates both the all important shuffle and a coarse version of the up-unweighting that can easily be smoothed out. Also,your suggestion of implementing a lead change - alpine to tele - during a carve is also interesting and might quickly (?) show the difference needed in weighting and edging. If you don't mind, I will in fact borrow both of these ideas at the hill. Perhaps I am naive, but i feel that a solid alpine skiier could have a comfortable relationship with the telemark turn in just a couple of outings. The visualizations and 'simple tricks' are a key part of that. Thanks again,

David

He responded:
David,

Let me know how it works out. I have had VERY good success with that "carving trick" for strong alpine skiers at Beaver Creek and in Alaska.

I wanted to clear up another item. The hop trick is to activate the hamstrings and quadriceps at the same time for balance.
So many new telemark skiers only use their quads and end up with leg burn very quickly. With the hop you learn to activate both muscles to balance AND control the size of the telemark lead change. So many times I see people increasing the size of the lead change thinking it will help them turn faster. It does the opposite in fact because their balance is compromised.
The hop is first standing still, then in a straight run. For fun you can try jumping into the telemark during a turn but it is a advanced maneuver. It also promotes that leg burn I was talking about. To keep your legs, and your students legs, from dying out too quickly have them move into a standing stance and then "sink" down ( hips move down towards the snow while the feet move in opposite directions forwards and backwards).

What you will probably see is the hips staying over the front foot and only the back foot moving. That is all right just bring it to their attention and the hop is a great way to show/ demonstrate/ feel both feet moving for/ aft while the hips stay between. Most alpine skiers will demonstrate this maneuver so pay attention and you will catch it quickly.

Let me know how it goes

Warren

OK, it's me again. I did not ask Warrens' permission to copy a PM here, so I'll apologize in advance. However, it is clear to me that he offers solid advise to the alpine skiier interested in the tele way.

May I kindly encourage other talented individuals to help pave the way for our brothers and sisters...