I hope this causes some reaction:
Recreational Skiers Movements vs. Racers Movements
Warren Witherall started the discussion decades ago. He stated that racers skied differently and used different movements than recreational skiers and instructors. He also stated that ski instruction taught skidding rather than carving. And that carving was the fundamental difference between ski racersskiing and instructors and recreational skiersskiing.
I was a ski racer when I first read Warrens book. I thought the book pointed out many important differences between expert skiing and what most skiers learned. The book was right on the target as far the skiing technique of that day. Since then we have learned a lot about ski technique and alignment, which Warren also introduced in his book. Although Warren did not invent the idea of canting, he wrote about it and therefore is given much of the credit for introducing canting. We know now and Warren has admitted that he had canting wrong. He had it backwards. I never agreed with Warrens understanding of alignment, but I did and still do agree with his evaluation of skiers vs. racers.
I agree with Warrens original statements about recreational skiers and ski instructors skiing differently than racers. The recent experience with my year round skiing tool and carving invention, the Harb Carvers has confirmed it.
This past year I also observed and coached ski racers, something I havent done formally for a number of years. Since we have introduced the Carvers to many different types of skiers we found ski racers can immediately adapt to carving on the Harb Carvers with a few easy tips. Ski instructors and recreational skiers require more time and direction before they are able to use the Harb carvers effectively.
Anyone have any ideas why this is the case??