Just completed the latest Tech Camp - which was a perfect fit for me. It allowed me to challenge and improve my understanding, whilst working on my own skiing. I had managed to work in some funky movements into my skiing over the years, partly due to my old boots, lack of skiing and a misunderstanding of my own movement patterns...I found the camp really challenging - both mentally and physically..
The spread of ability and experience was wide, from a green coach aspiring for blue accreditation to a PSIA coach looking for enlightenment. There was a 9 Camp veteran to a nooby to pmts- but experienced race coach..we were all looking for a deeper understanding in teaching, alignment, technique, MA and an improvement in our own skiing..we were all challenged, enlightened and made great improvement across the board.
Walter is a great coach, and nailed exactly what we were each looking to develop/ improve. Our technique was meticulously dismantled and expertly put back together, whilst learning the reasons why and how to convey it to others. It always amazes me how we can all carry out the same drill, but be given individual cues and aspects to work on. It felt like having a private coach.
For the final 2 days, we had Diana take the group. For those that haven’t had the pleasure of Diana’s coaching, she is hands down the best coach/ teacher/ instructor that I have had the good fortune to learn from - in any subject/ discipline. Every aspect of her teaching style/ manner/ pace & technique is a masterclass. It is as inspiring as it is amazing.
Prior to the start of the camp, I had new boots fitted at the shop. The care and attention is unparalleled. Every aspect was covered and no stone is left in covered.
Weirdly, my alignment changed mid week, which caused no end of problems to my skiing..at one point, I felt like I had never been on a pair of skis. As I transitioned from my waterskiing season to my snowskiing, the musculature around my hips changed. Consequently, both my femurs internally rotated, which completely changed how my legs stood within the boots. Daily setup tweaks, 2 fitting sessions, replacement liners, 5 days of skiing and I think we have them dialled in....
I have dramatically changed as a skier, despite being a pain in the ass for the coaches...I now know what I should be feeling and, more importantly, how to tell if ‘I’ am not where I want to be - something I don’t think I could tell in the old setup..my SMIM is fore/aft....I now know where Center is, where previously I was skiing aft of center..
Despite the lack of skiing over the last few years - 1 weeks ski vacation/ year since 2015, I was pretty happy with how I managed to negotiate this bump run...
For those that might think the Tech Camp is only for aspiring coaches...think again. If you have a thirst for knowledge as well as technique, this Camp is for you...