carver_hk wrote:porthacking wrote:On first read I though you mean you were PMTS black level skier. It seems you are not. I would say just get all PMTS books and DVD, study as advised by Max and put up your vid for MA. PMTS have well defined definition on each essential and specific requirements for drills like Two Footed Release and PMTS Javelin. So you have nothing to lose if the experts here offer you some advise based on your current skiing from PMTS perspective.
Carver_hk. I am a little confused; surely "I am a black level skier" was quite clear. The original point of the post was to get some advice on the most effective way to practice with Carvers (not having practiced on them before), and to see if anybody had devised a specific carver program. As I said in my previous post, I am quite familiar with PMTS and the progression, and was content to just work through exercises as I have been doing on the hill, but am always open to anybody's suggestions. As you said, there is nothing to lose if the experts here have something to suggest. With that in mind...
I don't think I have anything for MA. I have one clip from Jan 08. It is snowing heavily, was taken from a distance, and I have improved since then, so I am not sure how helpful it would be. You can still see me skiing though. I could put it up if you think it would help. It was also the last run (literally skiing in for the day) after a powder day and we hadn't intended to film it, so my legs were complete dead by this run as well. I might be able to dig out an older clip that shows some of the problems I have described below that might be useful (although I have fixed a few of the obvious problems since it was shot). Let me know what you think?
As for carving:
I used to roller-blade all the time when I was younger, and the pro-carvers (the biggest ones) are quite a bit slower than what I am used to having under my feet, so I am pretty comfortable with the speed, starting, stopping, dodging cars, etc. I went out the other day for a quick first go (without padding...), and I was able to tip and turn first go. So I don't think the 'safety adjustment period' will be too lengthy, although I will be going out to buy safety gear (we never really used anything when I was younger...I know all about road rash) in a few weeks.
Perhaps if I mention what I think I need to improve, someone could suggest some exercises.
Due to sickness a few years back, my left leg is quite a bit weaker than my right. I can minimise this with LOTS of weights and strength work, but otherwise it is obvious. When my left leg is the free foot side, I find it very difficult to tip the leg hard enough to match what is happening with my right leg, so sometimes I get an A-frame with the skis separating a little. I should point out that I don't try and match the free foot to what the downhill ski is doing, I am always thinking about tipping. This is more pronounced when I am trying to carve on steeper slopes and am moving faster. The sensation is strange. After I have released and get the upside down thing happening (ie. upper body further down the hill than my skis), I feel fine, but it is only towards the end of the turn that the separation occurs. It is towards this part of the turn that I find it much harder to tip the foot, and because I am trying so hard I think that it gets locked up so that I can't relax it and let it flex further, contributing to the A-frame. Then as I go to flex and relax the downhill ski to get to the next turn, the left leg (free foot) can't take the extra weight and so I lose some of the tipping and I get the separation (and A-Frame). It is very annoying. I will try and dig out the older footage mentioned above that demonstrates this. It isn't as clearly delineated in the footage as I have described here, but it is what I am feeling.
For the most part, I am reasonably sure that the primarily reason for the separation is not because I am driving the big toe of the downhill leg, but due to the relative weakness. (It feels similar to when similar things happen when I am exercising or doing strength exercises for it). It seems to happen after I am very actively trying to tip. It can happen on the other side, but generally it is unilateral, and often accompanied by 'fatigue'/weakness feelings in my left leg and glute when I am skiing. If it ever does happen on the other side, it is generally when I am trying to challenge myself on steeper terrain. My alignment should be pretty close as I have forever had shims changed and adjusted by PMTS instructors (although I might drop in to the store this year and get it checked). I am about 1.5 and 1.0 to correct 'knocked knee' (but I can't remember anymore).
Overall: More dynamic lower body. I do flex and relax to release, but I find that I have a tendency to release too late sometimes (especially when I am moving quickly or on steeper slopes) and so I lose some energy into the next turn.
Specifically:
More long-leg short when I am carving (inside leg flexion).
More counterbalance (especially when the left leg is free foot).
More tipping of the free foot (especially when the left leg is the free foot).
Goals for this season:
Dynamic short radius. My short radius is reasonably good, but I would like MUCH more energy going from one turn to the next (you know, like Harald does, HA!). I don't think my legs are active enough with these. It would be nice to be able to easily change the pace of the turns (you know when Harald goes from a 'normal' short radius, to the faster little ones, and then back again).
I then want to take this to the bumps. I hear Beaver Creek and Vail are blessed with bumps. I can ski close to fall line blue and black bumps, but it is no where near clean or precise enough. Fore/aft nightmares occur from time to time. Once again, I think I need more active flexion.
Carving. As a visual cue: hip near the ground on most turns. I feel as though I need stronger tipping! (Especially on the crappy leg).
I'll try and find that old footage.