telemark beginner needs some help

Hi,
I just started to learn to telemark and would like some advise on
equipment as I am completely clueless on the subject!! All help and
advise is greatly appreciated.

Firstly, the length of the ski. Is there a method to choosing the
right length of ski, or is it just what the rider feels comfortable
with? What are the benefits of a longer/shorter ski setup?

Secondly the length of the poles. Is this once again a comfort thing,
or does a longer/shorter pole encourage a specific skiing style as
with alpine skiing?

Thirdly and finally, the shape of the ski. Do the differences in the
ski shape have such a significant impact on the performance of the
ski as for alpine skiing? For a beginner is there recommended
starting ski, etc.

Thanks again for any help/comments.

S

Simon wrote:
: Hi,
: I just started to learn to telemark and would like some advise on
[-- Some stuff removed --]
: S

You will have better luck on rec.skiing.backcountry

Sylvain

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In article ,
Simon wrote:
Hi,
I just started to learn to telemark and would like some advise on
equipment as I am completely clueless on the subject!! All help and
advise is greatly appreciated.

Firstly, the length of the ski. Is there a method to choosing the
right length of ski, or is it just what the rider feels comfortable
with? What are the benefits of a longer/shorter ski setup?

_ Ski length should be proportional to body weight. Manufacturers
will publish rough guides. As a beginner, generally shorter is
better. In general, as short a ski as your ego will stand is
the right one. What boots/binding you use also makes a difference
as well IMHO, as the range of stiffness/control is much wider
than in standard alpine skiing gear.


Secondly the length of the poles. Is this once again a comfort thing,
or does a longer/shorter pole encourage a specific skiing style as
with alpine skiing?

_ Poles should be the same length as your alpine skiing poles to
start with. If you plan on earning your turns, then adjustable
poles are nice luxury. But since climbing on telemark skis and
skins is largely plodding, they aren't a necessity IMHO.


Thirdly and finally, the shape of the ski. Do the differences in the
ski shape have such a significant impact on the performance of the
ski as for alpine skiing? For a beginner is there recommended
starting ski, etc.

_ Yes, with plastic boots telemarking is really a form of
downhill skiing and anything that applies to downhill applies
to telemarking. A relatively soft shaped alpine ski makes a
good "starter ski", particularly if you can get it used
and cheap. I'd need to know more about where you plan to ski,
what boots you plan to use, and how much resort vs backcountry
you plan to do to make any specific recommendations.
The telemark ski industry is pretty competive these days,
there aren't many if any "bad" skis out there. But there
are inappropriate skis. If you stay away from the ultra-fat
and ultra-light, it's pretty hard to go wrong.

_ Places you might go to learn more

http://www.couloirmag.com/
http://www.telemarktips.com/

In particular, this site has lot's of gear reviews.

http://www.telemarkski.com/

_ However, I think it's a mistake to start by looking at
skis. Your first and most important choice is boots. This is what
you should spend most of your time and money on. What you pick
for boots will make a big difference in what you should get for
skis. IMHO, if you want to learn to telemark, you should be
looking at either T1 or T2 "weight" boots. Get the heavier boots
if you'll be mostly resort skiing. Among the 3 makers, Scarpa,
Garmont, and Crispi you should pick the one that fits you the
best. If you've got the money, get a custom bootfitter to help
you dial in the fit of the boots. Having properly fitting boots
makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy the sport.

_ Booker C. Bense

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(Simon) wrote in message . com...
Hi,
I just started to learn to telemark and would like some advise on
equipment as I am completely clueless on the subject!! All help and
advise is greatly appreciated.


You'll find many answers to your question on rec skiing backcountry or
rec backcountry. Most of the people on this newsgroup know xc racing
or light touring only.

Jay Tegeder
"Keep training, lycra never lies!" JT