Im going Skiing!

Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.
I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl, I obviously want look good.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons" - I saw the FAQ

But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for? I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.
Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski. I guess its like
rollerblading.

What else?

Thank you

Mike wrote:

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.

I've never seen goggles available for rent anywhere. That doesn't mean
that you won't be able to rent them where you're going, but I've never
seen it. Anyway, as a first time skier you shouldn't be going fast
enough to need goggles.

I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl, I obviously want look good.

Since you've never been skiing before, you'll probably look like a spazz
no matter what you wear. That's normal, it's part of the learning
curve, don't let it put you off.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons"

Take a lesson. Read a FAQ on skiing. This is a good one:
http://www.snowant.com/tips/index.php

- I saw the FAQ

Good!

But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for?

Mainly for pushing yourself around on the flat places and manoeuvering
in the lift line. They're also useful for helping you to get up after
you fall. Other uses (i.e. the pole-plant ) are more advanced (i.e.
lesson 3 or 4) so don't worry about it at this point.

I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.

No no no!!! You should not be in a tuck as a first time skier. When I
said that as a first time skier you shouldn't be going fast enough to
need goggles, I meant exactly that: you *shouldn't* be going that
fast.

It's about turning and control, not speed. Once you have the control
down, and you can turn anytime you want, your're ready to go for speed.
But not until you're firmly in control.

Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

And if he hill is at all steep, you need to apply the brakes. But skis,
unlike bikes, don't have brakes. Fortunately, there are other methods
of slowing down and controlling your speed.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski.

Uh, maybe you should read that FAQ again, or better yet, take a lesson.

I guess its like rollerblading.

More or less like rollerblading. The skills are pretty transferable.
If you know how to rollerblade, you have an advantage. But you'll still
probably look like a spazz at first. Don't worry - that's normal.


What else?

Take a lesson. Have fun.


--
//-Walt
//
// http://tinyurl.com/3xqyq

On 29 Jan 2004 12:28:18 -0800, (Mike) wrote:

Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.
I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl,

So you have already learned your first lesson. Always bring a girl
with you to the slopes. Be nice to her. No more will be available.

I obviously want look good.


Forget about it. You'll look like an idiot. Thats why you ski take
lessons and ski in a group on an isolated slope with others just like
you.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons" - I saw the FAQ

Wear a non-descript coat on the slope. Keep a different coat in a
locker at the base, and exchange them on the way to the pub.


But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for?

On your first day you'll be lucky not to use them as canes.

I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.

Please don't try out the tuck position on your first day. Practice
it with your girlfriend during Apres Ski. Pole use should come
naturally here.

Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski. I guess its like
rollerblading.


It is once you learn. Like rollerblading downhill. But not on your
first day. You'll be learning the wedge first.

What else?


Don't let your g/f try snowboarding. Have fun.

nate

uglymoney wrote:

snip

Dammit, Nate. Not only did you beat me in the pith category, but also
in the useful info category to boot. I feel like a spazz.

--
//-Walt
//
// http://tinyurl.com/3xqyq

"Mike" wrote in message
m...
Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.
I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl, I obviously want look good.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons" - I saw the FAQ

But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for? I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.
Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski. I guess its like
rollerblading.

What else?

Thank you


As you turn, you are making half circles that are linked
together in a series. For each turn, there is an inside and
an outside to that half circle you make.

As a beginner, try putting all the weight *on* the *outside ski*
take all the weight *off* the inside ski, as described below.

You pressure the *big toe edge* of the outside ski by
pushing on the ski with the ball of that outside foot.

Later on, you'll be crossing your body over the skis, but:

As a beginner, don't lean at all. Keep your body centered
between the skis at all times, shoulders facing the direction
the skis are pointed.

In other words, it's all done with the legs, by pushing with
the ball of the foot, and edging the ski by moving the knee
inward toward the center of your body.

It's not done by twisting the shoulders, leaning, or any
of that. It's all lower body. The upper body must stay
still, as an anchor for the lower body to turn around.

So then,

Head across the hill in a parallel stance, make a wedge,
pressure the ball of the foot on the outside ski, pick up
the tail of the inside ski *just a little* (leave the tip on the
snow) and put it next to the outside ski. They call this
"matching skis".

Let the tail of the outside ski skid around it's tip. The tail
slips, the tip stays in the same place. In other words, get all
over the *front* of the outside ski. Then repeat to turn the
other way.

If you can't match skis in a nice gradual motion at first,
then do it in steps as you turn. Pick the tail up (just a little),
put it back down, and repeat throughout the turn until the
turn is complete.

You have to be in home position for it to work. *Hands
forward* almost to the tips for a beginner, arms almost
straight out ahead of you, shoulder height. Hold your
poles in front of you horizontally, shoulder height, each
hand an equal distance from the shoulders, poles level
with the shoulders, to force you to maintain hand position
as you're first learning. Every second you spend with
hands out of position is time wasted.

Then, the rest of home position is, slightly bent at the
waist, slightly rounded shoulders, bent knees, look
where you're going, not at the skis.

If you're in home position, you'll be able to turn the
skis. If you're not, you won't be able to control the skis,
so, get *back* into home position so you will (be able
to control the skis). If you get in trouble, go home. Use
your abs to pull you up and forward again. It's a constant
battle to stay forward as the momentum wants to throw
you back.

Don't worry about tucking. Just stay in home position.
As far as the poles, get them about an inch longer than
the guy tells you is the right size. Tell him you prefer that.
He'll have you turn the pole upside down and grab it under
the basket, looking for your arm to be at a right angle as
you do. Tell him you prefer them about an inch longer.
Then as you have learned to maintain hand position, just
drag the poles on the snow as you turn.

Learn to plant them later.

In fact, they might even say you shouldn't use poles. Tell
them to plant off. At least, after the lesson is over, get
poles and use them as I described. Then try to turn
as I described. Either hold them horizontally, or drag
them as you turn. Avoid using them to push you along
as you turn, that will take you out of home position. In
fact, avoid doing anything with your poles that will take
you out of home position. Just hold horizontal or drag.

Now go ski. Your instructor won't tell you any of this,
but try it anyway after you've done the lesson thing.

Walt wrote:

... I feel like a spazz.

Hold on, there was one round here about an hour ago....

in article , BrritSki at wrote
on 1/29/04 2:12 PM:



Walt wrote:

... I feel like a spazz.

Hold on, there was one round here about an hour ago....

There's a whole newsgroup of them. Starting with these two assholes.

(Mike) wrote:

Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.

Since you've mentioned that you don't want to look like a goose in
front of your chick (admirable goal btw, I do likewise) I'd seriously
consider wearing contacts with regular goggles.

The goggles designed to wear over glasses, put simply, look
ridiculous.

Even Brad bloody Pitt would look like an idiot in them.

If you only make one concession to fashion, go for contacts and
regular goggles. (It's also safer when you "face plant").

On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 13:37:45 -0800, "foot2foot"
wrote:



"Mike" wrote in message
om...
Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.
I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl, I obviously want look good.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons" - I saw the FAQ

But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for? I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.
Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski. I guess its like
rollerblading.

What else?

Thank you


As you turn, you are making half circles that are linked
together in a series. For each turn, there is an inside and
an outside to that half circle you make.

As a beginner, try putting all the weight *on* the *outside ski*
take all the weight *off* the inside ski, as described below.

You pressure the *big toe edge* of the outside ski by
pushing on the ski with the ball of that outside foot.

Later on, you'll be crossing your body over the skis, but:

As a beginner, don't lean at all. Keep your body centered
between the skis at all times, shoulders facing the direction
the skis are pointed.

In other words, it's all done with the legs, by pushing with
the ball of the foot, and edging the ski by moving the knee
inward toward the center of your body.

It's not done by twisting the shoulders, leaning, or any
of that. It's all lower body. The upper body must stay
still, as an anchor for the lower body to turn around.

So then,

Head across the hill in a parallel stance, make a wedge,
pressure the ball of the foot on the outside ski, pick up
the tail of the inside ski *just a little* (leave the tip on the
snow) and put it next to the outside ski. They call this
"matching skis".

Let the tail of the outside ski skid around it's tip. The tail
slips, the tip stays in the same place. In other words, get all
over the *front* of the outside ski. Then repeat to turn the
other way.

If you can't match skis in a nice gradual motion at first,
then do it in steps as you turn. Pick the tail up (just a little),
put it back down, and repeat throughout the turn until the
turn is complete.

You have to be in home position for it to work. *Hands
forward* almost to the tips for a beginner, arms almost
straight out ahead of you, shoulder height. Hold your
poles in front of you horizontally, shoulder height, each
hand an equal distance from the shoulders, poles level
with the shoulders, to force you to maintain hand position
as you're first learning. Every second you spend with
hands out of position is time wasted.

Then, the rest of home position is, slightly bent at the
waist, slightly rounded shoulders, bent knees, look
where you're going, not at the skis.

If you're in home position, you'll be able to turn the
skis. If you're not, you won't be able to control the skis,
so, get *back* into home position so you will (be able
to control the skis). If you get in trouble, go home. Use
your abs to pull you up and forward again. It's a constant
battle to stay forward as the momentum wants to throw
you back.

Don't worry about tucking. Just stay in home position.
As far as the poles, get them about an inch longer than
the guy tells you is the right size. Tell him you prefer that.
He'll have you turn the pole upside down and grab it under
the basket, looking for your arm to be at a right angle as
you do. Tell him you prefer them about an inch longer.
Then as you have learned to maintain hand position, just
drag the poles on the snow as you turn.

Learn to plant them later.

In fact, they might even say you shouldn't use poles. Tell
them to plant off. At least, after the lesson is over, get
poles and use them as I described. Then try to turn
as I described. Either hold them horizontally, or drag
them as you turn. Avoid using them to push you along
as you turn, that will take you out of home position. In
fact, avoid doing anything with your poles that will take
you out of home position. Just hold horizontal or drag.

Now go ski. Your instructor won't tell you any of this,
but try it anyway after you've done the lesson thing.


and Mike, be sure to print all that out for reference on the slope.
And get goggles, even cheap ones from the local sports warehouse,
because even if you're not going fast, the wind can still make your
eyes water.

bw

"Mike" wrote in message
m...
Ok,

Some of you might remember me from posting a month or two back. I
asked about wearing my glasses with goggles.
Im going to bring my glasses, and hope they rent goggles that fit over
my glasses.
I have sunglasses I might wear too, but they are not big, its those
"Form over function sunglasses"

Anyway, I know this is probably posted all the time, but please bear
(or is it bare?) with me.

So since this will be the first time I am skiing, and I am going with
a girl, I obviously want look good.

Any tips? I know, "Take lessons" - I saw the FAQ

But, I know myself, and I am pretty athletic, and pick things up
quickly, AND I am pretty cautious, so I will not go to a harder course
before I am VERY comfortable.

So any tips?
What are the poles for? I dont think its for speed, since you are
going downhill, you will be in a Tucked position, you wont need the
poles much.
Its like if you are riding a bike downhill, you usually wont pedal,
you'll coast.

For turning, I know I lean to the right, and put weight on the outside
of my right ski, and the inside of my left ski. I guess its like
rollerblading.

What else?


goggles.. oakley makes a pair that fit over glasses and they work great..
about 50$..cheeep for oakley anything...