advice for a "NEW rookie skier" friend of mine

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

I have a friend that came out skiing with us a few weeks ago.

First time he ever tried skiing. he was a natural. Got up flawlessly first try. He did very well, actually he was an amazing beginner. He is a serious weightlifter/fitness guru and is in prime physical shape, so I am sure this helped. He tried 3 different runs, succeeded all 3 times. What a natural!! anyway, he really aquired a liking for skiing in one trip and with his super amazing natural talent, we were wondering about him trying one ski. The thing I told him is, its best to get on one ski as soon as possible. I bought a pair of combos this year for beginners and rookies to ski on, and when I tried them out it reminded me just how much I hate to ski on 2 skis. so he saw us slaloming and really was impressed. he wants to try slaloming. So seeing he has such natural ability, is it too early for him to try to drop a ski?? I have that old Kidder Cruiser which is long and wide ski, a great trainer slalom. he could try that for a beginner.

Whatchas all think???

[peason]

Sure he's ready. Coach him through it before he goes out. Have him try to lift one ski off the water to get the feel of skiing on one then make sure he takes it easy and slows down when he drops the ski - too often beginners want to stomp that back foot down and then get off balance.

Do you have boom? if not this is a great tool to teach newbi's because you can talk to them as the attempt everything.

[east tx skier]

Once he's comfortable getting up and crossing the wake on both sides on two skis, there's not much left to get good at. That's when we offer the slalom stick.

[Upper Michigan Prostar190]

nope, dont have a boom

but yep, thats the same coaching I use to teach someone to slalom. Just lift the ski, get comfortable, dont even drop it. just keep lifting it to balance on one, then drop it, but hang your foot in mid air for a while, dont panick and reach for the rear binding. Just ride along with your foot in mid air, then when comfortable, SLOWLY bring the foot back to JUST sit on the rear of the ski. keep it there until comfortable, then SLOWLY start to search for the toe binding. When the foot is in the binding securely,then signal the boat driver to head for the slalom course

Thats how I was taught.....well.....all except the slalom course part....

[RobertT]

Heck yes, throw him on one.

I got up on two skis this year...went about half a mile...then let go of the handle. I pretty much thought it was stupid. I mean, it took more energy to do than wakeboarding or air chairing, was not as challenging, and just basically seemed boring.

My buddy is a slalom nut, he told me to try one ski...I handed him up the other ski and tried slalom.

HUGE difference. I sucked, and could only cut marginally that first day but it was MUCH more fun than two skis. I wouldn't have ever had another ski on my feet if I had not tried slalom that day.

Anyway, thats my .02. What have you got to loose?

By the way, why drop a ski? I have never seen anyone do that, other than barefooters. It seems to me that a deepwater start locked into your ski is better than trying to balance on one foot behind the boat...

That statement is based on a complete lack of experience obviously....

So, is it really easier to drop a ski?

[maristarman]

Most people find it's easier to start slalom skiing by dropping a ski than for no other reason than it is infinitely easier for a beginner to get up on two skis as opposed to a deep water slalom start.

Since your buddy is a weightlifter and may be rather large, he may find it easier to drop a ski than to try a deepwater start right off the bat.

just be sure to have the video camera on hand

[WTRSK1R]

I would also tell him to just use his foot to feel around for the toe strap when he is ready. If he looks down to find it, the front of the ski will go down, and most new skiers will wipe out.

[stevo137]

I have pulled skiers that dropped a ski due to the fact that they had an injury that they were recovering from or have had problems with injuries in the past due to the strain of getting up on one.

No problem with that.

I don't agree with teaching a healthly beginner this way.
It can quickly become a crutch.

If they can't get up on one, they are not ready for one...

[seaforth]

Don't over-think-it. Just do it, tell him to kick off a ski and see what happens.

Hopefully it won't take 17 years for him to try a deep water start