From: marc@mercutio.ultra.com (Marc Kwiatkowski {Host Software-AIX})
Newsgroups: rec.skiing
Subject: Re: pinhead.wannabe.postulant
Date: 11 Sep 92 19:05:01 GMT
	<1992Sep10.162507.26477@tware.com>
Distribution: na
Organization: Ultra Network Technologies

In article <1992Sep10.162507.26477@tware.com> bash@tware.com (Paul Bash) writes:

>In article <goymqB4w164w@cruiser.uucp>, bdl@cruiser.uucp (Bob Lombard) writes:
> Hi-
> 
>   As that time of year approaches (not fast enough, IMHO) I've decided
> that I can't stand it anymore- *This* is the year I begin to learn
> Free heel downhill skiing. 
>   Some background:   I'm a strong & competent alpine skier, tho not an
> expert or extreme skier.  I spend 25-30 days a year skiing, a good portion
> of that teaching at the California Handicapped Ski School.  I have a pair
> of Fischer Town& Country skis, (track skis).  With these I've
> done *SOME* in-track, and even less out of track Cross Country, entirely
> day trips. 
>

I think most of the bases have been covered.  I'll third the endorsement
for Paul Parker's "Free Heel Skiing, Telemark and Parallel Techniques
in All Conditions".   I had one lesson in Jackson Hole, and got everything
else from this book.  Unlike most author's Parker has the ability to
convey motion and mental attitudes vividly with words alone.  I think
his big insight is that he provides excellent metaphors - mental images
to keep in mind while trying various turns - rather than resorting to
mechanical descriptions.  The book is great.  I don't know how may
times I've read it through.  I alway like to review it when I'm focusing
on some problem area.

Someone mentioned that boots are important.  I'll second that.  I have
a pair of Asolo Snowpine's that I really like.  They are a good all
around boot.  I'm beginning to suspect that I could get more out of
a stiffer higher boot when skiing on piste, but as a first pair of
all-around boots (backcountry - resort) these will do pretty well.
An additional advantage of owning your own boots, is that you can
usually find telemark ski rentals near any ski area, but boots are
scarcer. Start with boots and then rent as many different types
of skis as you can in order to determine what you like best.  

I believe someone suggested that wooden un-edged skis were perfectly
adequate.  This may be so, but I think that most people are happier
and will learn more quickly with good metal edged modern telemark
skis.  Renting telemark skis is fairly reasonable, and unlike alpine
equipment, the rentals are usually the same top-of-the-line models
you would buy yourself.

I think what can be either the most fun or the biggest obstacle in
learning telemark is being a beginner again.  You'll fall down
a lot and find your body twisted in ways you haven't seen since
you last left the beginner's hill lo these many years ago.  If you 
look forward to the learning process and see it as part of the experience
I think it can really be enjoyable and can give you a lot of insight
on your alpine technique.  If you see it as something to get through
as quickly and painlessly as possible you will become frustrated.

Finally, no matter how good you are, telemarking is more physically
demanding than alpine.  Your stomach and quad muscles will be used
to a degree that you rarely approach when alpine skiing.  To prepare for 
this start training now.  Bike and/or rollerblade and strengthen your stomach.
Doing this will reduce risk of injury and increase your level of 
enjoyment and ability to learn.
-- 
Marc P. Kwiatkowski                  /|/|            Ultra Network Technologies
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Newsgroups: rec.skiing