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| Ski Feature - Learn To Telemark! |
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So - you want to be a telemark skier?
Get started with David Norris... |
First of all, you'll need some gear. You might want to rent at first, but if like me you aren't a regular size (my feet are size 12!) - you might need to buy - that's a sure way to commit you to learning.
As a general guide, you will probably find it easier to learn using plastic boots (rather than traditional leather). Plastic is more supportive - however - don't go for a really stiff boot - you need to be able to feel what you are doing. Save the latest plastic race boots for when you are really ripping.
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Not long til you're this good..! |
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So, start supported, start comfy. As for skis, go for about head height, and nothing too stiff. |
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Whatever kit you've got on, it is going to be tricky to start with. If you are a good alpine skier, it is a great thing to be humbled by a shallow green run, and reminded what it is like to be a beginner again.
Find a slope that is fairly consistent in angle, nothing too steep, ideally a green run. Get used to moving up and down in a tele-stance on a near flat area. Commit yourself to making a few turns. Even if they're bad, you'll learn something. Most people start off traversing, making a turn, and then standing up before the next turn. You'll know that you're getting into the flow when you can make connecting turns, without standing up between each one.
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Personally, I taught myself, using Paul Parker's book (Free-Heel Skiing : Telemark and Parallel Techniques for All Conditions by Paul Parker, Mountaineers Books Paperback). This has to be the bible of telemark skiing. Having skiied for several years, a few days out and a few evenings in reading Paul's book brought me to a level where I felt I could get down the hill reasonably well.
Since then, it's been practice practice practice, and being patient with myself. It does help to get together with other telemarkers, to get a few pointers - and of course, it's more social.
Telemarking is a skill that anyone can learn, given application. You need to be able to analyse your own skiing, and play around with body position, balance, weighting and pole-plants. It doesn't come easy, but when you get that smooth carving feeling, it's about as soulful as it gets.
After a few weeks or a season (depends on who you are I guess), when you make your first tele-turns in powder, you're in ski heaven.
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David Norris
Telemarker Extraordinaire! |
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