Keep Ahold of Those Ski Poles
If you think skiing is cooler without ski poles or that they just hinder your every move, then you’ve been missing out on one of the most cleverest ways to not only improve but also do your best. More often than not, the instructor will tell you not to use ski poles as a beginner. This is only to help you focus on your center of gravity, starting at your core and spreading out through your butt, thighs and angle of your legs. Once you start to gain equilibrium, however, skiing poles will become your best friend throughout your skiing career: from beginner to intermediate to expert and onward. Here are some things to keep in mind no matter your skiing ability before you buy the El-Cheapo ski poles or decide to ditch them altogether.
Parts of the Ski Pole
Grip – the bottom of the ski pull; the part your hand grips around
strap – the nylon strap your hands go through to make sure you don’t leave your ski pole mid-piste
shaft – the part of the pole between the grip and the tip; these are made of graphite, metal or aluminium
basket – this is that plastic, round and flat piece a few inches (5-8 cm) above the ski pole tip
Tip – this is the top or tip of the ski pole; it’s usually pointy, can be sharp and made of unpainted metal.
Other Than Intended
Ski poles are often used, quite nicely, for things they really are not intended for. One example is to hit that little button on the back of your ski that unlocks your boot from the ski. I’m not sure how else anyone would push that oh-so-far little fastener anyway. Also, ski poles are a great way to knock the snow off your ski boot bottom. Again, it’s really the only way. But, before you think this is all ski poles are good for, think again.
How To Buy
I’ve seen ski poles for as little as 20-30 euros to well over 200 euros. The former gets you some form of metal and plastic glued together while the latter gives you the best composites of carbon and graphite money can buy. If you’re a beginner, shoot for the medium priced pair (durable enough to handle some falls, like aluminum) and if you’re an expert, buy the best you can afford. At any rate, you can check for the proper fit (size) if you turn the poll upside down. Simply grab the shaft of the pole that is just underneath the basket. Your forearm should be somewhat parallel to the ground. If too short, you won’t be able to stand upright; if too long, you’ll have trouble turning and be pushed backwards onto your heels. Some newer models are telescoping, but I’d only recommend these if they are a pair of the more pricey variety. If you’re an expert skier, you may want to be professionally fitted, as these are just rules of thumb, not rules to compete in competition by.
Grip Fitting
You’ll want grips on the ski poles that either ergonomically fit your hands or will eventually mold to their grip. However, I use a pair made of cork that smoothed out over time that I totally love. So, the most important thing about the grip is comfort, since no two hands are exactly alike. It’s wise to make sure your gloved-hands will fit into the straps without difficulty before you buy as well. You’ll enter the straps from the underneath, and if you’re an expert, it is often wise to have straps that will “unsnap” or come off if you get finagled in a tree or bush. The strap can be used in conjunction with the grip to hold your weight as well. The grip of a woman or man’s ski pole can be thick or thinner depending on the intended use. Be sure that your hand can easily fit around the grip when skiing.
I have never really got used to the skiing poles. I am maybe intermediate skiers but I prefer to do some tricks and the ski poles just keep me tripped and I fall more than not. I like to use my arms instead but when I was a beginner there would be no way to ski without them. I think when you are getting the better at skiing that they ski poles can be used when out in the forest or off the piste but on groomed downhill there may be no need.
I wouldn’t be able to have my beer and cigarette if I had to use the ski poles. I think natural skiing is using the skis without the ski poles. They are just expensive most of the times and really not necessary and can hurt you when you fall over down the pistes. The instructors have teached me without the poles. I use to have them but not anymore when I want to make my balance better. Beginners I thinks can use them and some experts can use them quickly but maybe for the intermediates it is not as good as an idea.
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