Common Problem: Staying centred between the skis

This is a very common problem in skate skiing and comes from an inability to stay balanced over your glide ski. You can identify this problem if you see a skier with his torso centred between his skis, rather than getting his body directly over each ski. This takes quite a lot of strength and stability in the hips, knees and ankles. It also takes a lot of balance. That’s why it’s better to slow down and really try to find your balance on the glide ski.

One indication that you are balanced on your glide ski is if the ski is flat, rather than angled on one edge as it’s gliding. It’s easier to do this is you keep your leg bent, rather than straight. The value of balancing more perfectly on your ski is that when it comes time to push, you will be able to add more of your weight to your push. Every centimetre further you can move over your ski will translate to a much more powerful leg push.

Transcript

So that last pass, I would say, is my best ability to interpret “staying centred”, versus committing to one ski or the other. You end up being very leg driven instead of being whole body driven.

Kim: The advantage of skiing like that – I think the reason people like that – is it’s so much easier for them to find their edges and push against the snow.

Oh yeah. Just now I was able to develop way more speed just naturally doing it that way. Easily. But when it comes time – nice moves!- But when it comes time to actually being efficient on your skis, it’s not the same level.