Why Your Start Speed is Holding your Skiing Back!

[@jpg8885]

Solid advice. I’m an old guy that feels like I have to re-learn everything at the beginning of each season and I get frustrated. This makes sense that it’s ok to dial it back, leave my ego at home :)

[@mrtwhisper]

Yes! Many skiers never give themselves a chance because of starting at too difficult of a pass. In order to to progress in skiing there has to be enough extra cushion for the skier to focus on what they’re doing and how it feels. If all the focus has to be on surviving a pass then there will be no improvement in technique. Great videos Rob! Thanks

[@accademianemesi9876]

I completely agree with you Rob! I also tried to explain to some of our senior skier in our ski school, but it’s hard to convince them! Hopefully your video can help to explain better

[@RobHazelwood]

Thank you! It's something no one wants to do but can be a massive factor holding someone back!

[@lesbisaillons]

Hi Rob - thanks for the reminder :-) as someone who has never completed the course, what speed / length do you recommend? Is it worth going as slow as possible, or is there a minimum that I should practice off-cours and then migrate to course? I’ve also heard different stories on using the full rope vs 15 off, since you end up at a very different place in the wake. Thanks!

[@71MWhite]

Thanks Rob, great advice. I struggle a bit with this though because my hardest pass is usually 13m/34mph and I like to start at 16/34. Problem is 16 isn’t always that easy or smooth at the beginning of the season but I don’t like to drop to 18m to start because I feel it takes me too far away from the shortline rhythm and kinda feels weird and too easy. And dropping to to 32/16 just feels too slow…

[@RobHazelwood]

Hey, yes this is a big problem for a lot of people! Depending on the person I would prefer to go 32 than 18 but it depends if you feel you need the extra pass. I would look at the first pass as a way to wake up your body. And realistically 32 isn’t too slow, it’s just not what your used to and can actually be trickier because you need to keep your balance and direction better because of the extra time. Personally I would play with it and see if it lets you feel more prepared and ready when you get to your harder passes. If not, stick to the usual!

[@71MWhite]

@@RobHazelwood 👍🏻