Video/Book Reviews

by Ed Kane

Two New Nordic Books on the PSIA-NW Book Shelves

Two new Nordic books have been added to our booklist this year. One is from the PSIA and the other is authored by one of our members. The spiral bound Nordic Technical Manual is the compliment to the Alpine and Snowboard Manuals that were completed in the last couple of years. These manuals are intended to provide the foundation of concepts needed to effectively teach each discipline and provide tools that can be applied over the long term as equipment changes. The other book was recently completed by Steve Hindman and is intended to be a comprehensive guide to Cross Country Skiing. It includes information on all the aspects of this discipline including Track, Backcountry and Downhill skiing.

Nordic Technical Manual – Skiing and Teaching Skills. This 108 page manual was developed by the Nordic Demo Team and replicates the format of its’ predecessors. It is well illustrated with both photographs that amplify the written material and diagrams that help in understanding the concepts that are described. The material covers both track (classic and skate) skiing and downhill (telemark) skiing. A brief overview of the various aspects of the sport and a description of the system and approach are contained in the introductory material. The meat of this manual starts with a section that describes the visual cues for identifying efficient movements for both track and downhill skiing. This description, along with the illustrations, is very useful in helping the instructor to visualize the desired outcomes in terms of efficient movements. The track skills are defined as: ski to ski balance; flexion and extension; poling; relaxation; rhythm; and edge control (sound familiar?). The downhill skills are defined as: balancing movements; edge control movements; rotary movements; and pressure control movements. Characteristic efficient movements and outcomes are used to illustrate and describe each of these skills.

The skills concepts outlined above are discussed further in terms of variations observed in various levels of students. This discussion is further enhanced by describing expected outcomes as these skills are mastered during the learning process. Similarities and differences are outlined for the various skill sets that students bring to class. Skills and skill development exercises are brought together in “Stepping Stones” section of the manual. Here the stones are used to define pathways that can be used in the learning process in developing progressions. Progressions are outlined to advance each of the defined skill sets and, here again, the pictures helps to visualize the meaning conveyed by the words.

The remainder of the manual gives some tips on movement analysis. The approach is a bit unique since it offers several different ways to look at students which may help identify root cause issues. The approaches are identified as the Bottom-up, Core-out and Top-down methods. The descriptions of each of these gives instructors some alternative approaches to watching their students during the time they have to practice what they have learned. The manual closes with a description of equipment and equipment maintenance. It covers track and downhill equipment including skis, bindings, poles, boots and junior equipment. Although it is a rather short section, the material is well presented and provides some excellent guidance. This section concludes with some hints on waxing and maintenance. The last chapter contains some excellent thoughts on Etiquette for both the instructor and the student. There is a short appendix section which contains information on PSIA, Physics and Biomechanics and a list of References that can be used to further the instructors’ education.

On the whole, this manual is packed with a lot of very useful information. However, it should be considered a basic reference that can be used for a starting point. It should probably be the cornerstone of every Nordic instructor’s library since it will provide a good foundation for the information needed to excel in teaching others the joy of the sport upon which we all thrive.

Cross-Country Skiing: Building Skills for Fun and Fitness – by Steve Hindman. This book was released just a few weeks ago by the publisher, The Mountaineers Books. It is a nicely illustrated paperback book of 260 pages which can be purchased from the publisher for $19.95. A limited number of copies will be available from the office. Steve’s considerable experience in the Nordic discipline is readily apparent from the contents. Format-wise, the book reads somewhat like a poor mans guide to traveling Europe. It covers a great deal of all the aspects of the sport without getting into significant depth on any one aspect. As such it provides a very good overview of all the aspects of Nordic skiing from Track to Backcountry and Telemarking. It is certainly not a “how to do it” manual but is instead a guidebook intended to make potential participants comfortable with trying the different opportunities.

One unique aspect of the book is that Steve relies on numerous sidebars to expand the material that is in the body of the text. A majority of these are recounting of personal experiences of the contributor. This adds somewhat of a personal touch by many experts in a way that is easy to read and absorb. The sidebars tend to add quite a bit of character to the contents.

It starts with some introductory material designed to entice the reader to get involved whether for fitness or fun or both. The remaining contents cover an overview of the fundamentals including: the Learning Process; an outline of Skills that will need developing; some insight into the hardware for each aspect; and some of the considerations to be made when selecting the appropriate clothing. This is followed by some tips for: getting kids involved; waxing for grip and glide; and some practical tips on how to pack, what to bring on every trip, etc. The middle third of the book contains information on the track disciplines including: prepared areas for flat-land skiing; skating basics; classic striding basics; more advanced aspects of skate skiing; and some considerations of racing and training for fitness. The remainder is devoted to descriptions of the challenges of backcountry skiing and the unique aspects of downhill skiing using a variety of turns including the Telemark.

Overall, this little book is quite a complete reference source for those interested in all aspects of the Nordic discipline. It is a source book that will help direct the reader toward the pursuit that would be of the greatest personal interest, will give them some insight into the fundamental considerations for that pursuit and will direct them toward where they can get help to enhance their skills. On the whole, it would be of more interest to the general public with some value to the instructor community. The latter group would find value as a comprehensive overview with some specific tips that will be applicable for use with their guests.