Video/Book Reviews
by Ed Kane
Summer 2003
Two new videos are in the office. One is a local production featuring the members of the PSIA-NW Tech Team and the second is one designed to compliment the Core Concepts and Alpine Technical Manuals. Both are very well done and address different aspects of the teaching elements that will improve our understanding of the profession. The first contains clearly defined examples of the skiing tasks for the Level II and Level III exams. The second illustrates the hi-lights of both of the above mentioned PSIA manuals.
PSIA-NW Skiing Tasks. This video was produced by Chris Kastner and Nick McDonald using members of the PSIA-NW Tech Team as demonstrators. As Chris points out during the introduction of the tape, this gives the viewer a chance to see different personal styles and in performing the tasks. The footage also gives the viewer a chance to observe movements that force the need for an occasional recovery. The latter are important so that the observer can use this footage not only for an understanding the expected standards but also for identifying the inefficient movements that led to the necessity of the resulting recovery.
On the whole, this video is one of the best I’ve reviewed in recent years and it provides a solid foundation of what is expected at each level of validation. The video is split into 3 sections: An introduction; Level I Tasks; Level II Tasks; and Level III Tasks. Each task is demonstrated by a blend several skiers during an introduction of the general description of the task and parameters that are expected. The skiing sequences continue as a verbal and written description of the several criteria that are defined for successful performance. This offers a unique opportunity to review both the criteria and see it demonstrated at the same time. The reinforcement is very effective. In addition, the skiing sequences are shot from various perspectives giving the viewer an opportunity to see them performed from below, passing by and from above the demonstrator. The amount of footage devoted to each task is sufficient to gain a clear impression of the efficient movement patterns necessary to meet the criteria at each level.
The contents are as follows: Level I Tasks – Hockey Stop; Open Parallel Turns; Side Slip; Skating on Flat Terrain; Straight Run Over Shallow Terrain, Paddle Turn out to Stop; Traverse; Wedge Change-ups; Wedge Christie Turns; & Wedge Turns. Level II Tasks - Short Radius Turns; Medium Radius Turns; Bumps; Rhythm Changes; Straight Run Hop Ski to Ski; Skate on Flat; Wedge Christie; Short Swing; Jump Entry Turns; One Ski Turns: Level III Tasks – Short Radius Turns; Medium Radius Turns; Bumps; Variable Conditions; Medium Radius Turns in Bumps; 2 Footed Hop Turns; Skating; Ski on One Ski; Braking & Gliding Turns.
It would be highly recommended that each candidate for the skiing module review this video several times during their training to improve their movement pool so that they can perform these tasks with a high degree of consistency. Each member ski school should have a copy in their library and additional copies are available from the office. I personally will put one of these in my library to be used as a training tool over the next several years.
The skills concepts are graphically illustrated by both lower level and more dynamic skiing tasks. Each skill movement pool is illustrated by a number of skiing tasks that emphasize the ones that best facilitate each. Each is titled with an action. “Stay in Balance” is demonstrate by showing: adjust stance width; flex & extend ankles, knees, hips and spine; use forward & aft movements; change the amount of lean relative to the hill; move head & arms; and increase & decrease muscular tension. “Edge Skis” is demonstrated by showing: feet and ankles; lower legs & knees; lower spine; whole body. “Apply Rotary Movements” is shown through: leg rotation; whole body rotation. “Control Pressure” movements are shown through: fore and aft; foot to foot; flexion & extension; side to side.
The Stepping Stones offer the instructor many valid pathways to parallel turns for the lower level students. These can be used to design the all important beginner lesson. Two examples are illustrated. One is the parallel based progression that may be more appropriate in areas where the learning terrain is reasonably moderate and where shorter skis (140 cm to 160 cm) are predominant. This approach would use stepping turns to aid the learners accomplish the movement pools necessary to turn both skis at the same time into the new turn. (The key here being very small steps to encourage the student to compliment the direction change with a movement of the body in the direction of the new turn.) The second is the more conventional wedge based progression which would be more appropriate where the terrain is more varied, the beginning area more crowded and the predominant ski length is longer (160 cm to 180 cm). This approach would use the wedge as the basis for controlling speed through making turns and the wedge stop for approaching the lift lines. Parallel would be approached by the wedge christie, again encouraging appropriate movements of the body in the direction of the new turn. Both approaches are nicely illustrated giving the viewer a more graphic understanding of this less structured approach that leaves the instructor with more latitude to appropriate shape the lesson for each customer’s needs.
The final sequences show a variety of skiing from packed runs to powder and steeps to “inspire the lifelong passion for the mountain experience”.