Ski with or without poles?

booniemon

booniemon

Member
I'm debating whether or not to use poles this year. I got some line darts that are cut down so that they reach my hands when arms are extended. Skiing with poles just kind of seems normal, but without seems more free yet goofy. Will skiing without poles screw up my technique or style? Poles kind of seem in the way, yet they kind of set a balance. What do you guys do? Do you ski with or without poles? Why?
 
It's a preference; most people ski with poles, but it's up to you. Try riding with or without poles and see what you like better. For me, I like poles because I hate always having to skate on flat areas.
 
It depends how you ski. I am launching some skis soon that shouldn't be used with poles. Most skiboarders don't use poles but they have more sidecut to play with.

I think poles are about the whole "skis pointing across the run, body pointing downhill" notion. I point my body in whatever direction I am heading, and where I'd like to go.. a bit like hangliding or skydiving I'd imagine. Poles to me just get in the way.

The pole plant was initially used to swing the body around when skis were like long tooth picks, and then the Stem Christie turn.

I see them as training wheels myself. I suggest you begin with them and try holding them above your head, in front of you, behind and then see if you need to use them.

If you want to heartcarve you should start to feel centripetal force and it's pull on your body, and just as people generally take for granted their awareness of gravity which they acquire at a young age (and something you'd quickly re-appreciate if you went to space) you need to build up awareness of centripetal acceleration and its effect on your body and heart.

A lot of good ski carvers today are at a point where they could probably ditch poles, but haven't made the leap yet in their mind, that's because they have to unlearn and take a run up. For example, this guy:

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We're at the point I think when getting on fat parabolics from young age will change one's preference for poles and the pole plant. Otherwise it depends on the individual and their general mental/physical agility and disposition if they can ditch poles tomorrow and get a net benefit.
 
last few days ive gone skiing i ditched my poles for a couple runs and it feels so good. i felt way more free and flowy and just had more fun really, kinda felt like it unlocked some extra creativity in my riding. fuck yeah for no poles
 
I think using poles is essential for the bumps, not really the case when carving the grooms. HOWever, I just wrecked myself the other day by landing on one of my poles. Hurt like a B.
 
Maybe on groomers. 'off piste' and while travelling in mountains, poles will always be a necessity. While touring, more and more of my split board friends keep their poles out for the down to help them through the flats and what not.

You'll never be able to attack the mountain nearly as efficiently if you don't have poles.
 
I'd have to say poles. But that is just me personally, as everyone has their own style and I'm not going to tell them how to ski.

This however, is due to the fact that:

1) it feels awkward to ski without poles (I don't know what to do with my hands?)

2) It looks like you aren't as serious about skiing? I don't know, people who I perceive who don't use poles just look like they aren't there to do anything but ski park.

3)You can not look like a penguin trying to waddle around in lift lines to move forward.

4)Poles are cheap/free if you just get a kids set and cut them down or even just customize them.
 
i could go either way... i like no poles for hot laps, jumps and just chillin in the park cuz poles get in the way there. pretty much anywhere else I'll rock the poles. All personal preference
 
Oh God not this guy again, please make it stop. we must come together to not let this become a thread where he explains all about how "heart carving" is super not gay and the whole thread is an argument between 2 members./rant

although i must say i laugh for a little while watching...

then i chuckle...

then i fall asleep when i watch this video

again, /rant
 
You could always go with Telescoping poles, but those aren't very sturdy. My friend had a pair that could fit in his pocket, he broke them doing a pole plant in the bumps once though.

Generally you should be fine without poles everywhere except in the bumps and trees.
 
For about 6 years I had used poles with skiing. Mainly just to help me balance, but one day I had forgotten to bring them so I had to ski the whole day without poles......from that moment on, I never used poles again. Admittedly the first few hours skiing without poles was kind of awkward. Once you get used it it though, your style will feel a lot more free (for lack of a better word).
 
Ok NO. My post used at least some humor in it, this was just plain mean.

If you really want to go on and talk about how i'm lame, please just take a look at your profile pic
 
Nahh, I'd say the gangup vibe you put out was.

Don't really know what to say.. wait til next vid and then say something positive. I'm beyond cool.
 
picard-facepalm.jpg
 
Eventually I'd like to run my own forum and then it'll all be over for you, until then, just take a few chill pills cos you don't think I see lameness everywhere.
 
Thats kind of my point. please make your own thread if you want to post your heart carving videos. why would you making your own thread make it all over for me.
 
So much this. Perfectly describes it. Without poles I just feel like dicking around and being an idiot, grabbing butters and shit. With the poles I just don't feel as creative so I think I'm going all no poles for a while. They have their advantages, but as far as having fun goes, you gotta go no poles.
 
It can be cool....if you're really good.....but most people are fucking beaters, and look like shit with no poles....if you have to ask....then use poles.
 
i'm going no poles this year. it's worked in the past and skating isn't a big deal to me. i hate dealing with them on lifts and rope tows. i also think it looks stupid having poles but never using them
 
Yep, good idea. I'll do that, thanx. Even many people without poles still look like they could use weighted gloves or holding weights or something to counterweight and as a mental reference point. You'd think skiboarding would be more popular, and from what I've seen skiboarders in the park kill it. Any clue why not? I think its because the act of skiboarding lacks power. Someone said losing poles frees up energy.. but how to channel this extra energy into the ski? That's the future. Anything that leads to power, freedom and precision is something worth moving toward and worth sharing.
 
I like no poles better, but it often looks goofy so i use them when filming!

did you know PK Hunder never owned a pair off poles, he just borrow when needed!
 
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