We need a terminology Wiki. I've heard the word pivot slips forever, I don't really have any idea what they are ...
Pivot Slip: (noun) the fastest technical road to a certain skiing destination. Experts disagree on whether it's Heaven or Hell.
I saw Barnes and Geib (w/ the b'day party crowd) at Loveland on Sunday. No doubt they would say Heaven. I also saw a PMTS devotee and Loveland regular who'd surely say Hell. The best part was that they were all smiling as they skied fantastic mid-winter conditions in early May!
Todd,
Chris Geib is a recreational skier, and, while he may not conform to our school of skiing, he is a far better skier than I. Not trying to argue right or wrong, but, I have difficulty criticizing the ski style of a recreational skier (or golfer or tennis player). He skis how he was trained, maybe someday, he'll join High Angles in making the transition, maybe not. I sure did
not see him doing pivot slips during the days I skied with ( or more correctly behind ) him. I also skied with a PMTS Loveland regular and was sure impressed with his movements and speed. A L3 PSIA instructor at the gathering was very critical of PSIA teaching and emphasizing movements not used in everyday skiing like pivot slips. He also stated that his skiing is much closer to PMTS than PSIA.
What I can't understand is BB championing pivot slips as it's requires such muscular twisting, a very forced awkward movement. I'll take HH's linked brushed carves any day as an efficient, low energy means of turning skis. But, make no mistake, it takes a lot of learning and practice to perform the subtle HH movements....not for most who step into the bindings.
Putting my new Global Mod hat on, it's a shame that we got into technique in a post about feedback regarding the new 2011 update. If Jim can work some magic and break out the technique posts, continuing the PS discussion could be fun. Mod hat off
Mike