I'm a Hybrid

[jim-ratliff]

Gary, is this you?

http://mogulmasters.us/forum/?p=21

http://mogulmasters.us/forum/?p=136

Max:  Assuming that I know where you are going, remember that this is marketing material, not movement analysis material. I'm pretty sure that the pictures and the verbage are somewhat staged and intended to show "improvement" due to John's program.

[Gary]

Hey Jim...for sure it's been a while since I've been back and all things change.

Yup Max...that a series of pictures through the years. The ones (blue jacket) from the Clendenin site were from 2 ski seasons ago in Chile performing edging drills.

and still evoloving! g

[LivingProof]

Hey Jim...for sure it's been a while since I've been back and all things change.

Yup Max...that a series of pictures through the years. The ones (blue jacket) from the Clendenin site were from 2 ski seasons ago in Chile performing edging drills.

and still evoloving! g

A few thoughts about Gary's hybird skiing. When I first met Gary in Jackson Hole (now close to 5 years ago), he was wearing a PMTS.org patch on his ski jacket. He was the first person I ever discussed PMTS with on a face to face basis. And, he and Alice actually had been to Harald's camps! Whoo, I'm impressed. He just made these big GS turns and Alice was not far behind. He had the technique basics down pretty well.

My sense is that Gary is not technique focused, he's more about enjoying the mountain and the moment, especially when skiing with friends. Early PMTS, that is " lift and tip", was much less complex than the deep flexing movements advocated by Harald today. Looking at the Clendenin site photo's of Gary, a tall, centered stance with hands to the front and side are clearly visible. That's a very comfortable position and a lot of really good skiing can be done, maybe not very high edge skiing, but, serviceable over the whole mountain. Works for him, works for Alice.

I've stated many times, that Clendenin's four word turn sequence, is similar to simplified, brushed PMTS movements taught by Harald. For example, use of little toe edge, tipping movements, skis close together. I have to think that much of Gary and Alice's improvement is attributable to being under the watchful eye of a capable instructor, recently that's been John, and, getting the feedback needed to improve. They brought good technique. plus passion for improving into the training, and, just built up skills from that level.

Above all, Gary has clarity in what he wants from his skiing. Too often, in forums, perhaps we argue that our clarity should be adopted by others. What I will testify to is that Gary has a great time when he skis. More than a little rubs off on me when we get to ski together.

[Gary]

Mike thanks my friend....

To your point about my stance or upright position...the pics are drills working at slow speeds, maintain balance, weight transfer, quiet upper body  and feeling the skis. AND you are spot on...being under the watchful eye of GREAT instructors will benefit anyone committed to improving!

For me, adapting higher edge angle at speed, lift and tip, and deep flex are still part of my "hybrid" skiing....all depends where I am and what I'm skiing.

Mike I love the word you used..."clarity"....it's right on and so important I think...the only mold we need to fit ourselves into is that one that gives us greatest satisfaction!

AND I sure hope we can make some turns together again this season.

Best, G

[Svend]

Further to what Mike said, I have also skied with Gary quite a bit over the past few years, and have to say that he has an enormous sense of fun and playfulness in his skiing.  He is always looking for soft snow, crud and bumps to play in.  As far as learning, his mantra seems to be "Constant improvement leads to more places on the mountain to have fun", and I have to admit that has rubbed off on me.  Watching him ski with our 14 year old daughter out west is an absolute blast -- the two of them are inseparable, and spend days snooping out little glades, steeps, bump runs, chutes, gullies, and all manner of cool terrain to play in. 

OTOH, I have also seen Gary stomp the throttle on some wide open groomers, and believe me, he can FLY, and with utter smoothness and fluidity.  But 95% of the time, he chooses not to ski that way (with emphasis on choice).  Not because he can't, but because other kinds of skiing are simply more fun to him.

Thankfully, he is not hyper-focused on technique as the be-all and end-all of the sport, otherwise he'd be a pretty boring chap to ski with.

[Gary]

That's it...screw Romney and Obama....I"M RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT!

Ha...thanks Svend...gotta admit we do have a great time and Maren, (a natural, balance, gifted skier) is a ball to play cat and mouse all over the mountain.

But to you point...finding ways to make the experience the #1 factor is what works for me, you and many others here.

It's not that I'm not focused on movements, it's constanly on my mind....cause otherwise I'd be on my arse much of the ski day...but sharing a great day on the mountain with best buds....wow...the best!

AND Svend...you...you you....this guys ski level in the past 3 years has rocketed skyward...from comfort on greens to skiing black bowls with me at Sunshine...and he's really starting to look for bumps to ski.

As his good friend...I get great satsifaction watching this evolution....look forward to many more turns!

Cheers, G