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Kristin
Staying balanced on your ski through the slalom course is an essential concept for even the most amateur skier. Professional ski coach Matt Rini gives you three quick tips on how to achieve the balance you need and start carving effortless turns.
1. Relax and counter your hips
Whether you’re skiing in the open water or tackling the slalom course, right from your very first movement, try not to pull your arms to get your ski to release for the edge change; this kills your speed. Rather, relax your arms, counter your hips and move forward on the ski. Once in the course, the same rule applies.
2. Use your resources, not your arms
Utilizing the boat and rope to help keep you balanced on the ski has long been a trade secret of the pros. Let these two tools work for you, not against you. Doing so will let you carry out longer by keeping your balance more consistent, instead of releasing early in the turns to get up over the ski.
3. Keep your weight centered
A blind, three-legged horse has a better chance of running a successful pass than you if you’re rocking back and forth on your ski. Leaning too far back will load the line, leaving you to manage the spring of the rope through the edge change. If you’re too far forward you will lose intensity and direction into your turn.
