December 14, 2010 – This is Ken Ristimaki from the Kimberley Nordic Club. Hope your new job is working out well. I have a question you may be able to answer. Regarding the new style of double poling – should this be introduced to beginners and intermediates, and do you think it will replace regular double poling anytime soon?

I’m teaching a group of beginner/intermediate Masters and there’s been some controversy regarding this matter among the other instructors.

Thanks,
Kenneth Ristimaki,
Kimberley, BC

Hello Ken,

I believe there are two areas with technique. The first is execution, and the second is application.

Execution means being able to execute the technique or movement. All skiers that are interested in a competition or skiing at a higher level should aspire to execute all techniques as best they can. This is especially true for younger skiers that could or will become ski racers.

Application is executing a technique in a particular situation. Application can affected by many things including the ability to perform the skill, fatigue, fitness, etc. In ski racing an athlete should aspire to use those techniques that allow them to cover the track the fastest. This means improving particular fitness, e.g. to 1-skate more, or in this case DP more aggressively.

I would say that you introduce the double poling, and the athlete can then decide what to do with this skill.

Dave

Dave Wood, former Canadian head coach, is the winningest xc ski coach in North America. Email your questions to him at askthepro@skitrax.com or click HERE.