Getting to Know the Epiphany Pad, the Secret to Great Ski Training in Aspen/Snowmass Colorado
Learning how to ski is easier with the John Clendenin Ski Method, a simple concise Method focused on safety and speed management in all ski terrain but especially in the bumps. John Clendenin, a two-time world freestyle champion, teaches the fundamentals of skiing while maintaining a sharp focuses on safety and speed control.
The John Clendenin Method is for people of a wide-range of ages and skiing skills. Young or old, amateur or pro, all learn new techniques with John Clendenin and his team of ski teaching pros. Each ski lesson presents the simple concepts to students along with the understanding and skills necessary for learning to ski on a new advanced level. Concepts of safety and speed management when skiing always stay at the forefront of Clendenin Ski Lessons.
The Epiphany Pad™ is just one of the many concepts you will encounter in the Clendenin Ski Method. One of the most important aspects of his Method and the basic understand of ski fundamentals is learning how the feet affect positioning, balance and speed. The Epiphany Pad™ is the part of the sole behind your little toes. Hold a chair for balance and stand on one foot. Now, lean slightly to the outside of your foot. The area where you feel the most amount of pressure, on the little-toe side of your foot, is the Epiphany Pad™.
Feeling the Epiphany Pad, and learning its basic functions, enables you to finesse your ski edges while making smooth controlled turns. With the Clendenin Ski Method lessons, you'll start exploring the feelings in your Epiphany Pad on gentle groomed ski slopes. Soon you discover how the EP creates balance on your uphill ski. Balanced on your Epiphany Pad you can easily release your downhill ski which leads you naturally into a parallel turn.
Learn how to ski with the John Clendenin Method and take skiing to new heights.
The Clendenin Ski Method is a simple concise Method focused on safety and speed management in all terrain, even bumps. Two Time World Ski Champion John Clendenin says his: "Baby boomer clients first read the book Four Words for Great Skiing and watch the DVD Finding the Love Spot (both offered on his web site below). The majority of students like starting their lesson indoors secured in the safety harness. Warm and comfortable in the Aspen Club and Spa they grasp the basic fundamentals of great skiing on the infinite slope – the ski simulator. New skills immediately transform their skiing in one of Clendenin's enchanting camps or in a private ski training lesson in Aspen guided by John or one of his certified CSM coaches. With ownership the Clendenin Ski Method invites clients of all ages ‘to dance with gravity' and renew their thrill of skiing the entire mountain. Learn more at www.skidoctors.com
Getting the Right Ski Equipment For a Great Time on Snow
Skiing is an enjoyable outdoor activity if one is using the proper equipment. This is because the risk of injuries in skiing is so great that a lot of skiers have been known to get injured not only from the sport itself but also due to poor protection from the extremely cold conditions. As such, one has to make sure that one is using the proper ski equipment before trying to venture outdoors.
Ski Equipment for Particular Purpose
The type of ski equipment that one may use depends on the type of skiing activity done as well as on the purpose. Generally, there are two types of skiing: cross-country skiing and alpine skiing. The two requires different sets of skiing equipments used. For the cross-country variant, durability and dependability in sustained and prolonged runs are important factors while for alpine skiing, equipments need to be acquainted with the sudden and exhilarating tension generated as one slaloms down the side of a mountain.
Some people use ski equipment not for the original purpose that they were intended to perform. Rather, they are sometimes used for purposes that are similar as the main reason why they were made in the first place. For example, skis are sometimes used not only to transport skiers, but also to transport vehicles and cargo over snow as well.
Modern Skiing Equipments
Today's skiing is far more advanced and diversified as compared to a few decades back. As such, equipments are likewise modified to suit the demands of the modern skier. The following are the different ski equipments in use today:
▪ Ski. The ski is the most basic ski equipment. Previous skis were made from lightweight composite metal. However, with the evolution of techniques and the varying demands of skiers, various materials were utilized as well. Today, it is common to see skis made from carbon fiber material or from wood, or a combination of the two. Carbon fiber is a light material that allows skiers to effectively control their movements while wood is known for the powerful flexibility especially when skiers have to jump over obstacles. One thing that skis have in common is their streamlined look although they vary in thickness with Nordic skis being wider than its downhill counterpart.
▪ Ski boots. Ski boots offer the two requirements needed by a skier: protection and control. Ski boots must protect the skier from debris while providing warmth and comfort. Moreover, ski boots must allow the skier to have better control of his or her skis.
▪ Hood. The hood is needed for head protection to prevent it from being exposed to the extreme cold.
▪ Gloves. Gloves today are made more from wool and other materials that are light but provide warmth and comfort.
▪ Jackets. Jackets are likewise worn to protect the skier from the extreme cold. Jackets are usually padded on the inside for an added protection.
▪ Ski goggles. Goggles protect the eyes from the extreme cold and the glare from the snow.
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Great European Skiing Destinations
When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing resorts. From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so much to offer any skier. If you've never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if you're looking to expand your experience, you'll find something that catches your eye without too much research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldn't go anywhere else in the world for their vacation.
On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection. From the world famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, you've got such a wide range of skiing to choose from. France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation. With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip. Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip. From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europe's film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europe's finest skiing country. With the kids or with your friends, France is truly a destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation.
Or how about some of the Italian resorts? Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski. Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weather's good too! Or how about Italy's neighbor, Croatia? A rising European nation, you'll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for money, not to mention top quality. From the international standard ski resorts to their world class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year. Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids. With open arms, you will be welcomed by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future. In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment.
How about Austria for your skiing trip? When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air. Well, it simply doesn't come much better than Austria, and if you're looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing. Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience? Skiing the alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, whilst still becoming a world leader in financial industry.
Skiing in Europe is the ideal way to spend your vacation. If you love skiing, you are guaranteed to find a great resort somewhere, within your budget that meets your needs, and caters for your ability. With most resorts also boasting strong training academies, you can also work to improve your skills while you are there, ensuring that your skiing trip is both useful and memorable. Whatever you are looking for, choose Europe as your number one skiing destination, for that perfect blend of quality, tradition and culture, and for a holiday that is truly breathtaking.
Five Great Places to Water Ski in the U.S.
Most of us associate water skiing with summertime fun - warm sunshine, beaches and picnics - so it may come as a surprise that water skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a clothesline to ski across Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Association as the first water ski racer, and the first to jump a ramp and slalom ski, as well as the first to hold a water ski show, too.
Like Samuelson, avid enthusiasts will water ski nearly any time, any where there is an opportunity, even when winter temperatures and chilly water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there's probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some ski time, perhaps even practice your gainers and other tricks.
Of course, skiing at the same location all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your water time this year by planning a water skiing vacation. Whether you are a novice or expert, you can have some added fun by water skiing at one of these five great locations:
Top U.S. water skiing destinations
1) San Diego, Calif. - With a climate that provides ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a water skier's dream. It's also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers the opportunity to take an early morning jaunt around the bay, and still make it to the office on time. In addition, there's a variety of water ski classes for everyone from the novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the freight and military ships in San Diego Bay. A variety of local lakes are perfect for those that prefer freshwater water skiing. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of Oct. 9,, 2009, and you'll be able to watch the 5th U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.
2) Austin, Texas - As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin's earned a reputation as a vibrant city that exemplifies a young, active outdoor lifestyle. For water skiers, the long summers and short winters provide almost year-round opportunity to hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities built specifically for water skiers:
- Austin Aquaplex - The Aquaplex is known for "easy" water with a medium-to-high viscosity - great for slalom and jump-ski enthusiasts.
- Guadalupe Ski Plex - Built to accommodate competitive water skiing, Guadalupe is home to three lakes, two slalom courses and a ski jump, as well plenty of boat docks and storage areas.
- Utopia River Ranch - For professional lessons, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility located near Staples, just outside of Austin.
3) West Palm Beach, Fla. - South Florida, from Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is a hub of activity for water sports lovers of all kinds. With few days under 70 degrees, South Florida's Palm Beach County offers ski enthusiasts nearly year-round opportunity, as well as two major water ski attractions and several exciting competitions.
- Okeeheelee Park - The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized competitive water ski park with five courses that can accommodate everything from traditional to barefoot and kneeboard skiing. If you love to bask in the moonlight, you can take advantage of night skiing on a lit course, too. At under 0, annual permits are more than affordable, too.
- Palm Beach Training Center - Ask Chet Raley, one of the world's top ski coaches and a national champion, for world-class water ski instruction at Palm Beach Training Center, a private facility located in Boca Raton. Raley offers video coaching for under 0, as well as more expensive clinics for professional skiers.
In addition, South Florida hosts the following water skiing events:
- 3rd IWSF Pan Am Region Wakeboard Championships (Miami)
- Board Up Miami (Miami)
- 4th Big Dawg Slalom Series Championship (West Palm Beach)
- 67th GOODE Water Ski National Championships (West Palm Beach)
4) Pine Mountain, Ga. - Located just outside of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, lays Robin Lake Beach, home of the world's longest manmade white sand beach. Ranked among Fine Living's top 10 most unique beaches in the world in 2007, Robin Lake Beach is part of Callaway Gardens resort. Callaway Gardens also hosts the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament®, which awards more than 0,000 in winnings each Memorial Day weekend. A great destination for the entire family, the stunning vacation resort offers something for everyone, from water skiing to golf, relaxing spa visits and more.
5) Seattle, Wash. - Although you may not think of the rainy Emerald City as a water skiing hub, it's the testing ground of choice for popular water ski manufacturers like Herb O'Brien, Pat Connelly, Jeff Jobe and Denny Kidder. With picturesque Mount Ranier as a backdrop, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide the perfect glass.
Of course, these aren't the only great places to water ski. Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Madison, Wis. are other destinations beloved by ski enthusiasts.
No matter where in the U.S. you are located, there's a great place to water ski near you. However before you take your boat on a trip or hit the water, be sure it's protected. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.
Melanie Broemsen is a content specialist at Rosetta, and has a degree in Public Relations from Kent State University. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.
Breakthrough on Skis: How to Get Out of the Intermediate Rut--A Private Lesson with Lito Tejada-Flores (Tape and Booklet)
The Ski Lesson: Set C Early Guided Readers (Storyteller Moon Rising)
Kent's Clinic Ski Instruction Video DVD
