Learning to Turn with 4 Track

What

Learning to turn using two skis with two outriggers.

Who

Anyone who can already perform a balanced straight run with flat skis. This includes a wide range of physical disabilities and combinations of disability. See the Physical Assessment model to understand more.

How

As with the intro to 4 tracking, techniques and progressions can be a mix of everything you know in adaptive snowsports.

Aim to progress to tethers and other more independent equipment and ultimately on to independent riding and skiing. Use your assessment to guide you in how to teach the student’s movements. Relate movements to the outcome you want to achieve i.e. turning the hips gently will eventually result in turning of the boots.

Balance/Stance

The position needs to be as close as possible to a centred stance longitudinally and laterally. Have the student move forward with their equipment when starting to slide, as it will be difficult for them to correct an out of balance position. Outriggers should be positioned to support a centred stance. For skiing this is with the elbows touching the body for support and the outrigger claws just in front of the toe binding. If using outriggers with a snowboard the front outrigger will be placed just behind the tip of the board and the back outrigger will be placed in front of the back foot. Set up the length so they support the rider/skier in a natural stance and screw out the brake so that it provides friction for support. A snowboarder using outriggers will generally need to be set up in a more alpine stance.

Rotational

The hip will be the highest point from where efficient rotational movements can be made standing up. Ensure the movement is applied around a vertical axis to prevent the edges engaging. Where possible use any movement the rider/skier is able to make below the hip as much as possible. Use the most efficient part of the body for each turn if the strength on each side is different. Outriggers can focus a skier in the turn direction when the tips are pointed in that direction.

Edging

Keep lateral movements as minimal as possible. Traversing is a difficult but still useful skill. Set an easier goal with a greater degree of side slip expected in the traverse.

Pressure Control Movements

At this level the main emphasis will be to move forward with the equipment to stay centred.