Wedgeless Progression: Learning to Turn

What

The wedgeless progression is a method of teaching which allows a student to learn to ski without using a wedge. This method uses a combination and ski and snowboard teaching methods.

Who

This is used when a student is learning to ski for the first time and is facing their direction of travel but unable to form a wedge or use a wedge to assist with speed control, this may be due to a physical impairment or equipment usage. Common situations are when a student is using a mono-ski, 3 track, and 4 track but may also be used other times during adaptive teaching.

How

When using the wedgeless progression speed control is developed through turn shape and is important to be on suitable terrain which has a very gentle fall line. For a more in depth understanding of the wedgeless progression consult the SBINZ beginner pathway.

Introduction to Equipment

• Ensure the equipment is set up and adjusted so that the student can maintain a centred stance.

MOBILITY

• As this may be tiring it is good to integrate this in with other parts of the lesson. Outriggers are usually used in the flip up/crutch position when the student is pushing themselves on the flat.
• Introduce the students to the different ways that they can move on the ski(s) Vertical, fore/aft, rotational and lateral.
• This may be tiring and unachievable so take into account the student’s energy level and try to avoid developing fatigue early on.

SIDE STEPPING

• This is tiring and may not be achievable. Alternatives are the magic carpet and using outriggers to propel oneself backwards up a slope.

STRAIGHT RUN EXERCISES & OUTRIGGER STOPPING

• Allow the skier to explore a full range of movement including outrigger position but be careful to not lift the outriggers too far from the snow.
• Be in close proximity even with light contact to prevent a fall.
• Using the outriggers to stop, keep elbows close to the body and push the claws of the outriggers forward and down. The aim is to learn how to slide on a flat ski.

Falling

• Where outriggers are used, safe falling techniques should be safely practised.
• This involves lifting the outriggers forward and away from the slope to prevent falling on them and to protect the shoulder joint.

Direction Changes using Fan Progression

• Trying a mixture of open turns and a shallow fan progression will determine the best approach to take.
• Focus needs to be on keeping the skis flat and applying turning force from the lowest functional part of the body.
• Rotational force at this stage needs to be applied around a vertical axis. Both outriggers need to point in the direction of the turn.

Skidded Traverse

• The skier’s COM should remain close to the centreline of the skis with the slope determining the edge angle. Some discipline (E.G. 4 track) holding an edge is difficult; it’s ok to allow for a lot of skid in the traverse.

Garlands

• Similar to a traverse but with a series of direction turn initiations and completions, steering in and out of the fall line, and releasing and engaging the edge of the ski(s).

Shallow turns

• Start to link shallow turns with a slight direction change.

Linking Turns

• Take the skills developed in the previous stages to start linking the turns together, Begin with a single turn and then start developing the ability to link turns.