Synchro Skiing

[Baaahb]

On our recent trip (the TR is still in the works) we saw the Green Team doing its synchro ski down the mountain. Just like this (scroll to the middle to get to the dramatic action):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e0qUL5lnrc

I made a rude remark and was chastised by Mrs. B. Then I supported my remark by the unsubstantiated claim that any six truly world-class skiers could do just as well with a day's training.

What's the verdict? True sport or ______?

[James]

I know a few people who compete at that. I have exactly zero interest but can tell you it is a lot harder to do at a high level then you think. No one is gong to be able to compete with a days practice.

There are a lot of things people do that I consider goofy. There are even more goofy people doing them then you would expect and some of these goofy people are obsessed with doing it really well. I have even heard that some people spend decades trying to telemark ski at the same level as an alpine skier.

[MattB]

It does seem a little silly. Surely harder than it looks.
But the real question is, what's better this or freestyle canoeing?

[James]

For the win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SBKG512RnU

By win I mean the most lame. Owning a tux and a wood canoe has some merit.

[Dr.Faustus]

It does seem a little silly. Surely harder than it looks.
But the real question is, what's better this or freestyle canoeing?

Well... my vote is for the freestyle canoe-ist on sartorial points.

[Ski Telemark]

Whether or not it is a sport is debatable, but what can't be denied that it is fun!

The Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) had the National Seminar in the Gatineau area in February. There is some switch tele synchro footage.

[Ski Telemark]

And more tele synchro fun at InterTele at Snowbird last year. We were assembled into "teams" by binding brand, ski brand, boot brand, and given one practice run to come up with a demo synchro run. Some are more synchronized than others!

[stinkymonday]

It does seem a little silly. Surely harder than it looks.
But the real question is, what's better this or freestyle canoeing?

I tried. I could. not. watch. that.

[Baaahb]

Careful there, James, you're coming close to dissing Wayne Wong. Ski the Wong way!

Time for some extreme underwater ironing posts?

[Baaahb]

And more tele synchro fun at InterTele at Snowbird last year. We were assembled into "teams" by binding brand, ski brand, boot brand, and given one practice run to come up with a demo synchro run. Some are more synchronized than others!

I think those videos kind of prove my point; some look pretty good, with very little practice.

Six guys doing hockey stops in unison just doesn't impress me. But yeah, maybe we can do this coming down Lassen. On leathers.

[MattB]

For the win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SBKG512RnU

By win I mean the most lame. Owning a tux and a wood canoe has some merit.

Tough call, but I think I need a tape of that song to listen to on my Walkman while I ski.

But Wayne Wong was (is?) the man! He probably had to do some ballet routines but his bump/freestyle/hotdog skiing was fun to watch IMO.

[whitehonky]

There is some agonizing video in this thread! FTW.

The switch skiing at 0.25 is shocking. The goggles flapping about keeps it real.

Good times at work.

There is a video out there on the internets of some Euro-dude doing remarkable high speed switch tele. A true tutorial in skiing on groomers.

[revloren]

Q: What's the worst thing about learning to synchro-ski?
A: Having to tell your parents that you're gay!

[Baaahb]

Loren, how can you be so misanthropic?

You could at least call it "girly".

BTW, what are your thoughts on camping opportunities at Lassen? See Lassen thread. And, aren't you going?