The Wedge, it's benefits when learning to ski, video 1of 2

If the wedge is good enough for my family members then maybe the wedge isn't so bad.

[Allen-byci]

Wish I had started as a kid. Skiing is so much fun :)

[MisterHughes]

Having spent 34 years teaching kids, experimenting with how little and how much I need to say to them, I've found kids under 6 - if left to their own devices and merely skiing under supervision not instruction on a nursery slope - will teach themselves to ski with a wedge completely on their own, and their wedge turns will demonstrate everything good about skiing. Every day of a young kid's life is re-learning to use an ever changing body, and they are masters of it.

Because they have very little muscular development and the equipment is a huge proportion of their total skiing weight, they learn very quickly how to align their skeletal structure against the turning forces and use their levers to handle the loads they have to deal with when steering and braking. Their positioning of their CoM fore-and-aft in different phases of steering and braking is superb and their angulation during turns is perfect, because their physical limitations mean they have to be.

I always tell instructors I train that they should take every chance they get to observe what I call the "Toddler's Power-Plow" as they will learn more about the physical mechanics of skiing than they will from any manual.

[edumontromania]

Hey, Deb 🙂 I’ve just became a certified ski intructor here in Romania.
Part of my ski journey was filled with your videos.
Thank you so much! You are my hero teacher

[seaskiguy]

You are (once again!) so right Deb. I remember a parent in a group I was coaching that was truly angry that his daughter was still in a wedge. I think she was 7 or 8. Sheesh! I had to use my best communication skills to let him know that we are out there having fun, she loves it, and with a combination of fun drills, terrain play and mileage, that she would spontaneously parallel at some point when she was ready and strong enough. I love the wedge. To me, it's nothing more than a great parallel turn with a training wheel! I'm frustrated by this move away from it in teaching.

[halfempties]

Deb, you are the Mr. Rogers of skiing. Thanks for sharing your positivity.

[robertkonen]

I’m a Pizza -French Fry guy. Let the kids have fun. Let them explore. Don’t let your teaching get in the way of their learning. Great video!

[Patrick-cpcy]

This is great video on patience and just having fun. I see so many instructors trying to rush into parallel, more people need to see your videos! Well done I love this!

[Mole]

I've taught for quite a few years and I agree with this philosophy. First, be safe and don't over-terrain your students but still explore all parts of the mountain. Make it an adventure. Give them one or two things to work on and ski them 20 miles. Awesome video.

[thomastheys]

I love your approach Deb it’s very much the same as mine psychology I’m formerly the head coach at beaver creek from 1991 until 1997 and my kids programs were unparalleled. They were all run under the Buddy warner programs but we specialized in bringing kids up including some very successful ski racers. I love your work God knows I wish I was there. Someday maybe we will meet up. Thomyt

[yuurishibuya]

I love the way you train, you understand your students and provide them the right information at the right time.

[johnpetersen]

God bless you, Deb! Hear, hear! You are right. There is nothing wrong with what they are doing at that stage! Looks like great fun.

[shaka]

Such wise words in your comments Deb, really feel the same way to teach kids. wonderful videos.

[mailitedd]

Best advice ever! I wish every parent could see this.

[henryschumacher]

Nice to see your nephew and niece out there having fun, yes I am sure they will develop and get better. Was out in Utah in February and saw a few of them their age with the need for speed.

[thriveonthebasicswithlesli]

I love your encouragement! I’ve learned so much! I’m new to teaching the young ones. It’s been a blast. I’m also improving my skiing because of you.
Thanks so much,
Leslie

[geniejennings]

Love this. "There is nothing to fix that the mountain and time will not do." If only we can allow skiers to take the time to learn from the mountain!

[yuurishibuya]

Experience is a costly teacher but a good one and I love it. Things I learn by experimenting, I remember them even in dreams.
Deb, Thanks for all your videos. I use them to take things at my own pace.

[PompeyBoy]

I feel the need, the need for speed!
Just come here from Harald Harb PMTS videos. I guess the snow plough/ wedge gives kids and absolute beginners control while moving on skis and is safe. As a higher intermediate skier I like the idea of lifting the stance ski (downhill ski) in turn transition in order to release the edge and then rolling the ankle of the now weight free foot to present the pinkie (little) toe ski edge to the snow, so obtaining early edge angle for the new turn.

[melissalund]

Wow they are having such fun. Snow looks great and also how good are they after half a day? Fabulous!

[roberts.]

In my view as an instructor the wedge isn't something to be "unlearned." It's a way to build skills and fundamentals, and a tool that can be part of a skier's repertoire. Look at the narrow track the kids are skiing here. It's a great place to use a wedge.