How to Skate Ski the Easy Way! (V1, V2, V2A)

Skate-skiing has a reputation of "serious" or "harder." That's only from doing it wrong and wasting energy. An easy fix is imitation without skis and poles. It's a rough video and I forget some really helpful things which I add as tips in notes and comments below. [SORRY! I start with V2A but don't name it! Edit glitch!]

Read my book "New Wave Nordic Skiing!" -- it'll add fun to all your skiing! Order on Amazon (print, ebook, audio).

Practice my tips then watch other videos where skis and poles are used, and you'll be on your way. Best of all: take a class!

Another big tip for V2 (and I'm mad that I forgot to show this!): Move so there's no chance of losing balance. Do this by shifting from foot to foot while raising and lowering your hips, flexing your knees and doing your arm-motions, but leave both feet on the ground -- you'll make a "U" pattern -- and you're still moving most of your weight back'n'forth. Next, you can transfer weight more completely, just leaving your unweighted foot lightly touching the ground as an outrigger. Finally, let the unweighted foot lift off the ground when your weight-transfer is snappy, bold and complete.

Use small "flicky" arm and foot motions and don't bob your torso.

It's much easier to do V2 with light carbon poles that are on the shorter side, mid-chin-height.

Also, remember: V2 is mostly an uphill move.

I've been criticized that you don't lift/swing your unweighted foot behind. Of course you don't when skiing: you can't. You're wearing skis. I'm teaching timing and transfer. Ignore your foot. Let it go where it wants! Try leaving both on the ground and just change how they're weighted! Relax!

I describe "Ride'n'Glide" wrong. Sheesh. You hang on the STRONG side before you kick. I was showing what I call "Scooter" instead -- which is like the old Marathon skate.

Thanks, Jeff Potter

[linalinux]

Thank you, it is much easier to see what the body is doing like this without all the poles and skis flopping around :D

[JohnAdams-djxi]

good V1 and V2 but where is the V2A which to me looks like V1?

[rik]

Very nicely done! I'll have to try this at home!

[OutYourBackDoor]

PS: More tips for V2... Move in ways that don't disturb your balance. So... #1: Use small "flicky" arm and hand motions and don't bob your torso. #2: When doing it on snow it's easy with light carbon poles that are a bit shorter. #3: Lighter, shorter foot motions help. #4: Visualize putting all your weight on your big toe when you land your glide ski -- this makes sure foot lands far enough out to prevent tipping to outside. (Lastly: I mess up the Ride'n'Glide V1: you hang on the strong side before you kick. I show "Scooter" instead.)

[thibod]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! There is a lot of useful information in your video!

[joeiverson]

love the birkie hat. I have the same one!