Telestick??

[thetrailboss]

I saw some telemark skiers using this contraption a couple weeks ago and almost asked, "what is this? Pole vaulting and skiing?" Anyone use this? Anyone know what it is for?

 

[kingdom-tele]

Its called a lurk.

as in "hey, lurk at me", kind of like skiing with a free heel binding.

seriously, I think it has something to do with the origins of skiing or something, funny how you never see those guys ripping through tight evergreens and whips.

 

[billski]

seriously, I think it has something to do with the origins of skiing or something,

It's the re-invention of one of the first means of steering when on skis. Back in the 1800s and much, much earlier in Norway, Japan and other mountainous areas used this technique often. You held it with two hands and dragged it in the snow behind you to "control" your turn. You put it on one side or the other of you.

I don't see the big advantage to using a stick any more for controlling turns due to today's rigid boots and much-more secure bindings (all types). However it is another way to separate a man from his money....

Pictured: Franz Reisch, Kitzbuehl, late 1890s.

Look at how his hands are positioned - that will give you an idea how it was used.
I think wearing a necktie is optional nowadays

 

[abc]

bump to displace the K-mart threads!

 

[SIKSKIER]

bump to displace the K-mart threads!

I'm not sure anything Killington has done has been this ridiculous.

 

[billski]

The untold story is that they are good for stick fighting when your personal space has been violated by a yahoo :blink:

 

[PomfretPlunge]

Banzai!

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Frank Reisch's skis have no tails at all... is that common for skis from the 1800s?