Canting Ski Boots to Correct Skier Stance
Healthy human beings align themselves naturally in any athletic activity. It requires no thought or effort as our joints simply fall into alignment. In the lateral plane the knee joint aligns perpendicular to the applied loads. In simple terms the knees are vertically above the feet. Knock-
This problem lies not with your ski technique, gender, age, nor with any inherent problem with your legs. It is simply that the ski-
Using the KPS Cant Gauge this error can be measured and then it can be corrected. The result will be better skiing. Edging the skis will become a part of your natural movement rather than something that requires a concentrated effort. Skiing on and off piste will be much more fun. That is the bottom line.
Try to find a boot-
But I must warn you that you will find it difficult to get professional help in this area. ‘Qualified’ boot fitters are taught that cuff-
But do search for someone who will do this for you. Be aware that many will try to tell you that it is not necessary. They will simply be repeating what others have told them. But in the end, if you can't find anyone who can understand the importance of this, do it yourself (except for machining the boot-
Make final adjustments according to the way it actually feels on the snow, and particularly how you look a on a Poma or T-
And remember, that while the KPS Cant Gauge is very helpful, you can do all this without one. It will simply require a bit more focus and determination. And it will take a little longer to complete your alignment canting.
Then you will be on a level playing field. The rest is up to you! As Warren Witherell said:
“If you apply the correct edge angle and pressure to a ski, and just stand on it,
it will take you where you want to go.”
By Peter White
IF YOU ARE A SKI RACER
To have shown the early promise that allowed you to advance beyond children's ski-
In the September 2011 issue of Ski Racing Magazine, USA World Cup skier Steven Nymen explains that he runs zero degrees of cuff-
"Some guys are one degree in or out. It sounds crazy that one degree changes that much, but that's the way it works."
We can only agree. You will even feel the affect of a half degree change!
IF YOU ARE A RECREATIONAL SKIER
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier you can benefit enormously from a knowledge of ski boot alignment (or canting). The KPS Cant Gauge is a tool you can use to check your alignment. Optimise your equipment and, whatever your level, your progress will then be limited only by your fitness, application, and desire. Don't let your boots block your progress or your enjoyment of this great sport. A level playing field will make skiing much more fun.
Even novice skiers taking their first steps into the sport will make much more rapid progress if their ski boots are correctly aligned. The rental boots you are using could be adjusted quite simply, or exchanged if you cannot bring them anywhere near correct alignment. The KPS Gauge cannot teach you to ski; that is a job for your instructor. But if you can utilise the gauge to avoid skiing on grossly misaligned boots you will be better able to perform the basic exercises that your instructor will be introducing and progress quickly to the satisfaction of you both. I should add that most complete beginners are rather preoccupied with the on-
EVERY SKIER
Every skier needs to wear boots that allow a natural stance. It is as important for the novice trying to master the rudiments of the sport as it is for the expert trying to extract maximum performance in difficult terrain. And it is just as vital for everyone in between.
YOU should ski on a level playing field!
GET your ski boots aligned. CHECK that they are by using the KPS gauge.