What do you generaly think of ppl who ski without ski poles?

Question

like whats your first thought/impression?

for me, i generaly see them speed more, and hit the rails and what not.

is there like a reason why they don't use poles? or just a prefrence? and is it looked down on or anything??? like ppl who use ski bladeS?

Answer 1

If you are a young beginer, going pole-less is acceptable.

But every one over the age of 12 should use poles at all times.  A lot of freeskiers are going without poles, which make them look retarded.  They waddle around in their baggy pants and basketball jerseys and take and hour to get up the small slope bottom of the chair.

Answer 2

I don't know man... I DO know that there's some controversy arising in the freestyle world... brought on by riders trying to be different... about whether riding without poles is acceptable in terms of style. To me, although new and different steeze is important, riding without poles just seems, and looks... weird. There's a big association between the lack of poles, and being a beginner/gomer.

For instance:

http://thehouseofoojah.com/catchus/media...

...as compared to:

http://www.freeride.se/img/content/large...

Furthermore, from a coaching standpoint, I've noticed that riding without poles, unless it's for a very specific drill, tends to let the rider be lazy and his form will go all to h**l...

...but, even with all this being said, it is possible to find a few instances of up-coming competitors jibbing without poles. I guess you can only promote it if you do it right...

Oh, and for obvious reasons, riding backcountry/big mountain without poles is just... well, it's nothing... it just doesn't work.

Answer 3

who cares if it is looked down upon?

just as skating has influenced snowboarding,

snowboarding has influenced skiing.

I cant understand why everyone is so worried about class, and style.  I thought it was all about a good time.

Whatever happened to the mealting pot idea our grandfathers spoke of?

lack of imigration policies I guess.

oh yeah, You dont need poles with ski blades.  they are like skates.

I usually carry 1 ski pole with my snowboard in deep powder.

Answer 4

I think that they are making things more difficult on themselves than it really should be.  The only people who shouldnt use poles are kids or beginners, they just get in the way.