34mph Is Not That Hard.

Seriously. I know this sounds crazy coming from the guy who just weeks ago was whining about his new ski and skiing slump. This is the same guy who did not run a full pass for most of August. But, I said that once I got this ski dialed in and got used to the ski I'd be a better skier. I believe that has happened, at least to some degree.

Yesterday I ran several 32mph passes fully. Then, I told my driver to punch up 33mph (32mph + 1.0 in GPS practice mode, Stargazer). Ran that the first time, pumping fists and screaming like a madman as I snuck through the exit gate. At least one fishing boat on the lake was probably a little freaked out by my display. On my second set I told my wife to dial up 34mph. Ran 5 balls the first try. Then, I promptly ran 6 balls on the 2nd pass through. I wouldn't say I got around 6 ball in control but I got around it and missed the exit gates. Not the prettiest pass but hey, that's 6 balls at 34 . Or 5.5, or whatever. Six to me, anyway. According to the Stargazer single mag timing, the time was exact.

How did I get here? They say repeating the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is insanity. So what did I do? I got a virtual coaching session from Wade Williams at ProSkiCoach.com, and got a new ski. Wade's advice was a breath of fresh air for me and was unlike what I had heard from many other coaches and friends. His advice gave me confidence to try higher speeds, shorter lines, and a new ski. I had to take a couple steps back but now I feel like I've leapt forward.

Why not take a new direction with your skiing? The few steps back is frustrating (as you all noticed in my ski log) but the leap forward has been amazing. I hope to have a few solid 34's in the bag before the season ends, and I can't wait to see what this change has teed up for next year.

Comments:

ral, 9/22/2009: Well done mate!


WadeWilliams, 9/28/2009: Way to go Joel!! I'm psyched to read this post! Glad to hear that you've made strides with your new ski and with your new mental attitude. I'm proud of you!! There's nothing holding you back now.


skipal, 9/30/2009: Hi Joel,Is it possible to know what ski you are using now ? I am very curious.
Thank you and keep siing you are doing great.
Chris


WadeWilliams, 10/1/2009: He got a D3 Custom X
- It's more the skier than the ski though. He was on an F1X, which was great for a while, but it was holding him back.