SKI LOAD DURING PARALLEL AND CARVING TURN PERFORMANCE

Abstract

We were focused on parallel and carving turn comparison in terms of force field between ski and surface. Nine skiing lectors performance was observed using a special measuring and data recording device developed for this purpose at the Technical University of Liberec. At this stage, we were focused on ski load analysis during the turns, especially during the initiation and steering phase of the turn. The measurements revealed that it is very difficult, although essential for proper turn performance, to initiate a carving turn using equal edging on both skis. Furthermore, we found out that the maximal load level is higher and lasts shorter in parallel turn compared to the carving one. Despite the differences we state that, on our opinion, the skier has to practise both parallel and carving turns in a manner that enables adaptation of the riding technique to the overall conditions.