To drop a hand, or not?

OscawanaSkier

So I always use the beginning of the season to make a big change in my skiing technique. For example, Seth told me to wait until spring to swap my goofy grip (which worked great). Now I’m wondering if this year I should force myself to drop a hand starting from pass #1 (I’ve always skied double-pawed).

I have lots to work on (strength, body position...) so just wondering how important you guys think one-handed passes are to progress as a 15off skier.

Horton

@OscawanaSkier it's next to impossible to coach you on something this fundamental without seeing you ski but in general I advocate releasing your free hand more later than sooner in your technical progression.

skialex

I remember some 15-20 years ago an article in WSM from Rhoni Barton that 2 hand turns teach you proper edge change. So despite the pressure from coaches, I kept 2 hands on until I run 34mh. Then when started dropping my hand I almost immediately run 36mh and [email protected]
Where I ski most people start dropping their hand after they start running the course.
I think “later” paid off in my case.

keithh2oskier

I started dropping my hand really early as a kid because well we were wally skiers and it looked cooler. I think it was detrimental and I still have crappy edge changes. I vote stick with two hands.

igkya

Agree with others... dropping 1 hand too soon may look cool, but it is detrimental running the course.

OscawanaSkier

Really appreciate the insight. I’ll resist my ski buddies telling me to “just drop your hand” and focus my energy and concentration on improved body position.