The Freestyle World Champs held recently at Lake Placid in California, but where were the Kiwi’s? In a country full of great mountains and keen ski-bunnies, you’d think we would have had at least one adventurous soul representing our nation! Freestyle skiing is skiing for extremists, people with guts who aren’t afraid to bruise if it means pulling of a hot new trick.
We want to see more NZ girls representing our country in extreme sports, so check out this week’s Sport Spotlight then get out and buy yourself a season ski pass – they go on sale on Valentine’s Day.
WHAT IS IT?
Freestyle skiing combines skiing with acrobatics and is made up of two disciplines - Moguls and Aerials. It is definitely a sport for people with no fear or the ability to control knocking knees, but we think the adrenaline rush is worth it!
Moguls: No, not super-rich ski bunnies, but bumps along a slope that freestyle skiers must negotiate to win points from the judges! The object of Moguls is to ski down a steep (up to 32 degrees!) slope covered in moguls (which are sometimes as big as cars) as quickly and smoothly as possible. In competition, judges award points for speed and smoothness of the run, as well as the execution of two upright jumps on the way down.
Aerials: Aerials are the most exciting freestyle events on display. The object of the Aerials section of a freestyle skiing competition is to show off your agility by using jumps (kickers) of various sizes to perform acrobatics and tricks. In competition, athletes get two jumps which are judged on their execution and degree of difficulty.
EQUIPMENT:
Skiing is an expensive sport, so don’t let it be something that you do a few times then get bored of. Start with some second-hand gear then think about investing in some new stuff once the passion has really taken hold. Annual costs after you’ve got your gear will include transport to the mountain, accommodation, and of course ski passes – but membership to a ski club can reduce these costs.
Helmet: You’ll need a solid helmet if you’re going to be throwing yourself off ramps, so invest in a good quality hard plastic model. W brand helmets are a good brand to look out for.
Skis: Freestyle skis are wider at the tips than ordinary skis. They are light and are usually shorter than the skier to allow better control on the ramp.
Boots: Freestyle ski boots have to be specially fitted to allow for a strong takeoff and a solid landing.
Goggles: There’s no point hitting the ramps with a pair of sunnies on. You’ll need a super-strength pair of goggles to save your eyes and face from wind burn or a snowball in the eye.
WHO’S HOT?
Due to a lack of hot female freestyle talent in NZ, we took a peek overseas and found the US Freestyle Ski Team, sponsored by fashion label Tommy Hilfiger. The team’s top female competitor is defending World Cup champ Shannon Bahrke. The 23-year old from California has been on the US team for six years and is best known not for her ability, but for her distinctive glitter eye shadow and high-energy style.
Shannon, aka “Sparky”, started skiing at 3, and by the time she was 13 she had been spotted by a freestyle skiing coach. In between skiing a tireless Shannon also played soccer and softball, ran, played trumpet in the symphonic band and jazz band, and even toured nationally representing her school. These days she’s cut down her extra-curricular activities to cycling, water skiing, windsurfing, skiing, and of course, shopping.
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The Freestyle World Champs held recently at Lake Placid in California, but where were the Kiwi’s? In a country full of great mountains and keen ski-bunnies, you’d think we would have had at least one adventurous soul representing our nation! Freestyle skiing is skiing for extremists, people with guts who aren’t afraid to bruise if it means pulling of a hot new trick.
EQUIPMENT: 
WHO’S HOT?