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 22@34.

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.