The sole criterion for the order of results is dynamic range.
No 1. Mete
Looking like a champ – except he is about to slide rather a long way sideways and down below the gate! He is definitely generating the biggest dynamic range here but his timing was a bit late due to inexperience and and the fact that it takes a while to learn how to generate “early” dynamics. Most people are “late” because they wait to react to supportive forces from the skis and the ground generated though angular accelerations and gravity – instead of generating them by launching the body downwards towards the snow – downhill – prior to there being any reactive forces already working. Also lacking in hip angulation and a bit collapsed at the waist – to be worked on… No shortage of determination!
No 2. Haluk
Not carving but surviving off-piste – same thing really. Good dynamics and arm carriage. What can’t be seen here is the rotation at the start and end of the turn – which makes life relatively difficult – both off-piste and in slalom gates. Great dynamic range is not the only tool available for tackling off-piste – although it is the only way to “freeride”.
No 3. Defné
Looking strong with a generous dynamic range. Good arm carriage. She looks to be a little too far back in the ski boot and lacking in freedom around the hip – there being also a slight knee tuck. The main thing though is dynamic range and there is plenty of it here. This will allow Defne to ski well off piste and to use a slalom course to really develop her skiing to another level if she chooses to do so.
No 4. Emir
Emir is very clean on his edges and is well placed over his feet and relaxed at the hips. His poor arm carriage comes from the fact that he is not generating dynamics by moving his body – the dynamics are almost completely reactive – just responding to the skis on their edges and allowing the skis to to pass under the body from side to side. More time in the slalom course would sort that out.
Nos 5 & 6 Cagatay and Taha
Neck and neck in the dual slalom – and they look like clones too! Stiff outside legs and no hip angulation. Plenty of determination though. The dynamic range is not quite there yet but they both probably feel like they are right down at the ground. It was on this run I think that Taha really started to perceive the “Centre of Mass” and the role that it plays in dynamics and hence in skiing.
No 7 Derin
Definitely the cutest of the bunch – but let’s see a little bit more dynamic range please!
Mete showing how dynamics works even on the “wrong” ski – if you commit your Centre of Mass in the right direction (and in this case have good awareness and control over your use of the skis edges). Mete knows that he had to move his body into the turn before changing edge and allow the ski to pivot from the uphill edge. Not bad for someone who has skied for a total of 3 weeks.
