KICK DOUBLE POLE. While it is definitely a beloved gear there is a bit of timing and "edge" to KDP that can feel a bit elusive. We thought it might be fun to explore KDP a little deeper, but with a twist.
Below is an "interview" with Kick Double Pole. The conflicted and somewhat saucy gear took a break from a busy end-of-season racing schedule to chat with us - exploring biases, challenges and second chances.
With that, let's get to it.
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The Interview.
NORDJÖRK: Hi there, thanks for joining us.
KDP: Yeah, aw’right.
NORDJÖRK: First off - we're big fans. But, we have heard from other skiers you can be a real d*ck. How did you get such a bad rap?
KDP: I wouldn't say I'm a d*ck. Just picky about who I hang out with. I mean, I'm part of the classic skiing sub-technique and like, we don't just give sh*t away. We're not skaters.
NORDJÖRK: OK, fair enough. But why does it seem like you're challenging to learn?
KDP: Yeah, I can't come to the party without an invite from weight-transfer and glide.
NORDJÖRK: Those are some mean coolers. Maybe explain that to the people in the back?
KDP: If you can't be completely weighted on 1 ski and control your gliding leg, I don't work. I need commitment ya know? Maybe you can fake it, but you won't really be skiing me and you certainly won't be able to use me to any real benefit.
NORDJÖRK: And what about skiers that can't quite figure out your peculiar timing?
KDP: That's your opinion, man. My timing is wicked. It’s a half-beat, like AC/DC’s Back in Black. Just DP, and when you start to bring your hands up, push-off and lift that leg.
NORDJÖRK: Some people are saying all you need is DP and diagonal stride. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
KDP: Bruv, haters gonna hate. Use me whenever you want. I like to cruise flats, easy climbs, slow downhills, you name it. If you’re racing, try mixing me in to give those legs a break here and there. I’m easy like Sunday morning, but as fast as you want me to be when it’s go time.
NORDJÖRK: Where are you at your best?
KDP: Right after the pints start flowing.
NORDJÖRK: No, I mean…
KDP: Yeah, sorry mate. At the start of a climb. That's my sweet spot. I like to stick myself right in-between a DP and the diagonal. It’s like a classic sandwich, that. All the sub-techniques rolled into one, perfect doobie. So, yeah - try me there.
And there you have it! Big thanks to our special guest, KDP. If any of you have questions about some of the responses, please check in with our breakout session below.
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This Is What We Mean By GLIDE.
One of the more challenging pieces to a successful KPD is a controlled single-legged glide with hands up. And to be honest, if you are NOT executing a single-legged glide in striding, KDP might be more difficult to find. But it's not without some patience and focused work on the trails. Take a look at Coach Kevin's position:
→ Soft flexion in the ankle.
→ Head, hands, eyes UP
→ Torso lifting and squared to trail
If you are struggling to find comfort and control with a single-leg gliding phase, work on these elements and drills to make next season your best KDP, yet!
🦵🏻One-legged DP in set-track. Keep balanced leg lightly flexed with weight evenly over the entire foot (not just balls of feet OR heels), head up. Try to keep shoulders from dipping, or rocking. Just use your arms to propel yourself up the track. Practice with each leg!
🏋🏻♀️ During the off-season, work on single-leg balance and strength exercises. Outstanding content on the interwebs, or with your local certified trainer. Balance work done in the summer months ALWAYS pays off in the winter.
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This Is What We Mean By TIMING.
Video below contains MUSIC. Please turn up sound to better understand KDP timing.
→ When Coach Kevin's hands come UP it is timed to the CLAP in the music
→ When his hands are at the finish of the DP it is timed to the CLAP in the music
→ This timing mimics a 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 (or) POLE and KICK and POLE and KICK rhythm where the PAUSE is at the TOP of the DP or at the END of the DP.
If you are struggling to find the timing, try the following:
🧍🏻Try the motions IN PLACE (statically) so you don't have to worry about the skiing part.
👯 Ski behind or next to a friendo and match their rhythm.
the closer What We're Thinking About
That KDP seems like a pretty cool dude. The kinda guy who gets bad rap and tends to take the brunt of stereotyping because folks can't be bothered to learn who he is - to get to know the inner KDP. That makes us a little sad because aren't diamond found in the rough?
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