Ski-ing
THESE three latest books on ski-ing bring all the available
information about the sport in its present state of development up to date. Each writer describes fully a different aspect of the sport, and all three aim at the improvement of the general standard of ski-ers.
The section on ski-ing in Winter Sports is written more for the skier of moderate skill than for the " tiger." In addition it makes very good reading for the armchair as it contains some splendid stories. The beginner receives special consideration, and the chapter on " How to Ski " gives such clear directions that they can be carried in the mind without effort and provide a coach for all his work on the nursery t.lopes. Every application.of skis to sport is discussed, including such things as jumping and ski-joring which are not much practised by ordinary visitors to Switzerland.
There are other sections devoted to skating, curling; bob_ sleighing, tobogganing and winter sports for women. The
history of each sport is briefly summarized and the beginner is guided along the whole length of the path which will lead him to championships and their rewards. The volume is the production of a body of experts who have realized that the best advice is only given in the simplest possible language. They make it clear that the essence of success at sport is practice. A complete index is included.
The greater part of The Complete Ski-Runner is given to very careful and comprehensive analyses of the different styles of straight running and all the turns which the beginner or first-class skier will use. Naturally there are many different opinions on how turns should be done. Mr. Lunn has seen the growth of all the different schools of technique in Switzer- land and Central Europe generally. This fact together with his own skill at the sport makes him particularly well qualified to point out the strength and weakness of the styles of the various leaders of thought. The views of such an expert as Mr. Lunn are worth the attention of skiers ; his account of his own method which he calls " the forward knee Will command the interest of those who cannot find their form. His treatment of the problem of hand control will be of real service to beginners. Mr. Lunn writes with authority and his sum- ming up of the various subjects of controversy is masterly. Any skier, irrespective of his standard of proficiency, will find new methods of improving his style. The book deserves careful study by all those keenly interested in the finer points of technique.
Downhill Ski-Racing contains sound advice on how to become a good racer. The chapters on the art and psychology of running a race and on methods of ski-ing faster are specially worthy of note.
Mr. Mitchell belongs to the racing school which holds that the principle of good racing is cutting out all but the most necessary risks, as most races are lost as a result of a fall. The other school holds that the race is the thing and a fall is to be avoided if possible, -but speed is worth the risk. Both have their supporters, but as ski-racing is a new sport changes of opinion and actual technique are certain to occur. The book sets out the position as it stands at present and the author's own prowess is a most convincing argument that his views are correct.
J. C. II.
Previous page
