SKI-ING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 July 1935, Page 3

SKI-ING.

A THRILLING SNOW SPORT. NERVE AND JUDGMENT—BIG JUMP RECORDS. Snowfalls have been frequent on Mt. Eginont this winter, but the conditions have not been suitaible for extensive ski-ing. (Consequently, Stratford Mountain Club members are keenly awaiting a chance for a good day's sport on the sticks. The Big Jump. In the <sold a skier's fancy quickly turns to thoughts of snow. So I was lucky (says an Australian writer) to find the only skier left in Melbourne the other day and asked him how the new world's record ski jump of 325 feet compared with local efforts. I learnt that not more than half that distance has been cleared in Australia or New Zealand, .but, it was emphasised, those who go over the big jumps abroad are not always following the best ski-ing traditions, which attach .fequal importance to style. In cqmpetitions, ( 20 ; points are allotted for distance and 20 points for style for each jump. The eagle-eyed judges are quick to deduct marks for any fault in body carriage through the air. The jumping hill for the Olympic Games in Germany next year is designed for a maximum leap of 160 feet. Nerve Required.

Few sports demand greater nerve than ski jumping. As the juniper approaches the take-off platform the landjug ground is out of sight. He shoots out into space at a mile-a-minute and Strikes the hard-packed • snow at a .slightly greater speed.

Two of the greatest ski jumpers are the brothers Rudd from Norway. Not long ago they' went off a jump together and cleared 220 feet each. The one who got off a fraction of a second first turned his head in mid-air to inquire after the whereabouts of the other.

On another occasion one of them broke a ski in competition when he was leading for the championship. Undeterred, he went over on a ski and three-quarters. The more sensitive spectators shut their eyes as he landed practically on the ski, but he kept his balance and won the event.