GREAT FUN ABOVE THE SNOW-LINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23061, 11 June 1938, Page 9 (Supplement)

GREAT FUN ABOVE THE SNOW-LINE

Like any other sport, ski-ing must be learned gradually. Moving pictures of some of the finest skiers in the world, speeding at break-neck pace down a steep slope, or. even more thrilling, engaged in long-distance jumping contests, are largely responsible for the popular idea of the difficulty of the sport. It is often overlooked that these men are athletes trained to the last ounce, and with years of experience behind them. A beginner would never be allowed to

take part in such contests, where accurate timing, perfect balance ,and hundreds of shorter preliminary runs are necessary for success.

First Time Out With skis strapped to your boots for the first time, a beginner feels decidedly awkward, and wonders how he will possibly be able to move with these long, pointed, up-curving pieces of waxed wood attached to his feet. He need not worry. Walking with skis is quite an art in itself, and although it is soon mastered, some instruction is usually given, even at this early stage. After

all, it is necessary to walk to the top of a slope if one wants to slide down, and so walking is the first lesson. Short runs, perhaps only of a tew yards, follow. At this stage there are usually a few spills, and each beginner is liable to find himself tangled up, with 6kis. sticks and boots in all directions, and probablv liberally smothered with snow as well. With experience comes confidence, however, and before long more ambitious runs are undertaken. Spills are fewer., and at the end of his first season at thu grounds, the beginner is leaving the novice stage be-Ski-racing is a branch of the sport that is gaining rapidly in popularity and importance in New Zealand. Experienced men from Australia, and occasional visitors from even further afield, lend an international touch to the meeting, and there is particularly keen

competition. Various types of races are held, and there is neariy always a great crowd to watch the men as they speed along the course, with the fine snow flying like smoke from hehind their skis. A bright future for the winter sports of New Zealand was forecast by an American champion who visited the Dominion last year. He was extremely impressed, not only with the winter sports grounds of the Dominion, and he visited them all, but also with the growing popularity of the sport, and the number of young people taking it up. His advice is well worth while bearing in mind, as it has particular application for boys and girls.

It was, briefly: "Begin early, take no risks in the early stages, keep fit, and learn to enjoy the natural winter sports facilities of a land that provides so abundantly for the lover of the out-of-doors."