skating hills

Question
Hi David,

Regarding going down hills, if I slalom, or use the T-stop, I find I have control. There are times, however, if I crouch down in a deep seated position I sometimes feel as if I'm going to go down. I feel kinda wobbly. I don't know whether to place my weight back on the heels or on the balls or centered, etc., or the distance apart I should keep my feet -- shoulder width, wider, etc.

I always heard crouching was the most stable way to go down hills but for me I feel more stable in the more upright position.

Thanks.

Mike Carson

Answer
I prefer to call it the "safety position" and I skate in it almost all of the time. Instead of crouching down, bend you knees a bit, lower your center of gravity a bit. Spread your feet apart, not by width, but put one a little in front of the other,like a scissor move, or behind, finding the combination that is most comfortable. Center your weight over the center, not 1 foot or the other. This will feel a little weird at first, but will become comforbable.

By doing this you gain in several ways; your center of gravity is closer to the ground, having your feet spread a bit in a bit of a scissor also allow more independence of each foot, incase one hits a crack or a rock, etc. and allow you better control, of your balance, not relying on 1 foot or the other, but using both independently.

Make sense? Feel free to reply if I am not clear.