In skiing technology, this is the year of the rocker
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- Created on Saturday, 25 December 2010 17:43
- Written by Nathan
By GEOFF MINTZ, VAIL DAILY
Every 15 years or so, skiing technology experiences a revelation that changes everything. It's often something that appears strange at first, but after a period of trial and error, becomes the industry standard. This is the year of the rocker.
Ski makers have incorporated camber into ski design since 1850 in Norway. The concave shape against the snow distributes weight evenly across the length of the ski, which provides for better stability and subsequent energy out of the turn. It was a brilliant concept.
More than 100 years later, the late Shane McConkey, who lost his life due to a parachute complication while performing a ski base jump in Italy last year, was among the pioneers of what is becoming a “rocker” revolution.
Most industry insiders agree that the incorporation of reverse camber — or a convex shape against the snow — is no longer a novelty. In one way or another, your next pair of skis will probably be a rocker.
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