How to Use a Lurk While Telemark Skiing

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(2 Ratings)

Taking a trick from telemark skiers of a hundred years ago and using a lurk - a long stick or pole held in both hands and used for balance - may improve your skiing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ski Clothing
Telemark Ski Equipment

Step 1

Find a 6- to 8-foot bamboo stick or cross-country ski pole.
Step 2

Spread your hands about a foot and a half apart.
Step 3

Grab the lurk with both hands. An equal amount of the stick or pole should extend past each hand.
Step 4

Start skiing and turn to the left.
Step 5

Angle the left side of the lurk into the snow and drag the end as you turn.
Step 6

Turn to the right and drag the right side end of the lurk in the snow.
Step 7

Notice that your hands are forced to remain in front of your body while using the lurk. This also causes your upper body to point downhill and remain stable.
Step 8

Switch to regular ski poles and try to mimic the hand and upper body position you used while skiing with the lurk.

Tips & Warnings

Try to use a lurk when you are beginning to telemark ski. It will help teach you the correct upper body position.
Telemark skiing is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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