Part 1: Skills For Flat Terrain
Level:

Kick Double Pole

To keep up momentum in all types of terrain, we need to choose our technique wisely. For skiing up and down hills, the choice is natural. On uphills, the diagonal stride provides grip and glide as long as its not too steep. On downhills, a simple tuck does the trick with the help of a double pole push or two. But the flats are where many skiers are left in a quandary. Here, the diagonal stride is fast but its movements can leave us off balance, especially at high speeds. The double pole works, but many of us don't have the arm strength to keep it up for long. If you find yourself in between these two techniques, try the Kick Double Pole.

The kick-double-pole is an intermediate technique for maintaining speed in flat or slightly downhill terrain

The kick double pole technique provides power from a mule-like single kick followed by a double pole push. Because we’re gliding on both feet after poling, it's stable and gives a moment of rest.

To learn its rhythm and movements, start by standing in place and repeat the name, "kick - double pole". As we say the word “kick”, swing one leg back and simultaneously swing the arms forward (5b-d). Then as we say "double pole", swing the arms down and back (don't plant the poles for now) and bring the rear foot forward and parallel with the other (5g). Repeat this a few times until we feel a natural rhythm. To keep it simple, kick the same leg back each time.

Once we feel comfortable with the rhythm we’re ready to go. To get grip and power from the kicking ski, pressure it as you do in the diagonal stride (5b). It's a forceful downward kick to get the wax or pattern to grip on the snow, then back.