Really? Was the toe of the boot flush with the toe of the binding or was there a space allowed by the duck bill providing the tension to stay in place...if that makes sense?
Also, I hear you about the free heel. However, since my interest in tele was initially sparked, about five years ago, the risk of injury appeared so much greater. I mean, skiing and injury go hand in hand. I've had my fair share of broken thumbs, ribs, and other non-weight barring bones along with bumps, bruises, and gashes.....it's all good. But, since I've actually started to tele and a lot, I have been more aware of my knees, in the sense that I am concerned about long term wear and tare.
Now, I can't believe I am going to say this because many of people have been forced to withstand my endless promotion of our sport. In doing so, I've done my best to defeat many of the misnomers surrounding skiing by trying to impress upon people that skiing is a matter of discipline and technique which results in a wonderful illusion. Ideally, all forces remain neutral at all times. It's just that I fear forces tend to "line up" better with the heel locked in place...
Now, my technique could be the key, I'm well aware. But, since I've freed the heel I feel stress in my knees above the knee cap and on the outer sides of the knee leading around to the back. I'm not too well versed in the physiology of the knee (I do have an appointment with an Ortho next month), so you must forgive me. My knees are even sore days after I've been skiing...something I never experienced all those years on Alpine gear!
It would seem that given my ability to always maintain a good, athletic stance, regardless of terrain or conditions, with my heel locked in, I am less prone to injury while enjoying the act of skiing itself, versus what kind of trauma I bring upon myself as a result.
That is to say, I feel my risk of injury from turn to turn on tele's is much greater then on Alpine gear. I mean honestly, I couldn't see myself getting hurt while linking turns on my Dynastars, but dropping the heel seems to leave me a bit more vulnerable, no matter my speed or rate of turn...fast and tight or slow and patient, being most optimal.
This probably all has much to do with my lack of experience with a free heel when compared to my alpine days. Still, I wonder if I am better off on Randonee, French for "Can't Tele"
I do love Telemark, it is a very natural, beautiful turn, and it does feel great!
Thanks for the response!
"If you don't do it this year, you'll just be one year older when you do."
Sorry - couldn't resist, Rich.
Hybrid Mode
