We asked seven top skiers who are leading the Japanese basic skiing world to talk about their commitment to their ski poles. The truth emerged: "Stocks change the way you ski." We hope you will take note of the surprising points that will help you improve your level
Shun Okumura
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Born in Kyoto Prefecture. Went to Hokkaido to study skiing when he entered junior high school and devoted himself to alpine skiing until university. Experienced a member of the national junior team, and switched to basic skiing after graduating from university. Placed second overall in three consecutive competitions since the 60th Technical Championships. SAJ National Demonstrator.
Poles used: SILVERRATIOO x KIZAKI | SILVERRATIOO Performance
Pole length: Long 107-110cm | Short 104-105cm | Off-road 95-100cm
Height: 169cm
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
Make sure they are short for your height.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
Push the rings of the poles forward so that it is easier to move your upper body forward.
●How do you use poles on mogul slopes?
Select whether to put them out straight or rotate them depending on the shape of the mogul.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
To maintain balance.
●What should beginners pay attention to when using poles?
Place your hands within your field of vision and move your wrists within that field.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
When I was in junior high school, Sasaki Akira gave me some advice about poles.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Kishu Anada
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Born in Hokkaido. Started skiing at the age of 3. From the third grade of elementary school, he started mountain biking and telemark skiing in parallel with skiing, and is a unique skier who has the ability to compete on the world stage in both. Placed 7th overall in the 62nd Technical Championships. SAJ National Demonstrator.
Poles used: LEKI | VENOM VARIO 3D.
Pole length: Long 115cm | Short 115cm | Off-road 105cm-108cm.
Height: 171cm.
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
I select a type with a strap that can be removed with one touch so I can always grip the pole with the same feeling.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
To maintain balance, push off early when changing turns.
●How do you do pole work on mogul slopes?
I always make sure to push off slightly to the outside of my heel.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
Balance, front and back position, turn rhythm, everything.
●What points should beginners pay attention to when working with poles?
If you imagine turning the tip of the ring before pushing off, your timing will match your skiing.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
Once another skier stepped on me with great force but my poles didn't break, and I was reminded of how strong they are.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Miku Kuriyama
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Born in Toyama Prefecture. Devoted himself to alpine skiing during his student days, and after graduating from high school, he competed in the Technical Championships. He won three consecutive championships from the 54th to 56th tournaments. He has served as a SAJ National Demonstrator for six consecutive terms, and was selected to represent Japan at Interski in 2023.
Pole used: SINANO | FreeFAST-α
Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation
Height: 146 cm
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
Because I'm short, I select shorter, more extendable poles and ones with smooth grips for the fingers.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles? I
try to relax and use poles in a way that doesn't impair the smoothness of my skiing.
●How do you use poles on mogul slopes?
I try to change my pole work depending on whether I'm skiing slowly or speeding up on a mogul slope.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
They're a partner that helps with balance, rhythm, and timing.
●What should beginners pay attention to when using poles?
At first, I don't hold the poles, and I clap my hands when I switch gears to learn the rhythm.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
Having a manufacturer make an original model for me.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Tetsuya Aoki
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Born in Niigata Prefecture. Dedicated to alpine skiing from a young age, he switched to basic skiing upon graduating from high school. An all-rounder who has consistently ranked highly since making it into the top ten in 2011. Placed 14th overall in the 62nd Technical Championships.
Poles used: KOMPERDELL | PROVARIO race grip & strap
Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation
Height: 170 cm
KOMPERDELL｜PROVARIO race grip&strap
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
I use carbon fiber, and I select them with particular emphasis on how easy the grip is to hold.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
Changing the grip point, from index finger to pinky, changes your stance (how you use your strength), so I change it depending on the turn size and style of skiing.
●How do you use poles on mogul slopes?
Use poles that are 60% of your height, and basically stick them at the top of the mogul.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
Holding them makes it easier to balance and time your movements.
●What should beginners pay attention to when using poles?
At first, there's no need to push them too hard, but once you get used to it, pushing them when you switch will make your movements smoother.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
During a competition, I accidentally took one pole away, and I was left with just two poles, one for each hand, which was a bit of a hassle.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Ryota Mizuochi
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Born in Niigata Prefecture. Active as an alpine skier until university, he competed in the technical championships after graduation. In 2023, he achieved his best result of fifth place overall, becoming a top skier. He has also served as an SAJ demonstrator for seven terms, and is currently actively giving lessons in addition to his skiing activities.
Poles used: SWIX Sonic R1
Pole length: Long 115cm | Short 110cm | Off-road 100cm
Height: 171.5cm
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
I look for a non-slip grip, and I value lightness and balance.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
I try not to push too hard, so I can move smoothly and not get stuck.
●How do you use poles on mogul slopes?
If you push the pole at the top of the mogul, the force tends to be released upwards, so imagine pushing it towards the back of the mogul.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
They are items that help you maintain balance during turns and recover.
●What should beginners pay attention to when using poles?
It's easier to get the timing right if you use your wrist before switching gears and push the pole ring forward before pushing.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
I forgot to check the screws on my telescoping poles before skiing in a competition, and I panicked when I found that the length had changed after I finished skiing.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Go Tokutake
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Born in Nagano Prefecture. Started skiing at a young age and competed in FIS races. After graduating from university, he moved to the technical competition, placing 10th overall in the 43rd competition, becoming the first SAJ demonstrator to be certified. He currently runs "ITM Ski Lab." and provides lessons all year round.
Pole used: OGASAKA LC-FS
Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation
Height: 170cm
Q&A
● What do you pay particular attention to when choosing poles?
I prioritize ease of swinging. Heavy poles are difficult to swing quickly, so I choose light poles.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
If you push your poles in at the same time as edging, you'll likely end up edging to stop, so I try to push them in at a staggered distance.
●How do you do pole work on mogul slopes?
To maintain balance, I do pole work by keeping my fists as still as possible from the position I'm in.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
They're an important tool for maintaining balance and rhythm.
●What should beginners be careful of when using poles?
Push on the backbeat to avoid pushing in at the same time as edging.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
When I first started to develop my skills, I used 120cm poles to ski down moguls with great determination.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Akari Ohba
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Born in Miyagi Prefecture. Dedicated to alpine skiing from a young age, he made his first appearance in the technical competition in 2009 as part of the university federation's quota. He subsequently distinguished himself with his high technical ability, coming in second overall at the 55th competition. Currently, while continuing his racing career, he also runs "Akari Racing," based at a ski resort in Tohoku.
Pole used: KIZAKI | Varius TL14
Pole length: 95-100cm on level ground | 95cm on rough ground
Height: 157cm
Q&A
● What do you consider when choosing poles?
Rather than choosing something that's easy to hold, I choose a model with a grip that's easy for the wrist to use and a certain amount of weight.
●What do you keep in mind when using poles?
Don't grip too tightly, but grip only when you're putting weight on them. Ideal pole work is when the rings come out smoothly with the movement of your wrist.
●How do you work poles on mogul slopes?
You need a stable grip and the rings can move freely, with varying speeds depending on the size of the moguls.
●What do you think the role of poles is?
They are essential for improving balance, power transmission, and movement timing.
●What should beginners pay attention to when
working with poles? The quickest way to master proper pole work is to first relax while skiing. You can use poles after that.
●Do you have any memories related to poles?
When I preferred to use aluminum poles, I broke them because I was using them too hard while skating.
Check out the stock work in the video!