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. Upon entering junior high school, she went to Hokkaido to study skiing and dedicated herself to alpine skiing until university. She was a member of the national junior team and switched to recreational skiing after graduating from university. She placed second overall in three consecutive competitions starting from the 60th Technical Ski Championships. SAJ National Demonstrator.
Poles used:SILVERRATIOO×KIZAKI｜SILVERRATIOO Performance
Pole length: Long 107-110cm｜Short 104-105cm｜Uneven ground 95-100cm
Height: 169cm
Q&A
●What are your preferences when choosing ski poles?
To set them to be shorter than my height.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
To make it easier to lean my upper body forward, I move the rings of the poles forward.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
Depending on the shape of the mogul, I choose whether to extend the poles straight or rotate them.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
To maintain balance.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful of when using ski poles?
Place your hands within your field of vision and move your wrists within that field of vision.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
When I was in junior high school, I received advice on ski poles from Akira Sasaki.
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 3rd grade of elementary school, he took up mountain biking and telemark skiing alongside skiing, and is an unconventional skier who possesses the skills to compete on the world stage in all three disciplines. 7th place overall in the 62nd Technical Skiing Championships. SAJ National Demonstrator.
Poles used:LEKI | VENOM VARIO 3D
Pole length: Long 115cm | Short 115cm | Uneven ground 105cm-108cm
Height: 171cm
Q&A
●What are your preferences when choosing ski poles?
I select poles with straps that can be detached with a single touch, so that I can always grip them with the same feeling.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
To maintain balance, I plant them early when changing turns.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
I always try to plant them slightly outside of my heel.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
Balance, front and back position, turn rhythm, everything.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
If you imagine rotating the tip of the ring before planting, the timing will match your skiing.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
There was a time when another skier stepped on my poles with great force, but they didn't break, which made me realize again how strong my ski poles are.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Miku Kuriyama
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Born in Toyama Prefecture. During his student years, he dedicated himself to alpine skiing, and after graduating from high school, he entered the technical competition. He achieved three consecutive victories from the 54th to the 56th competitions. He has served as an SAJ National Demonstrator for six consecutive terms and was selected as a member of the Interski Japan national team in 2023.
Poles used:SINANO | FreeFAST-α
Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation
Height: 146cm
Q&A
●What are your preferences when choosing ski poles?
Because I'm short, I choose types that are shorter and more retractable, and those with smooth finger grips.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
Relaxing my grip and using poles in a way that doesn't compromise the smoothness of my skiing.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
I try to change my pole technique depending on whether I'm skiing slowly or at speed on a mogul slope.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
They are partners that help with balance, rhythm, and timing.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
At first, don't hold the poles, and clap your hands to remember the rhythm at the timing of the changes.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
Having a manufacturer create 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 childhood, and switched to recreational skiing upon graduating from high school. An all-rounder who has consistently ranked among the top since placing in the top ten in 2011. 14th overall in the 62nd Technical Skiing Championships.
Poles used:KOMPERDELL | PROVARIO race grip & strap.
Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation.
Height: 170cm
KOMPERDELL｜PROVARIO race grip&strap
Q&A
●What are your priorities when choosing ski poles?
I choose carbon fiber poles, and I especially prioritize ease of grip.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
By changing the point where I grip them—using my index finger or little finger—the stance (how I use force) changes, so I adjust it depending on the turn size and my skiing style.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
I make the poles 60% of my height and basically plant them at the top of the mogul.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
Holding them makes it easier to maintain balance and time movements.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
At first, there's no need to force yourself to plant them, but once you get used to it, planting them at the right moment when changing direction will make your movements smoother.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
At a competition, one of my poles was mistakenly taken, and I was left with two separate poles, which was a problem.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Ryota Mizuochi
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Born in Niigata Prefecture. She was an alpine skier until university, and after graduation, she moved on to the technical skiing competition. In 2023, she achieved her personal best of 5th place overall, and has been active as a top player. She has also served as an SAJ demonstrator for 7 terms, and currently, in parallel with her athletic career, she is also actively giving lessons.
Poles used:SWIX Sonic R1,
Pole length: Long 115cm | Short 110cm | Uneven ground 100cm,
Height: 171.5cm
Q&A
●What are your priorities when choosing ski poles?
I prioritize lightness and balance, along with a non-slip grip.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
I ski with the intention of not pushing too hard, so that I can move smoothly without stopping my movement.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
If you push the poles at the top of the mogul, the force tends to escape upwards, so I try to push them on the back side of the mogul.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
They are an item that helps maintain balance during turns and assists with recovery.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
Before switching turns, use your wrist to bring the ring of the pole forward before pushing it down, which makes it easier to time your movements.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
Before skiing in a competition, I forgot to check the screws on my telescopic poles, and I panicked when I realized the length had changed after 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 and other events. After graduating from university, he shifted his focus to technical ski competitions, placing 10th overall in the 43rd competition and becoming the first SAJ Demonstrator. He currently runs "ITM Ski Lab." and conducts all-season ski lessons.
Poles used:OGASAKA LC-FS
; Pole length: Adjustable depending on the situation;
Height: 170cm
Q&A
●What are your priorities when choosing ski poles?
I prioritize ease of swinging. I choose light ones because heavy ones make it difficult to swing quickly.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
If you plant the pole at the same time as edging, it tends to result in a stopping edging, so I try to plant it slightly off-center.
●How do you use ski poles on mogul slopes?
To maintain balance, I try to keep my fists as still as possible from my stance while using ski poles.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
They are an important tool for maintaining balance and rhythm.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
Don't plant the pole at the same time as edging; plant it on the off-beat.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
When I first started competing in technical competitions, I used 120cm ski poles and skied down moguls with sheer willpower.
Check out the stock work in the video!
Akari Ohba
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Born in Miyagi Prefecture. She has been dedicated to alpine skiing since childhood, and in 2009, she made her debut in the technical competition through the university federation's quota. After that, she rose to prominence with her high level of technical skill, and won second place overall in the 55th competition. Currently, while continuing her athletic career, she runs "Akari Racing" based at ski resorts in the Tohoku region.
Poles used:KIZAKI | Various TL14
Pole length: 95-100cm on level ground | 95cm on uneven ground
Height: 157cm
Q&A
●What are your priorities when choosing ski poles?
I choose models with grips that are easy to use on the wrist rather than just easy to hold, and that have a certain amount of weight.
●What do you keep in mind when using ski poles?
Don't grip too tightly, grip only when you put weight on the poles. The ideal is ski pole work where the ring moves smoothly forward with the movement of your wrist.
●What is your ski pole work like on mogul slopes?
Stability in the hands where you grip, and the ability to freely move the ring in varying speeds depending on the size of the mogul.
●What do you think is the role of ski poles?
Essential for balance, power transmission, and improving timing of movement.
●What are some points that beginners should be careful about when using ski poles?
First of all, relaxing while skiing is the quickest way to learn proper ski pole work. Ski poles can come later.
●Do you have any memories related to ski poles?
When I preferred using aluminum poles, I broke one because I was using too much force when skating.
Check out the stock work in the video!