2.2.9 Skiing |
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B1, 2, 3. Competitors must wear blackened goggles. They use guides who have sight in one of three ways, following them, side by side
with them, or in front of them. Assuming that there are preset machine made indented tracks present, skiers that follow their guides can
generally outperform the others, primarily because the racer needs few verbal cues, since the skiing sounds, voice cues, or a beeper
attached to the guide provides a direct sound to follow. The guide needs to be a good enough skier to be able to look ahead quickly and at
the same time monitor the ski racer behind. Side by side guides/racers use both sets of preset tracks and the guide needs to give
instructions to the ski racer as they go along the race rout. The guide following method gives the guide great visibility of the race
course and the racer, but requires a lot of verbal commands. The first method is the most natural for the racer, but the most difficult
for the guide, while the first two are the opposite. The commands used are:
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Alpine Skiing |
According to the International Blind Sports Association (www.ibsa.es), "Alpine
(downhill) skiing is one of the rare opportunities available, which allows the blind individual to move freely at speed through time and
space. An opportunity to embrace and commune with the primal force of gravity, thus experiencing the sheer exhilaration of controlled mass
in motion, in a physically independent setting." Whether an elite level ski racer or a weekend ski enthusiast, the thrill and exhilaration of alpine skiing is available to any blind or visually impaired person. Through the efforts of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), most ski resorts can provide instruction to visually impaired persons on how to ski as well as instruction to sighted companions on how to guide. Many ski areas have adaptive ski programs, usually staffed with a combination of professional and volunteer instructors. For B3 and higher acuity level B2 skiers, the only adaptation necessary is to have a competent skier, be it a sibling, friend or instructor, ski in front of the visually impaired person as a guide. The visually impaired person in turn follows the guide, usually as close as possible, and watches the guide for cues as to turn initiation and terrain changes. A predetermined signal, such as a raised arm, can be used to anticipate a stop. If necessary some voice commands can be mixed into this system. For a B1 and low B2 athlete, a voice communication system will be necessary. This can be performed with the guide either in front of or behind the visually impaired skier. The guide must continually provide, in a loud voice, a sound, such as "Go, go, go, go, right turn, go, go, go, left turn, go, go, go..." Again, a pre-determined signal for stopping, such as " Left turn aaaaaannnnd stop!" must be worked out. The key to success with the system is communication, the skier and guide must be willing to work out between them what will be most efficient. A system of different adjectives and voice intonation can greatly enhance the system. This is all part of the game, the journey, and as such should be enjoyed. Go ahead be creative, have fun with it! Some skiers with little or no vision also employ a method of skiing attached, usually side by side with the guide either holding the hand or the ski pole of the blind skier. This method can be most advantageous when skiing through congested areas, on cat tracks and into lift lines. Most B1 and B2 skiers who compete employ a voice amplification system - a boom mounted microphone and a compact amplifier with a speaker, usually installed in a fanny pack or small back pack, which the guide wears. Whatever methods are chosen, skiing can provide the blind and visually impaired with a lifelong sport offering camaraderie, the opportunity to participate with sighted friends and family and the quite unique chance to move independently at speed, in one of natures most beautiful and exhilarating settings. |