S.L.O.P.E.
- An acronym_script for Recovery
What did the snowboarder say to the skier who was trying to get up from a fall?
Not a joke. True story. While the Slopefriend team was developing a script for this purpose We took some time on the slopes to create and edit a script for people to use as a template to get up from a fall and to help others to get up from a fall. Currently, there is no universal document or signage to use in this manner. During a field test at Hunter Mountain, New York - a snowboarder stopped by to help and offer her recommendations for a skier to get up from a fall. Bless her heart. It sorta made sense and yet made none at all. The irony of the situation was not lost in her explanation and it certainly highlighted the fact that there is no universal script for getting up from a fall.
There are many interpretations on how to get up from a fall - but no defined canon of criteria in media or signage for the user.
On the slopes, many experts have a recipe for success in getting up, based on their previous experience and outdated ideas. The underlying problem with these is that there is no orientation guide (SlopeNav Orientation Chart by Slopefriend) to anchor the process.
⬇️ Here are our designated directive key words whose first letter spell out our acronym S.L.O.P.E. ⬇️
Slow-Mo
Locate
Operations
Pre-Launch
Exo-cution
1. Slow-Mo:
Slow it down. There’s no rush to get back up. Just like a scene out of an action film; when the protagonist falls and reacts - the sequence is rendered in slow motion. Our hero assesses what just happened (WTF) and ponders what to do next. The theme in this particular scene is: Reaction filtered through the senses. Be aware that your experience/ sense of time should be adjusted to fit the situation.
With that in mind - before you make any major moves:
Look around. Do you see oncoming traffic* and/or any loss of gear**?
Listen. Is anyone inquiring as to your well-being?
Feel - for any joint/muscle/tendon tension or discomfort?
Feel what is happening with your joints
2. Locate:
Locate [dnhl] and decide how you might orient your boots/skis to it (no action required just yet).
Your recovery begins on the basis of knowing where you lie on the SlopeNav 8 Point Chart System. Where exactly is [dnhl] for you? This bearing is your “home page” or “Magnetic North” on a compass if you will. It is the function key that acts as a reset button for return to game play.
Observe slope pitch/degree of gradient & flow line.
The Flow Line is one of several paths of least resistance on a multi-tiered vector field slope.
Next: we will assess where we are oriented and where we might want to go…
3. Operations:
Movement of the body (to pre-launch edge catch-point) by applying aspects of two methods and completed with foundational posture placement.
“Round the Clock” body rotational action from a cranking operation with the elbow acting as the crank/lever & hipbone planted in the snow as the central pivot point. Upper body is emphasized in taking the workload and force of weight.
“Rollover in Bed” - L /R operation is applicable if your boots/skis are already oriented to [dnhl]
Rollover in Bed or The Car Hood (see Fall & Recovery 8)
Around the clock you will go while skis+boots spread slightly apart (the width is maybe about a foot or so) in anticipation of the edge catch-point. Align skis in parallel in “Scissor” formation with [uphl] (hipbone planted leg) ski edge poised to catch/connect/grip when placed perpendicular to [dnhl] or the flow line (relative to slope mechanical advantage - EXO).
Round The Clock or The Hipster Donut (see Fall & Recovery 8)
Next: you will create a strategy to get up within a stable & safe position.
4. Pre-Launch:
(Formula+Checklist):
Strategy meets Stability - Determine stability through connectivity and effective use of:
- Choice of “Sweet Spot Support” on Edge Catch Point from Ski A/B Spread - Check.
- Strength + Stability of EXO Advantage = Ab/Core & Leg strength + Arm + Pole Placement x
Leverage choice x Momentum (timing) “Bouncy Baby Bottom: Behind Boots, ‘Bove Binding” micro-test before commitment - Check.
- Choice of Pole Leverage Framework* = Angle of pole placement + Grip Quality -> relative to degree of slope + intention of targeted destination - Check.
“A” or “X” Frame / Pull/Push Lever Lover Cane-Combo / Canoe Paddle
Next: Rise/Launch Trajectory using the natural mechanical advantage of a slope.
Edge Catch Support leads to “Close The Book” and initiates the Rise-n-Glide.
Next: Rise/Launch Trajectory using the natural mechanical advantage of a slope. ⬇️
Edge Catch Support leads to “Close The Book” and initiates the Rise-n-Glide.
“EXO” denotes the concept of approaching the learning process as if you are the pilot/bearer of a mechanized exosuit. There would be a series of steps to follow as protocols. When these steps are followed - freedom of movement and choice is attained to utilize the body moving through gravitational pull on a slick slope environment. Then the real fun begins and endless possibilities!🎿🔥
Commit/ Rise-n-Glide! - All parts work in succession & support a smart snappy recovery.
Edge Bite holds (fast) to your foundational snow position. The poles support you while you Commit in going with your momentum drive (legs + core strength).
The mechanical operations of your launch strategy sequential clicks with ease of motion and economical effort.
The 2 skis (edge in) fold over and “close the book” in unison to arrive at flat base/ neutral/ push off as you confidently Rise-n-Glide in composure towards next destination*.
*If you feel that your recovery effort is not adhering to your intentions/expectations - by all means; feel free to call a “Do-Over”. Fall back onto your bottom and drive your elbow into the snow for support. Take your time to do it all again (Loop back into Slow-Mo step).
