The important thing to remember in using the stick is to hold it quite short, and as far in front as possible. Do not let it drag behind.
The accompanying diagrams illustrate a right and a wrong method. Note that in (1) the left forearm and hand of the runner should rest against the inside of the shin of his left (advanced) leg. The left hand serves as a fulcrum, the long end of the lever being held in the right. Considerable power may be obtained in this manner, but it is not always feasible on lumpy ground. You must use your own judgment as to when to employ it, bearing in mind the above principle. But, above all things, do not assume the position depicted in (2). Here, even though the entire weight of the body rests on the stick, its braking value (owing to the angle at which it touches the snow) is very slight. In this position the ski gradually slide further and further ahead, leaving the stick, with the runner clinging to it, further and further behind; all balance and all control are lost, and as soon as a little inequality is met with a spill occurs.
Fig. 19.—Braking with the stick.—1. A right way; 2. A wrong way.
There exists a way of sitting with the thigh on the pole (not with the junction of the legs) for braking on narrow, steep, and icy roads, where all other means are simply out of the question ([see Fig. 20]); and for the successful execution of this manœuvre it is necessary to note the following points very carefully. Assuming one wishes to sit on the left thigh, then the left hand grasps the end of the pole which protrudes below. Let this hand be close to the seat, and let the part of the stick between hand and point be as short as possible. The right hand rests on the right knee, and seizes the upper end of the pole. This is important, for it is the use of the knee as a support for the upper hand which gives rigidity to the whole arrangement and allows one to hold out over long distances. The leg—the one on which one sits (in the example to the left)—is stretched out in front, and by shifting the weight from the ski to the point of the pole one can stop instantly, even on clear ice.
Fig. 20.—Correct stick riding.
Fig. 21.—Snow ploughing. Showing a method of using the stick.