Lurk pole, Telemark Pole, Lurk Ski Pole, Long Pole, Unipole, Handcrafted Ski Pole, Ski Gear, ThirdEdge, Ski Pole, Wooden Ski Pole

"PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The Lurk, also referred to as a Long Pole or Unipole, is intended to enhance the skiing experience by providing a single pole alternative to the two small pole technique for maneuvering during downhill skiing. The Lurk can provide a unique riding experience for downhill skiers (see Advantages below). This Lurk is handcrafted from renewable North American maple, a strong, resilient (yet lightweight) hardwood (weight of pole is approximately 3 pounds). This pole is unique in that it can be separated into 2 halves for easier transport and storage and has a novel spring plunger lock mechanism for holding the halves securely together. In addition, the Lurk has a metal collar and internal metal rod to ensure a stable connection, and hand groves for better pole maneuvering. There are also 3 unique pole tips - (1) a black thermoplastic ball tip for optimal gliding on snow, (2) a ball tip with spike to enhance contact when pushing against snow or ice and (3) a metal spike tips to help maneuver on ice or hard snow. A snow basket is also included to help when hiking off-trail in deep snow. The pole is stained and covered with two coats of Spar Urethane to ensure many years of use. PRODUCT OPTIONS SIZE: The Lurk is a single pole of 7 , 7 1/2 and 8 feet in length. Recommendations on length are based on my experiences using a LongPole and are as follows: - 7 feet for skiers less than of 5 1/2 ft in height - 7 1/2 feet for skiers from 5 1/2 up to 6 ft in height - 8 ft for skiers of 6 ft or above in height Please Email the shop owner with any specific questions about the length. COLOR: The Lurk comes is three stain colors - Ebony Black, Chestnut Brown, and Sedona Red. See photo above for color variations. POLE TIPS and BASKET: All 3 tips and snow basket are provided with each pole. WEIGHT: The weights of these poles range from approximately 3.5 to 4.5 pounds. HISTORY OF THE LONGPOLE A single lurk was actually the original method used for balancing, breaking and turning during skiing. The earliest record of skiers using a single long pole comes from ancient rock carvings in Sweden dating back to 3623 BC. It appears that a single pole was the established method for maneuvering during downhill skiing up to the late 1800's. It was not until downhill racing became a sport that two small poles were introduced into downhill skiing. A single pole is still used in Nordic regions for downhill and cross-country skiing and is referred to as a Lurk pole. A single long pole is also currently used by Telemark skiers as an alternative to two small poles. Based on its proven value, the time seems right for re-establishing the Lurk or LongPole as an alternative to two short poles in downhill skiing. THE COMPANY \"The Third Edge, LLC\" is a company dedicated to promoting and advancing mountain sports. This item can also be accessed through a Google search at http://www.longpoleskiing.com ADVANTAGES OF THE LURK My interest in providing the Lurk to downhill skiers comes from my two years of very positive experiences using a Lurk. As an experienced skier, the Lurk provided a new tool that has allowed me to develop a skiing rhythm and form that I never achieved with two short poles. As an older, intermediate skier, the Lurk has allowed me to continue skiing more difficult and diverse trails by providing a more controlled and stable ride. Some facts that can help explain the advantages of a single Lurk over two shorter poles include the following: * Holding a long single long pole lowers the center of gravity thus providing a more stable ride * Greater pressure can be placed on the tip of a single long pole thus providing greater speed and motion control (like a third edge) * During turns, tip pressure is placed behind the skier (up-hill) with a single long pole, which naturally causes the skier to go higher on the ski edges producing better contact and wider, more controlled turns * A single long pole provides greater leverage when pushing against the snow resulting in more efficient and easier movement on shallow inclines or flat surfaces LONG POLE VIDEO - Go to MountainSports shop Homepage, scroll down to section \"About MountainSports\" and click video go button."