The sport of skiing was in it's infancy in 1956 and was generally considered a sport that required considerable financial support. The hiring of ski gear and accommodation in the snowfield was limited and expensive. As a consequence we made the decision to purchase our own. A hooded shower proof, down filled parka, together with stretch ski pants that were moisture repellent and ski boots, goggles, gloves and woolen socks took care of the slopes fashion requirement.
My first pair of skis were home-made and constructed as a school project. This was the idea of my inspirational geography teacher, Greg Lofts. The skis were constructed from ash timber, placed in a press and kiln-steamed to set the required bow. Many hours were spent with a spoke-shave shaping the planks to just right thickness and shape. Then when completed the sides were rebated and steel edges screwed in for the length of the ski. Finally a special formulated paint was applied to the bottom of the plank to take the application of ski wax. This provided the ski a most efficient resistant-free run on the snow. Ski length was determined by standing by the ski, raising one arm and fitting the tip of the ski into the palm of the up-stretched arm.
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