Brains
The Skiler: a tool to aid beginner skiers with cognitive impairments through the learning process. Originally created by engineer Ivan Kastrun, the Skiler is an innovative learning tool to help his brother who has down syndrome to navigate harder ski slopes in a safe and comfortable way.
The Skiler consists of two poles that attach to the back of ski boots, and the instructor uses the poles to aid the novice skier to create the correct control with the skis on snow. The instructor or guide has full control of the student’s skis, meaning the learner can maintain an appropriate stance and learn through feel. In practice, the claim is to make beginner and adaptive skiers more confident with less fear of pitch knowing they have the backup of their instructor.
Kastrun says the device is like training wheels for a beginner skier and helps with the fear of speed or slopes.
“[The Skiler is] A tool that significantly decreases the learning curve for skiing.”
– Ivan Kastru, CEO and Creator of Skiler.
For safety, the device can be easily detached from the boot for the ski lift. Â
Ultimately, when a beginner skier is in a comfortable and safe environment with the appropriate tools they will be able to learn in an efficient way. The Skiler could be an appropriate tool for specific needs.
