Welcome to the ultimate guide to double corks in skiing, where we take you through everything you need to know about this incredible trick. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, a freestyle skier, or just looking to expand your skillset, mastering the double cork is an impressive feat that will take your skiing to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the history of double corks, teach you how to master them, share some top tricks, and talk about their role in competitive skiing. But before we get started, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what double corks in skiing are.
Put your ski boots on, grab your skis, and get ready to learn everything there is to know about double corks in skiing. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Are Double Corks in Skiing?
Double corks are a type of aerial maneuver performed on skis. They involve spinning two complete rotations while also flipping the body end-over-end, resulting in a total of two flips and two spins. This trick is often performed in freestyle skiing competitions and is considered to be one of the most difficult and impressive aerial tricks in the sport.
To execute a double cork, skiers need to generate a lot of speed and launch themselves off a large jump. They then initiate the first flip and spin simultaneously, tucking their body to gain rotation speed. As they complete the first rotation, they extend their body to initiate the second flip and spin. The trick requires a lot of practice and is often attempted by experienced skiers.
Double corks are known for their difficulty and their high degree of risk. While they can be awe-inspiring to watch, they also require a significant amount of skill, strength, and coordination to execute properly. The trick has become a staple of freestyle skiing competitions and is considered one of the most exciting and visually stunning maneuvers in the sport.
Definition of Double Corks
Double Corks are a type of aerial maneuver performed in freestyle skiing, where the skier executes two backflips while simultaneously spinning twice around their longitudinal axis. The term “cork” refers to the inverted rotation of the flips, while “double” indicates the number of flips in the maneuver. Double Corks are commonly performed in halfpipe and slopestyle competitions.
- The setup: Double Corks are executed after a series of carve turns on the takeoff ramp, where the skier builds up enough speed and momentum.
- The takeoff: The skier launches themselves off the lip of the ramp, with their knees bent and arms close to the body.
- The tuck: The skier pulls their knees up to their chest and tucks their body into a ball, initiating the first backflip.
- The twist: Midway through the first flip, the skier initiates the first spin, rotating their body around their longitudinal axis.
- The extension: At the peak of the first flip, the skier extends their legs, preparing for the second flip.
- The landing: The skier spot their landing, rotates their body for the second flip, and lands back on the slope with their knees bent to absorb the impact.
Double Corks require exceptional body control, balance, and coordination, as well as a keen sense of timing and spatial awareness. They are considered one of the most difficult and visually impressive maneuvers in skiing, and are a staple of modern freestyle skiing competitions.
History of Double Corks in Skiing
Double cork is a term used in freestyle skiing to describe a specific type of aerial trick that involves flipping and spinning through the air. Double cork tricks have been a staple of freestyle skiing competitions for many years, but they have evolved significantly since their inception.
The first double cork was reportedly performed by a skier named Simon Dumont in 200However, it wasn’t until the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver that double cork tricks gained widespread attention, when American skier Bobby Brown performed a double cork 1260 to win a bronze medal.
Since then, double cork tricks have become more and more complex, with skiers adding additional flips and spins to their repertoire. In recent years, skiers have even started performing triple cork tricks, which involve three flips and four spins in the air.
Double cork tricks have revolutionized freestyle skiing, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport and inspiring new generations of skiers to push themselves to new heights. As freestyle skiing continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how double cork tricks continue to develop and how skiers continue to push the limits of what is possible.
Despite their popularity, double cork tricks can be extremely dangerous if not performed correctly. It is important for skiers to have proper training and equipment before attempting these tricks, and to always prioritize safety over pushing the limits of what is possible.
The Evolution of Double Corks
The history of double corks in skiing is not very long, but the evolution of the trick has been rapid. It all began in the late 1990s when skiers started to experiment with spins and flips in the halfpipe. The first double cork was landed by Tanner Hall in 2004, and since then, the trick has become a staple in freestyle skiing.
Initially, double corks were performed only in the halfpipe, but as skiers became more comfortable with the trick, they started to incorporate it into their slopestyle runs. The trick also evolved from being a double cork 900 to a double cork 1260 and even a triple cork 1440, which involves four full spins and three flips.
Today, double corks are not just limited to freestyle skiing but have also made their way into big mountain skiing, where skiers hit natural features like cliffs and pillows and perform double corks off of them.
Double cork tricks have become increasingly popular in skiing competitions, and over the years, athletes have executed some truly impressive maneuvers. Here are some of the most memorable double cork moments in skiing history:
- 2010 Winter Olympics: Bobby Brown, a freestyle skier, was the first athlete to successfully perform a double cork 1440, winning him a bronze medal.
- 2011 Winter X Games: Kevin Rolland, a French freestyle skier, won gold after landing a double cork 1260, one of the most challenging double cork tricks.
- 2012 Winter X Games: David Wise, an American freestyle skier, became the first skier to ever land a switch double cork 1260, earning him the gold medal.
- 2014 Winter Olympics: Joss Christensen, an American freestyle skier, wowed the judges with a switch triple cork 1440, earning him the gold medal.
- 2015 World Ski Championships: Gus Kenworthy, an American freestyle skier, performed a triple cork 1440, earning him the gold medal.
- 2016 Winter X Games: Kelly Sildaru, an Estonian freestyle skier, won gold after becoming the first female skier to land a switch double cork 900.
These are just a few examples of the incredible double cork moments in skiing history. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what new tricks athletes will come up with in the future.
How to Master Double Corks in Skiing
Double corks may look intimidating, but with the right technique and practice, anyone can master this impressive skiing trick. Here are some tips:
Start Small: Begin with a smaller jump and work your way up gradually to bigger jumps to build your confidence and skill.
Perfect Your Takeoff: Focus on getting a good takeoff by popping off the lip of the jump with both feet, while keeping your body square to the jump.
Spot Your Landing: Keep your eyes fixed on your landing spot and your body will follow suit, helping you land smoothly.
Practice Rotation: Use a trampoline or foam pit to practice the rotational movements required for the trick, building muscle memory and perfecting your form.
Get a Coach: Consider hiring a coach who can provide expert guidance and help you identify areas for improvement.
Essential Techniques for Double Corks
Takeoff: The first essential technique for a successful double cork is a solid takeoff. This involves getting the right amount of speed and jumping off the lip with enough force to get the necessary height for the trick.
Spinning: Double corks involve two full flips and two spins, so it’s important to have a strong spinning technique. Focus on keeping your arms close to your body, tucking your knees to your chest, and using your core muscles to initiate the spin.
Inverted Position: Double corks require you to be in an inverted position while spinning. This means you’ll be upside down with your head facing towards the ground. Practice getting comfortable with this position by doing inverted spins and flips off small jumps.
Spotting: Spotting is crucial for maintaining orientation during the trick. Keep your eyes fixed on a spot as you spin and make sure to spot again as you come out of the spin to prepare for the landing.
Landing: The final essential technique is a solid landing. This involves being able to spot the landing, absorb the impact with your legs, and maintain your balance to ride away smoothly.
Training Tips for Double Corks
If you want to master double corks, training is essential. Here are some tips to help you:
- Build your strength: Double corks require a lot of strength, especially in your core and legs. Make sure to incorporate strength training exercises into your workout routine.
- Practice on trampolines: Trampolines are a great way to practice the aerial maneuvers required for double corks. They can help you get the feel for the flips and twists without the risk of injury.
- Start small: Begin with smaller jumps and work your way up to larger ones. This will help you build your confidence and master the technique before attempting more challenging jumps.
- Work with a coach: An experienced coach can help you identify areas where you need improvement and give you personalized feedback and guidance.
- Visualize: Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Visualize yourself successfully completing the trick before attempting it. This can help you build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Remember, mastering double corks takes time, patience, and practice. Keep working at it and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be landing double corks like a pro in no time.
Top 5 Double Cork Skiing Tricks
If you’re looking to up your skiing game and add some impressive tricks to your repertoire, mastering double cork moves is a must. These gravity-defying maneuvers require skill, precision, and courage. Here are the top 5 double cork skiing tricks:
Double Cork 900: The skier spins two and a half times while flipping twice. This move was popularized by Tom Wallisch and Henrik Harlaut.
Double Cork 1080: The skier spins three times while flipping twice. This trick was first landed by Bobby Brown in 2010 and has since become a staple in competitions.
Switch Double Cork 1080: The skier approaches the jump backward and spins three times while flipping twice. This is one of the most difficult tricks to pull off and requires exceptional balance and control.
The Cork 720
The Cork 720 is a double cork skiing trick that involves two flips and two 180-degree spins. It is one of the most difficult tricks in skiing, requiring great athleticism, balance, and precision.
The trick is executed by launching off a jump and initiating the first flip, followed by the first spin. As the skier lands, they quickly initiate the second flip and spin, before landing cleanly on the slope.
The Cork 720 was first performed in competition in 2005 by Norwegian skier Jon Olsson and has since become a staple trick in freestyle skiing competitions.
The Switch Double Cork 1080
| Year | Skier | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Bobby Brown | Breckenridge, Colorado |
| 2012 | Tom Wallisch | Breckenridge, Colorado |
| 2017 | Alex Beaulieu-Marchand | Aspen, Colorado |
| 2018 | Oystein Braaten | Pyeongchang, South Korea |
| 2019 | Alex Beaulieu-Marchand | Breckenridge, Colorado |
The Switch Double Cork 1080 is a freestyle skiing trick that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This complex and difficult maneuver involves executing two flips and three and a half rotations in the air, all while skiing backwards or “switch.
The trick was first attempted in 2007 by skier Bobby Brown but it wasn’t until 2011 that he became the first skier to successfully land it in competition at the Winter X Games. Since then, a handful of other skiers have also landed the trick in competition, including Tom Wallisch, Alex Beaulieu-Marchand, and Oystein Braaten.
While it is a challenging trick to master, the Switch Double Cork 1080 has become a popular staple in freestyle skiing competitions, and skiers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the slopes.
Double Cork Skiing in Competitive Skiing
Double cork skiing has become an increasingly popular trick in the competitive skiing world. This maneuver involves performing two complete flips and two spins while in the air. The trick is often performed on the slopestyle course, where skiers are judged on their technical ability, style, and creativity. The double cork is one of the most difficult tricks to master, and requires a great deal of skill, practice, and dedication to execute it flawlessly.
Double cork skiing was first introduced to the competitive skiing world in 2010, and since then it has become a staple trick in many competitions. The trick has evolved over the years, with skiers performing variations of the trick with different numbers of spins and flips. The double cork 1260, which involves three-and-a-half spins, has become one of the most impressive and challenging tricks in skiing.
Many skiers who compete in slopestyle events focus on perfecting their double cork trick, as it can be a major factor in determining the winner of a competition. Judges look for skiers who can perform the trick with style and creativity, while also landing it cleanly. Skiers who can execute the double cork consistently and flawlessly often have an advantage over their competitors.
Double cork skiing is not without its risks, however. The trick requires skiers to launch themselves off jumps at high speeds and throw themselves into the air, leaving little room for error. Injuries are common in skiing competitions, and many skiers have suffered serious injuries while attempting to perform the double cork. Despite the risks, however, many skiers continue to push themselves to perfect this challenging and impressive trick.
Double Corks in the X Games
| Year | Gold Medalist | Double Corks performed |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Bobby Brown | Triple Cork 1440, Switch Double Cork 1080 |
| 2012 | Tom Wallisch | Switch Double Cork 1080, Double Cork 1260 |
| 2014 | Joss Christensen | Switch Double Cork 1260, Double Cork 1260 |
| 2018 | Henrik Harlaut | Switch Double Cork 1440, Double Cork 1620 |
| 2020 | Alex Hall | Switch Double Cork 1260, Double Cork 1440 |
The X Games is one of the most prestigious events in competitive skiing, and double corks have played a significant role in the competition’s history. In 2010, Bobby Brown wowed the crowds by becoming the first skier to land a Triple Cork 1440 and a Switch Double Cork 1080 in the same run, earning him the gold medal in the Ski Big Air event.
Tom Wallisch followed in Brown’s footsteps and won the Ski Slopestyle gold medal in the 2012 X Games by performing a Switch Double Cork 1080 and a Double Cork 1260. This marked the first time that the Switch Double Cork had been landed in the competition.
In the 2014 X Games, Joss Christensen won the first-ever Ski Slopestyle gold medal for the United States by performing a Switch Double Cork 1260 and a Double Cork 1260. His performance marked a turning point in the competition’s history as the double cork became the standard for all top-level skiers.
Double Corks in the Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics have long been a showcase for the best athletes in winter sports, and the introduction of the Double Cork has brought new excitement to freestyle skiing competitions. The Double Cork has become a staple of the Winter Olympics, with skiers pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport.
Since the Double Cork’s debut in the Winter Olympics, it has been a fixture in freestyle skiing events. In the 2018 Winter Olympics, the Men’s Ski Slopestyle was won with a Double Cork 1620, and the Women’s Ski Halfpipe was won with a Double Cork 1080. The Double Cork has become essential to medal-winning runs in freestyle skiing.
The introduction of the Double Cork has also led to new competitions in the Winter Olympics. In 2014, the Men’s Ski Halfpipe was introduced, which features a 22-foot halfpipe, and skiers are judged on their creativity, amplitude, and execution of tricks, including the Double Cork. The Double Cork has brought new challenges and opportunities for freestyle skiers at the Winter Olympics.
Double Cork Skiing Safety Tips
Double corks are an exciting and impressive trick to perform, but it’s important to remember that they also come with risks. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
Proper Training: Double corks require a high level of skill and experience. Make sure you have the proper training and experience before attempting this trick.
Use Protective Gear: Always wear protective gear such as helmets, goggles, and wrist guards. This will help reduce the risk of injury if you fall.
Warm-up: Before attempting any trick, it’s important to warm up properly. This will help prepare your body and reduce the risk of injury.
Know Your Limits: It’s important to know your limits and not push yourself beyond what you’re comfortable with. Only attempt tricks that you feel confident in performing.
By following these safety tips, you can reduce the risk of injury while still enjoying the thrill of double corks.
How to Stay Safe While Attempting Double Corks
Double cork skiing is an incredibly challenging and dangerous activity that requires a great deal of skill and practice. However, with the right precautions, you can stay safe while attempting these maneuvers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Wear Protective Gear: When performing double cork tricks, it’s essential to wear the right protective gear. This includes a helmet, goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing. Make sure your gear fits well and is comfortable to move in.
Start Small: Don’t try to attempt a double cork right away. Start with smaller tricks and work your way up. It’s essential to master the basic techniques before moving on to more advanced maneuvers.
Know Your Limits: Double cork skiing is not for everyone. It’s important to know your limits and only attempt tricks that you are comfortable with. Don’t let peer pressure or a desire to show off push you into attempting something that you’re not ready for.
Common Injuries Associated with Double Corks and How to Avoid Them
Double corks are some of the most exciting and challenging tricks in skiing. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most dangerous. The high risk of injury is due to the number of flips and spins involved, as well as the high speeds at which they are performed. Here are some common injuries associated with double corks and how to avoid them:
Head injuries: Double corks require skiers to perform aerial maneuvers that involve a lot of twisting and spinning. As a result, there is a high risk of head injuries, such as concussions. Wearing a helmet is crucial to protect your head during a fall.
Knee injuries: Another common injury associated with double corks is knee injuries. Skiers often land with a lot of force on one knee, which can result in injuries such as ACL tears. Proper strength and conditioning exercises for the legs can help prevent these types of injuries.
Back injuries: The twisting and spinning movements involved in double corks can also put a lot of stress on the back. This can result in injuries such as herniated discs. Strengthening the core muscles can help reduce the risk of back injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Double Cork performed in skiing?
A Double Cork is a complex trick that involves the skier launching off a jump, performing two rotations while simultaneously flipping twice before landing. The trick is done in the air and requires a great deal of skill and control.
Who invented the Double Cork in skiing?
The origins of the Double Cork are not clear, but it is believed to have been first attempted by skiers in the late 1990s. Since then, it has become a staple of freestyle skiing competitions around the world.
What are the different types of Double Corks?
There are several variations of the Double Cork, including the Double Cork 900, Double Cork 1080, and Double Cork 1260. These variations differ in the number of rotations and flips performed during the trick.
What competitions feature Double Corks?
Double Corks are commonly seen in freestyle skiing competitions such as the X Games, Winter X Games, and the Winter Olympics. These events showcase some of the best skiers in the world performing complex tricks, including Double Corks.
What are the risks associated with attempting a Double Cork?
Double Corks are a high-risk trick and can lead to serious injuries if not executed properly. The skier can suffer from head, neck, and spinal injuries if they land awkwardly or lose control during the trick.
How can a skier prepare to attempt a Double Cork?
Proper preparation is essential before attempting a Double Cork. Skiers should ensure that they have adequate training, experience, and skill level to perform the trick safely. It is also important to have a good understanding of the jump’s trajectory, snow conditions, and landing area to minimize the risk of injury.