Bill Thistle is the owner of Performance Alignment Systems, who operates Cant University (Cant U), a skiing-specific business that manufactures ski boot foot beds and orthotics, as well as performing the ski boot modifications necessary for proper alignment. Cant U also provides educational services through lectures and seminars given to ski instructors, coaches, store personnel and clubs.
He started skiing in 1971 shortly after the advent of high performance plastic ski boots, a historical turning point in the ski industry that is referred to in his presentations.
During the period from 1972-1977 Bill was a student, as well as an instructor, at the Aspen Academy of Martial and Healing Arts. His main focus was in the arts of Aikido and Tai Chi and how their underlying principles could be applied to western sports.
In 1976 Bill joined the faculty of the Aspen Ski Academy as Director of Training and received his level 2 USSA Ski Coaches Certification in 1982. He also traveled on both the Men's and Women's Pro Ski Tours as a coach and trainer continuing to gather knowledge about the sport of skiing, the foundation of Cant U.
To complement all his practical knowledge of skiing Bill attended Eneslow Pedorthic Institute and received his Certification in Pedorthics in November 2003.
Bill was invited to be a presenter at the 2004 Pedorthic Footwear Association National Convention. The title and discription of the presentation is found below.
The Other Side of the Mountain: Skiing
Performance and Injury Reduction
Presenter: Bill Thistle, C. Ped
Overview
The recent technological advances in ski equipment design have changed and increased the forces placed upon the skier's body. With these increased forces, proper lower extremity alignment is more important than ever in preventing injury and maximizing enjoyment. This presentation will provide an introduction to the sport of skiing and survey recent innovations in equipment technology. We will examine the performance and injury issues raised by these advances and discuss how the pedorthist can help his or her client base enjoy the sport more safely. This presentation is intended for certified pedorthists, regardless of skiing experience, who want to know more about how they can address the needs of their skiing clientele.
Outcomes
Participants will leave with:
1. A better understanding of the sport of skiing and how the evolution of ski equipment has changed the body positions and movement patterns of efficient skiing.
2. The ability to recognize footbed and boot alignment problems and understand how these problems contribute to inefficient and ineffective movement patterns and increase the potential for injury.
3. The confidence to explain in basic terms how alignment problems affect the skier as well as the knowledge to work with boot technicians and ski shop personnel to recommend and implement appropriate solutions.
Conclusion
Skiing is a wonderful flowing lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by families, groups or individuals of any ability at almost any age. It is our task as professionals to not only have some knowledge of the sport and the inherent problems of misalignment but to be prepared to either remedy these alignment issues or provide referral to a practitioner who specializes in alignment for the sport of skiing. It will not only make the sport more fun and enjoyable for the skier but will significantly reduce their risk of injury.