Training Tips

I'd like to share some ideas I gleanded from a conversation I had over beers and pizza with a guy named Robert Kleberc, an organizer of the World Series and a Slovakian coach and teacher of sports physiology.  He expressed surprise that almost no one was imitating Slovakian training methods, given the outstanding success of Slovakian slalom athletes.  In particular, he felt that their winter training was unique and little imitated.  They don't often travel to find warm weather, and paddle in a pool only a few times a week, two or three I believe he said.  They do a lot of training with Swiss ("balance," "yoga") balls.  He said that it takes almost a whole winter season to learn to even sit on the ball, but eventually they lift weights, do squats, go from kneeling to standing, walk the ball around the room, etc.  He says that when they get back in boats they all notice the tremendous balance gains from this work.  I asked about a specific routine or progression, but Robert said that it was best to just make it up as you go, that's what he did.  I did a youtube search and came up with some samples, one novice:

and one very advanced:

There are others, as well (one of a guy balancing his surfboard on a ball).  Be careful--you can fall fast!  Try kneeling or sitting first.