102 Why Expert Advice is Often Not Helpful when Learning to Surf (or Ski) with Tom Gellie

In this episode, Michael Frampton connects with Tom Gellie, a renowned ski instructor and bodyworker, to explore the intricate relationship between biomechanics and athletic performance. Tom shares his expertise on the gait cycle, its significance in both skiing and surfing, and how it can be applied to enhance technique and prevent injuries. The discussion also covers Tom’s journey in the field, his approach to movement analysis, and the resources available through Big Picture Skiing.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Gait Cycle:

   • Tom explains the concept of the gait cycle as detailed in Gary Ward’s book What the Foot?. He discusses how understanding this cycle can help identify movement issues and improve performance in skiing and surfing.

2. Biomechanics in Skiing and Surfing:

   • Tom delves into how biomechanical principles apply to skiing and surfing, sharing examples of how movement analysis can address performance issues and enhance overall technique.

3. Comparison of Biomechanics Approaches:

   • The conversation touches on the similarities and differences between Gary Ward’s approach and that of Gary Gray, providing insights into how these methods contribute to understanding and improving human movement.

4. Tom’s Journey and Resources:

   • Tom reflects on the impact of Gary Ward’s work on his coaching practice and invites listeners to explore his resources, including the Big Picture Skiing website and social media channels.

5. The Role of Gait Analysis in Performance:

   • Understanding the gait cycle helps diagnose movement inefficiencies and enhances athletic performance by addressing underlying biomechanics issues.

6. Application Across Sports:

   • Insights from gait analysis and biomechanics apply to both skiing and surfing, illustrating how cross-disciplinary knowledge can lead to better technique and injury prevention.

7. The Importance of Comprehensive Movement Mapping:

   • Detailed mapping of every joint and phase of movement allows for precise analysis and correction of movement patterns that contribute to injuries or performance issues.

8. Self-Study and Continuous Learning:

   • Tom’s experience underscores the value of self-study and staying updated with new research and techniques. Continuous learning can transform professional practice.

9. Holistic Approach to Movement:

   • A holistic view of how body parts interact during movement helps in identifying compensatory patterns and areas that need improvement.

10. Influence of External Resources:

    • Utilizing resources like books, videos, and courses from experts such as Gary Ward provides valuable insights and tools for enhancing movement analysis and coaching techniques.

11. Impact of Biomechanics on Injury Prevention:

    • Proper understanding of biomechanics is crucial for preventing injuries by correcting faulty movement patterns and maintaining proper alignment and function.

12. Tom’s Personal Impact:

    • Tom reflects on the transformative effect of Gary Ward’s work on his coaching practice, highlighting the profound influence of mentors and resources on one’s career.

For more insights and tips from Tom Gellie: Follow Tom Gellie:

• Website: Big Picture Skiing

• Instagram: @bigpictureskiing

• YouTube: Big Picture Skiing Channel

Follow Michael Frampton:

• Instagram: @surfmastery

• Website: Surf Mastery

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.