Abstract: A control rod having a wrist strap fastened thereon is connected to a ski pole and its handle. The control rod is positively releasably locked to the pole. The releasable lock comprises a resilient latch which engages the control rod via a circumferential channel therein and which is moved laterally outward when the rod is depressed. Downward movement of the control rod against a helical biasing spring causes a tubular collar to engage and force the latch outward into a vertical slot in a tubular member. The lock preferably has opposed latches that are integral upstanding members of a cylindrical member disposed within the tubular member. The spring, housed within the cylindrical member, causes the control rod to move upward placing the channel above the latches before the latches return to their normal position so that the rod and strap are removed from the ski pole and its handle.