So I went skiing for the first time a couple days ago at Great Bear, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I hadn’t forgotten everything I learned last year. SWEET! The first run or two was a bit sketchy, I’m not gonna lie about it, but after that, everything came back and it was smooth sailing (skiing?) from then on.
I took a lesson yesterday. I ended up getting Matt. Matt is younger than me. A senior in high school in fact. It should be noted here that most high school kids annoy the crap out of me. There are a select few that I can even stand, let alone enjoy the company of. Matt is one of the few that I really enjoyed his company. Maybe it was because we were both skiing and it’s tough to be upset on the hill, but I really don’t think so. He was enjoyable to be around and gave me a few pointers, even though he was making some of it up (he told me so).
I had never taken a lesson before, but I think this one was fairly unique. He assumed that I’d never been on skis before (and rightly so) so we started with the basics.
“How about just ski down to that pole and then stop at the pole, so I can see where you’re at”
The pole is a grand total of 25 yards away and down a very small slope. No problem. I get down, turn a couple times and come to a stop.
“Oh, so you CAN ski!”
Up to speed…sweet.
I finish off the run doing longer carving turns and he tells me that he hasn’t taught anyone that can ski for awhile. Mostly, he tells me, he’s used to teaching kids to put on skis and get down the hill without crying type of thing. Matt tells me I should be racing (I like to go fast? Weird…haha!) and after the second run, he tells me that he doesn’t know if he can teach me anything, but we soon find some things to work on.
Trusting your edge and keeping weight forward were the main things we focused on. Also, not letting your legs get so far apart. He has me give him my poles, make two fists, put my fists in between my knees and squeeze and go down like that.
I looked like an idiot, but it was the best run of the day by far. Weird how that stuff works.
Bottom line is that I had a really good time, and it was very helpful to get someone else’s opinion on how I’m doing. Next time though, I’m going to request a higher qualified instructor. Nothing against Matt, he was great, it’s just that I’d like to be pushed a bit more.
I can’t wait to get back to the hill and I have the next 3 days off work, so who knows, I might be back all 3 days!
