I've been meaning to add this for a while now, as I've been following it on and off for a bit (his Turn the Stripes worked wonders but killed my legs this weekend) . Jonathan Lawson co-runs an interesting blog titled "My Snow Pro" where they're collecting posts from various instructors on skiing and follow up for students. An interesting concept.
While I personally find the site a little more challenging to navigate and read (3 columns clutter), it's making great use of the technology out there. More importantly though the content makes the site extremely useful. I suggest checking it out, I've added it now to my blog list for easier following.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Hats vs Helmets
After a class, I typically spend a few minutes wrapping up the details of what the students and I worked upon. I highlight what each one is doing right and point out what they can do to work on tightening up their new found skill or even how to progress further to the next level. Out of the entire discussion the most often asked question, "Should I (or my child) have a helmet?"
While this is clearly a personal preference, my typical answer is an emphatic "Yes. But... " Why the but? I clearly use one myself in all my classes and free riding time (Giro Nine.9) and feel naked when riding without it. I have two major concerns with helmets.
The first is the more important of the two. While a helmet may protect your head, it does not give you free reign to be careless or an idiot on the mountain. More to the point, a helmet may protect your head, but it does not protect your knees, neck, or spine. It does not make you instantly invulnerable to the conditions surrounding you. In other words use the helmet to protect your head and your head to protect yourself and the rest of the mountain.
The second issue I have belongs to the the ear covers. One of the first things I noticed on my helmet (and just about every I've tried since) is how the ear flaps muffle sounds from the front and back of the wearer. I say this is a lesser issue as I find riders with headphones to be in the same category. The ability to hear a rider approaching from behind is important, but as an instructor the ability to communicate with my student is even greater. There isn't a good solution to this one, so I leave it up to the riders to check before making a turn.
Why do I ride with a helmet? Rocks frighten me. Other riders frighten me. I've invested too much time and money into my brain to let a simple $70 purchase be a limiting factor for my life long enjoyment. I admit having learned without a helmet and having rode for years without one. What changed my mind? In the past 4 years I've been hit more often by other riders than I have ever in my lifetime on the mountains. I cannot control this aspect of the slope.
What helmet do I suggest? My criteria for a helmet is pretty simple. I want a lightweight helmet that's been ANSI certified. After riding for a bit a helmet can become extremely warm, therefore I want air vents of some type on the top, front, and sides. Some days will be warmer or colder than others so I want the vents to be easily sealed and opened. Because my head is an awkward shape I want the helmet to fit properly. It does me no good if it doesn't protect me.
Anything else? Yes, keep the chin strap closed. A helmet is only useful if it sticks to your head when you fall. Leaving the chin strap open may allow for better venting, but the helmet is essentially useless. Use the chin strap.
Some sites to check out regarding helmets:
Lids On Kids
Giro
Backcountry.com Helmets
Pryme Gear
While this is clearly a personal preference, my typical answer is an emphatic "Yes. But... " Why the but? I clearly use one myself in all my classes and free riding time (Giro Nine.9) and feel naked when riding without it. I have two major concerns with helmets.
The first is the more important of the two. While a helmet may protect your head, it does not give you free reign to be careless or an idiot on the mountain. More to the point, a helmet may protect your head, but it does not protect your knees, neck, or spine. It does not make you instantly invulnerable to the conditions surrounding you. In other words use the helmet to protect your head and your head to protect yourself and the rest of the mountain.
The second issue I have belongs to the the ear covers. One of the first things I noticed on my helmet (and just about every I've tried since) is how the ear flaps muffle sounds from the front and back of the wearer. I say this is a lesser issue as I find riders with headphones to be in the same category. The ability to hear a rider approaching from behind is important, but as an instructor the ability to communicate with my student is even greater. There isn't a good solution to this one, so I leave it up to the riders to check before making a turn.
Why do I ride with a helmet? Rocks frighten me. Other riders frighten me. I've invested too much time and money into my brain to let a simple $70 purchase be a limiting factor for my life long enjoyment. I admit having learned without a helmet and having rode for years without one. What changed my mind? In the past 4 years I've been hit more often by other riders than I have ever in my lifetime on the mountains. I cannot control this aspect of the slope.
What helmet do I suggest? My criteria for a helmet is pretty simple. I want a lightweight helmet that's been ANSI certified. After riding for a bit a helmet can become extremely warm, therefore I want air vents of some type on the top, front, and sides. Some days will be warmer or colder than others so I want the vents to be easily sealed and opened. Because my head is an awkward shape I want the helmet to fit properly. It does me no good if it doesn't protect me.
Anything else? Yes, keep the chin strap closed. A helmet is only useful if it sticks to your head when you fall. Leaving the chin strap open may allow for better venting, but the helmet is essentially useless. Use the chin strap.
Some sites to check out regarding helmets:
Lids On Kids
Giro
Backcountry.com Helmets
Pryme Gear
Friday, February 16, 2007
Simple Steps to Saving Time
The most common mistakes beginners make before learning to ski or snowboard are really easy to fix with a little time and forethought. Hopefully this post will help at least one or two people fix this.
Before you leave home, check the weather at the mountain, even if it's the night before only! While trusting long term weather prediction is just plain crazy talk, weathermen are typically correct for a period of 12-24 hours. Have a good idea of what the temperature, wind, and precipitation will be like. If you can find it, check out where the snow level and free air freezing point will be as well. All of this information will help you decide what you should wear.
The Boy Scouts of America have a motto of "Be Prepared". Very simple in theory, but covering a vast amount of ground at the same time. The weather on the mountain changes rapidly, bringing a change of clothes or multiple layers is almost an essential. I've worked days that start off blistering cold only to find by lunch I'm in a t-shirt and fleece vest while teaching, and then back to bundled up by 4 pm.
Snow is wet. You will fall. More importantly this is exercise, so you will sweat. Showing up in blue jeans will just be uncomfortable once they get wet. Be it from falling or sweating. Invest in a pair of snow pants, it will make all the difference. Many resorts also rent them, check for that before you leave.
Gloves are good, gloves are great, gloves don't like their rope-tow fate. Knit gloves may look cute or stylish but really won't tolerate two runs on a rope tow. Your leather driving gloves will do better, but they will never look the same. Go to Costco or any sports store and buy a pair of cheap $20 gloves. Not only will they hold up better, they'll be better at keeping your hands warm and dry in spite of the rain and snow.
If you plan to rent and take a lesson, talk to the ski school first. Usually they have awesome package deals that you can work with. Going to rentals first while not bad, just creates a bigger cost headache for the two departments. Yep not your problem I realize that, but it will slow down your chance for getting to class.
Don't let your kids wear themselves out. In many cases, the parents will sign up kids for a class that won't start for a few hours. Let the kids play but start pulling them back within an hour of their class. Teaching exhausted kids just doesn't work well. They get nothing out of it, and the instructors have no energy which to feedback on.
Prepare yourself. Since you're paying for the time, it's best to make sure you're ready for it. Go take care of yourself before the class starts. Eat. Use the restroom. Make your calls to your friends. Take your pictures. Do whatever it is you need to do that way you can spend your class getting the maximum amount of class time. As an instructor, if you want to spend the class in the bathroom that's fine by us right up until you start making us late for our next class.
Before you leave home, check the weather at the mountain, even if it's the night before only! While trusting long term weather prediction is just plain crazy talk, weathermen are typically correct for a period of 12-24 hours. Have a good idea of what the temperature, wind, and precipitation will be like. If you can find it, check out where the snow level and free air freezing point will be as well. All of this information will help you decide what you should wear.
The Boy Scouts of America have a motto of "Be Prepared". Very simple in theory, but covering a vast amount of ground at the same time. The weather on the mountain changes rapidly, bringing a change of clothes or multiple layers is almost an essential. I've worked days that start off blistering cold only to find by lunch I'm in a t-shirt and fleece vest while teaching, and then back to bundled up by 4 pm.
Snow is wet. You will fall. More importantly this is exercise, so you will sweat. Showing up in blue jeans will just be uncomfortable once they get wet. Be it from falling or sweating. Invest in a pair of snow pants, it will make all the difference. Many resorts also rent them, check for that before you leave.
Gloves are good, gloves are great, gloves don't like their rope-tow fate. Knit gloves may look cute or stylish but really won't tolerate two runs on a rope tow. Your leather driving gloves will do better, but they will never look the same. Go to Costco or any sports store and buy a pair of cheap $20 gloves. Not only will they hold up better, they'll be better at keeping your hands warm and dry in spite of the rain and snow.
If you plan to rent and take a lesson, talk to the ski school first. Usually they have awesome package deals that you can work with. Going to rentals first while not bad, just creates a bigger cost headache for the two departments. Yep not your problem I realize that, but it will slow down your chance for getting to class.
Don't let your kids wear themselves out. In many cases, the parents will sign up kids for a class that won't start for a few hours. Let the kids play but start pulling them back within an hour of their class. Teaching exhausted kids just doesn't work well. They get nothing out of it, and the instructors have no energy which to feedback on.
Prepare yourself. Since you're paying for the time, it's best to make sure you're ready for it. Go take care of yourself before the class starts. Eat. Use the restroom. Make your calls to your friends. Take your pictures. Do whatever it is you need to do that way you can spend your class getting the maximum amount of class time. As an instructor, if you want to spend the class in the bathroom that's fine by us right up until you start making us late for our next class.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Cases
In case there was any question, yes we work on days where it's raining as well. Why someone would want to ski or snowboard in the rain is beyond comprehension to me. But there they are, in their blue jeans waiting for a lesson.
Adaptive
Adaptive lessons tend to be one of those areas not really covered in the general progression of PSIA or AASI teachings. In fact, it's a speciality area, where the entire focus of a class or certification can be dedicated to one area of adaptive teaching. In other words, your average instructor does not have the capability or knowledge on teaching any kind of adaptive needs class.
I recently had a private class with a mentally handicapped child whose father wanted to enjoy the mountain. I fully support the enjoyment of the mountain and I've had my share of $50 babysitting jobs. But when your child falls into the category of special needs, do you really think leaving them with a group of non-trained minimum wage paid employees is the best idea?
I spent most of the class chasing the child out of the woods and pulling them (kicking and screaming) away from the snow cliff over the parking area. Before the class was sold, the staff urged the father not go through with this, as we're not equipped for adaptive teaching. At the end of the hour I was happy to be done.
I recently had a private class with a mentally handicapped child whose father wanted to enjoy the mountain. I fully support the enjoyment of the mountain and I've had my share of $50 babysitting jobs. But when your child falls into the category of special needs, do you really think leaving them with a group of non-trained minimum wage paid employees is the best idea?
I spent most of the class chasing the child out of the woods and pulling them (kicking and screaming) away from the snow cliff over the parking area. Before the class was sold, the staff urged the father not go through with this, as we're not equipped for adaptive teaching. At the end of the hour I was happy to be done.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Tipping
One of the biggest misconceptions on ski instructing is that you get paid. Allow me to correct that, we get paid a minimum wage for the most part. There are instructors who get paid a lot better, they typically won't be found attached to a ski school though. They're typically the freelancers who get hired directly by their clients. For the rest of us dealing with little Johnny or Sue it's the bare minimum.
If you've got a child taking a lesson who you know will be a bit of a handful, be kind and tip the instructor. It doesn't even have to be a direct tip, a beer in town or at the bar is often a great gesture.
My best tip has been $50 after a 3 hour private session with a group of 5 Japanese clients. They were a bunch of fun to work with and I've seen them on the numerous times on the mountain since the lesson. I still remember each of their names, talk briefly when we pass by, and occasionally even join each other for drinks afterwards. Most days I take home $0 in tips and have to wait until the once a month check to arrive.
If you've got a child taking a lesson who you know will be a bit of a handful, be kind and tip the instructor. It doesn't even have to be a direct tip, a beer in town or at the bar is often a great gesture.
My best tip has been $50 after a 3 hour private session with a group of 5 Japanese clients. They were a bunch of fun to work with and I've seen them on the numerous times on the mountain since the lesson. I still remember each of their names, talk briefly when we pass by, and occasionally even join each other for drinks afterwards. Most days I take home $0 in tips and have to wait until the once a month check to arrive.
Balancing Act
At what point does one reach their breaking point? There are plenty of books researching this very question, none addressing it purely from the standpoint of an snow sport instructor. But then again is it really any different?
Best advice for readers with young children (aged 5 - 12) who wish to have a session with an instructor; start earlier in the day.
Why? When most of us are given our first few lessons, we've got plenty of energy and little of the daily frustrations built up. Time and again I can see by the end of the third lesson in a row the energy levels waning from instructors. Sometimes it's because they've had too many classes in a row without a break. More often though is it's simply a lot of work.
Working with younger kids takes a level of excitement and energy that is hard to maintain all day long. Kids pick up on even the slightest change in mood. I'm impressed with pre-k, k, and grade school teachers who can keep their students attention beyond 3 hours. They are very clearly still learning about controlling their limbs and sense of balance.
That's all I can say, earlier lessons. You'll thank me for it.
Best advice for readers with young children (aged 5 - 12) who wish to have a session with an instructor; start earlier in the day.
Why? When most of us are given our first few lessons, we've got plenty of energy and little of the daily frustrations built up. Time and again I can see by the end of the third lesson in a row the energy levels waning from instructors. Sometimes it's because they've had too many classes in a row without a break. More often though is it's simply a lot of work.
Working with younger kids takes a level of excitement and energy that is hard to maintain all day long. Kids pick up on even the slightest change in mood. I'm impressed with pre-k, k, and grade school teachers who can keep their students attention beyond 3 hours. They are very clearly still learning about controlling their limbs and sense of balance.
That's all I can say, earlier lessons. You'll thank me for it.
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