Replying to Progression
i found this in a wakeboard mag, thought it was worth a post, ill change some words to make it skiing.
Helping progress skiing - it's an obligation you've probably already fulfilled wether you realize it or not. If you've ever helped someone learn to ride for the first time, or landed your favorite move in front of a newbie, then you've already contributed to the progression of skiing.
Pushing an activity to a more advanced level means you've progressed the activity to a higher standard. From what i've experienced, if a beginner sees you do a stylish grab, his standards of riding are immediately challenged, and soon after he'll be trying the same moves you're already doing.
Many skiers look at the progression of skiing coming from only the pro level. Progression actually occurs at every level of riding in every region of the world.The level of riding in some areas is taking of because there's more people out there riding.
When i was a newbie to skiing, i would go out and carve arond, mixing in some "big jumps" until i was tired. That was fun to me then, and it was also the only type of skiing anyone else at my home hill. After watching a few skiing videos, i eventualy progressed to an intermediate level with 180's and grabs. I found that the new moves i'd learned were affecting how other skiers around me rode. As the progression standards for the grass-roots rise each year, that forces the pros to keep stepping it up to stay ahead. It's all connected.
If you don't think you make a difference in the grand scheme of our ski world, remember; it doesn't matter what level rider you are; if you're on the ski hill, you're part of the movement - the progression
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