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Question for older guys/girls

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midwest_rep085
Posts: 19 - Karma: 8
I'm wondering if there is anyone here older than 25 and still jibbing and hitting the park?  I joined this site a looooong time ago (before 2001) but I started a new account and just started posting again.

I'm 26, and I've been there since the start with the original 1080s.  I haven't noticed much change in my body as far as being able to do less, but I never did anything that crazy in the first place.  So for those of you older than 25, are you still pushing it? 

Being grad school this year instead of working, I'm going to have more free time to progress my skiing than I've had since probably 2004.  For first the time in a long while, I'm going to break out my old helmet and try some new tricks beyond my staple spins and backflips.

Are there other "old" people here that are still jibbing consistently?  Do you still progress, or have you flat lined as far as learning new tricks? 
Nov 19 2008 1:19PM
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Earl_Globz
Posts: 1553 - Karma: 808

most jibbers just switch to backcountry, but there are alot of older guys/girls that jib in the east coast

Nov 19 2008 1:23PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
i'm 21 and still going, but we'll see if i can make it that long haha
Nov 19 2008 1:26PM
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treesmann
Posts: 2675 - Karma: 49
the manager at the ski shop i work at is 27 and is still planning on learning new shit this year. hes been freeskiing since before the original 1080 came out and doesnt have any plans to stop jibbing and jumping. ive tried to convince him to sign up on NS but hes just not interested in it
Nov 19 2008 1:27PM
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Rolla
Posts: 81 - Karma: 10
I'm 34 and just started throwing inverts last season!
Nov 19 2008 1:42PM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913
I can 50/50 a box.
Nov 19 2008 1:45PM
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DrStrangelove
Posts: 1948 - Karma: 3
im 23 and there's still soooo much that i want to learn...im probably gonna keep riding park at least occasionally for as long as i can
Nov 19 2008 1:47PM
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Dudesinpools
Posts: 745 - Karma: 15
thats whats up right there. plus karma
Nov 19 2008 1:49PM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
im 23 now i have no plans on stopping anytime in the foreseeable future.
Nov 19 2008 1:52PM
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ski@jaypeak2
Posts: 2802 - Karma: 429
Im 25 and was a lurker on this site for a while before i started my account.  I just learned inverts and switch-ups last year,  I would say i ride park about 50% of the time i ski.  I dont go mach 10 at the 60 footers anymore but floating through the air will always be fun...You should ask papasteeze for an invite to the over the hill cult
Nov 19 2008 1:55PM
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Upgrayedd
Posts: 620 - Karma: 25
After years of big mountain, I bought a pair of jib skis three years ago.  Because of my age, I have been intentionally progressing at a conservative pace to protect my body from injury.  Last spring, I threw my first 3 at 35 years of age and broke ribs on a rail.  I wear a lot of padding, though (crash pads jacket and shorts plus 661 knee/shin guards and, of course, helmet).  This year I am working in the ski industry, so I expect the vector of my progression will be steepening going forward.
Nov 19 2008 2:05PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
bill i feel like you should know this person some how.
Nov 19 2008 2:06PM
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rynmartn
Posts: 2697 - Karma: 21
haha wow, you guys need to hear this then. I know a guy named Mike who is 50 years old and routinly throws frontflips,backflips,  cork 7s, and tons of rail tricks.
Nov 19 2008 2:10PM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,055
gonna be 27 and still hitting park, just not as hard as usual.. youll find you begin to appreciate more big mountain stuff as you dont bounce back as fast as you use to from decking a jump or landing on a rail with your shoulder. key to keeping it fun is to enjoy the whole mountain and stick with what you know in the park..
Nov 19 2008 2:12PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,323
I turn 24 next week, I think the expression that "you only get one body" becomes more and more true as you age, at least for my friends and I. I know tons of people that have had ACL surgeries, or other serious injuries, and I think that plays way more of a factor than just getting old. For people in their 20s that aren't pushing in the park as hard as they were I think this is way more of a factor than age. I know that because of doing construction for work that I am stronger now then I was when I was 18-19, and I have more experience balancing rails, jumps etc. So I don't fall as much doing stupid shit, and thats always good.
Nov 19 2008 2:33PM
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MagSeven
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 412

I'm 27 and still love riding park as much as ever. I am learning new stuff, but there are two barriers that have developed with age:

1)It hurts more. I used to be able to ride park all day with now problems. But now, if i spend more than a couple of hours of hard park riding, I ache alot the next day. Also, if i take one hard bail, then I'm alot more cautious than I used to be and will generally call it for the day.

2)I have a career, and a wife, which means I spend alot less time on the hill than I used to. The upside is, I have more money to spend on going to better places. And my wife rides twins, and its fun teaching her in the park.

Nov 19 2008 2:43PM
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Silence
Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150
I'm 25 - i probably don't push things as hard as I could, because i have other things to worry about like bones and career etc, but sure, i'll still be doing this for ever.
Nov 19 2008 2:47PM
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jfoley019
Posts: 929 - Karma: 95
I am 27, I hit the park here and there just fucking around. I have been into more glades and tree skiing. But the park is always a good time. I always try something new everytime I ski, but as somone said, I fear broken bones.  
Nov 19 2008 2:51PM
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afarrell
Posts: 303 - Karma: 28
haha good thread...sometimes it feels like there's no one on this site over the age of 13.  I'm 21 now and stuck on the east coast for the time being so progression comes slow.  Take advantage of the days where the snow is soft and you're feeling good...stick to improving what you already know when the snow's hard or you haven't been on your skis for a few days.  Do as many daffy/twister combos as possible everytime you straight air and never ride park when there's fresh.
Nov 19 2008 2:55PM
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vincepru
Posts: 5474 - Karma: 17
im about to turn 21, and ive already bent my body out of shape beyond full repair so ive slowed down a bit in the park, i just like floating 1's 3's a zero here and there. dont really go into the park that often anymore, i always seem to hit a sketch ass ice patch in the landing and eat shit and break something...  i want to be able to use my knees when im older hah, tore everything once or twice in my knees.
Nov 19 2008 2:57PM
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coolhandluke
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 153
im in the same boat as you.  but a year younger and in the other hemisphere. 

it took me a couple major surgeries and some replacement body parts and a partial organ removal to make me realize that im not made of rubber anymore.
Nov 19 2008 2:59PM
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sconniestyle
Posts: 3945 - Karma: 26

i'm 25 and i have found that i spend almost no time in the park anymore.

i dont think that has to do as much with me worrying about my body as it does the fact that the things i enjoy the most about skiing have changed.

now i'd much rather rip a deep powder line or bomb off a cliff than to lap the park all day. that probably was influenced a lot by moving from wisco to utah, but still, i just don't feel the desire to hit it hard in the park anymore.

Nov 19 2008 3:30PM
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bignedleg
Posts: 29 - Karma: 10

i'm 28.
two broken collarbones, 3 knee injuries, multiple shoulder dislocations and, the worst one, two of my vertebrae cushed into each other and my pelvis.
never was that great a jibber (obviously) but still enjoy it when i can as my home hill doesn't have a park. it does however have a ton of backcountry access (as well as sled access) so i spend a lot of time out there now.
Nov 19 2008 3:37PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
well - i'm 24... moved out to BC from Ontario, but still lapping the park when the pow's lacking. rails forever! seriously though - i see way too many dudes on here move to colorado and hang out in the park all season - try dropping some cliffs, you might even like it!

and in march i beat all the teenagers in a big air competition - take that Skittles!
Nov 19 2008 3:38PM
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laurence^
Posts: 1575 - Karma: 19
Sorry to break the chain. I'm 18 so i'm not exactly old but i just wanted to say you guys are so awesome. Really makes me look forward to keep on skiing for a long time
Nov 19 2008 3:41PM
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hey_dude_its_me
Posts: 1403 - Karma: 32
I'm 24 and just started but it might be different for me since I haven't had years of falls and can't really do much yet
Nov 19 2008 3:43PM
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NW_Rider
Posts: 2580 - Karma: 314

Right on man! I ride with my dad sometimes still (im only 21) and hes starting to hit jumps and stuff now, trying to get him to slide some rails this season. + karma for not lettin the "real world" take away your passion!

On a side not, 2 years ago i rode up a chairlift with a guy how was 86 and still absolutely killing it, charging some of the steepest lines washington has to offer, it was inspiration, the man said he still skiis 3 times per week.

Nov 19 2008 3:48PM
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Freeskier83
Posts: 192 - Karma: 24
Ill be 26 in Feb.....still pushing it in park. 
Nov 19 2008 3:48PM
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Vinci
Posts: 701 - Karma: 1,472
I think its funny that some consider themself old at the age of 23?!
Take a look at boarders. Jones has been killing it for years and still has some crazy urban segments in this years movies.

A friend of mine started skiing at the age of 21 and went "pro" last year, riding for Völkls national team now. He turned 24 this year and I dont know any kid throwing down as hard as he does... he plans on starting doubles this year...


Nov 19 2008 3:50PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727

age isn't anything but a number man.  im 27 and probably in better shape than when I was 20 due to drinking/partying less.  I hit the park quite a bit and don't have any problems. 

Nov 19 2008 4:31PM
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midwest_rep085
Posts: 19 - Karma: 8
Haha, thanks for all the cool replies.

It's good to see I'm not the only one over 25 out there still ripping.  The reason why I didn't bring up backcountry is because I live in the midwest and there is no backcountry here, unless you consider corn fields and cow pasture backcountry.  There is pretty limited terrain out here, which I notice all to well because I lived in Silverthorne, CO for a year.

I guess I do notice soreness though, now that I think about it.  10 years ago, I would hit the biggest jump I could find and if I landed upside down from a botched flip or spin, it was no big deal.  I can remember flying through the air off-axis when learning bigger spinds and landing on my side, and getting right back up and doing it agian.

Now when i crash it hurts more and I do feel it the next day.  And those damn kids are always on my lawn with their yo-yos and their bikinis.  I specifically remember learning backflips and coming down on my head 3 times in a row before I got it.  Never felt any pain the next day.  Now I backset a landing and my shins hurt later that day.  damn kids.
Nov 19 2008 4:42PM
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SICKYGNARGNAR
Posts: 402 - Karma: 31
I will be turning 25 in January and just got my first park skis ever (scored some fatypus g-butters brand new for $150!!!).


I have been skiing big mountain/backcountry only for the past 5 seasons, but love where urban/rails are going and its a great feeling hitting a rail nice and clean.

I do have to say that falling off a rail onto hardpack hurts alot more than falling off a 30footer to pow.
Nov 19 2008 4:42PM
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oldskewl
Posts: 457 - Karma: 10
HA! look at my name.  I got a 12 yr old daughter (she can throw a 540)...and I throw down in the park (for an old guy). I Still do rails and boxes and love to spin
Nov 19 2008 4:44PM
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BASS_PRO_SHOP
Posts: 1519 - Karma: 52
ask ced. hes old and still killing it.
Nov 19 2008 4:46PM
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unchyll
Posts: 4554 - Karma: 96
if some one thinks there is an age to were you cannot shrad anymore thats bullshit BRAH
Nov 19 2008 4:52PM
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wrenegade
Posts: 6631 - Karma: 41
I love seeing the old guys come out of the woodwork. I'm 25, and still trying to get better in the park when I'm there, but most of the time I'm doing something else. I'm lucky that Whistler offers so much more than the park. I definitely don't take the risks I used to, I'd like to think I'm still young, but I definitely find myself sore more often than I used to. Tweaked me knee a bit, sprained my foot, these little sort of nagging injuries that don't go away as fast as they used to.

Stretching is key. I do a fair bit, but not enough. I will be doing much much more of that this year. Flexibility is key to not getting injured.
Nov 19 2008 4:52PM
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schmies
Posts: 2032 - Karma: 511
Wow time flies. I am 29 next month, ha. That sounds weird. Grew up landing switch on straight tailed skis taller than all of you. You'll still see me out there 6 days a week. Hits take a bit longer to recover from, other than that, I feel stronger than ever skiing the mountain.
Nov 19 2008 5:14PM
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schmies
Posts: 2032 - Karma: 511
Yes, stretching and yoga. Good shit.
Nov 19 2008 5:16PM
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BASS_PRO_SHOP
Posts: 1519 - Karma: 52
NOT FAIR! i had to do that and it was only the 01-02 season!!
Nov 19 2008 5:16PM
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lepp0012
Posts: 482 - Karma: 39
I'm 31. I was really into freestyle skiing/moguls from my early years through high school. But when I went to college, all of my buddies who skied went elsewhere, and I just sort of stopped skiing... And right before the advent of twin tips and skiing in terrain parks; great timing on my part, huh!

Anyway, A few years ago I was getting the itch to get back into it and learn some of the new school tricks. This is going to be my 3rd season since I got back into it and I'm still pushing it pretty hard and learning lots of stuff. I love park skiing and have no intention of quitting. However, I think I do dial it back a little bit because I know my body isn't as durable as it once was.

Glad to hear I'm not the oldest guy on here too!!
Nov 19 2008 5:22PM
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DrStrangelove
Posts: 1948 - Karma: 3
woooooooord, ive been swamped with school work the last couple months so ive kinda gotten off of it, but i spent all summer working out hard and doing yoga to get myself ready for the season. i want to be ready cause im 23 and graduating college and moving out west again, and when i move it'll be the first time since i started jibbing that ill be living full time in a good ski region. im gonna ski trees and pow whenever the snow is good, but im looking forward to progressing a LOT on park days. i started doing yoga last year and it REALLY REALLY helps keep you loose and free from a lot of ordinary soreness and tightness when you take spills. gonna get back into it as well as working out again over thanksgiving in anticipation of the move. im going to have less and less work as i start turning in exams and papers, and more time to focus on packing my car and hitting the gym. so stoked!
Nov 19 2008 5:24PM
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Powdered_Donuts
Posts: 2180 - Karma: 187
27 in February still goin stron
Nov 19 2008 5:31PM
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quebecfreestyler
Posts: 13040 - Karma: 1,419
stair massages are more painfull now.
Nov 19 2008 5:51PM
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b-kul
Posts: 4350 - Karma: 1,111
hahaha idk why i laughed so hard at that.
Nov 19 2008 5:51PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
Haha, I had the thought that once i hit like 23 24 i would kind of lose my kid self (i'm 16). But i hope to be skiing, rollerblading, playing xbox, and acting generally the same as i do now when i'm that old.
Nov 19 2008 6:03PM
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LastEmperor
Posts: 347 - Karma: 10
Haha, I haven't been on here consistently in 2 years, but I was thinking the same thing about the age of people on this site.

I think I started on here in like 2002, and have been following "new school skiing" since about 2000.  It's amazing to see how far it's come in that time.  It's great to see how the industry, and even this Web site, have progressed in that time.

Anyways, I'm 25 now and still hit the park when I'm out. I probably won't progress much living in AZ, but i still throw 3s, 5s and an occasional 7 when I'm out.  My style's nothing to brag about, but i have fun.  And, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.  I grew up riding park and it's as much a part of skiing for me as anything else.  I love the challenge and feeling of sliding a rail or hitting a kicker.  Skiing wouldn't be nearly as fun without it.

The only thing that's changed is that I no longer have the illusion that I could one day "go pro" if I really put my mind to it.  Sadly, those days are long gone.  But, there are worse things...Glad there are still some other 25+ guys out there ratting it up.

Oh, and I'm looking to get better-fitting ski clothes, too.
Nov 19 2008 6:03PM
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[]Soul_Steeze[]
Posts: 2357 - Karma: 61

i did too!!!

its just cuz guys are talkin bout spinning and flipping and then papasteeze comes outa nowhere with "i can 50-50 boxes"

Nov 19 2008 6:09PM
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dorikin
Posts: 1914 - Karma: 16

Haha, I am only 21, but I already feel like this has happened to me. I had some season ending crashes in the park. It just isn't worth it to me to potentially lose a whole season of skiing from taking a bail in the park. And I do fall more often in the park than anywhere else.

I still love skiing park, but backcountry and all mountain is what Iove the most, and it has always been that way for me.

Half the reason I don't ski park much anymore is just the scene, though. I just really don't enjoy the park scene as much as I used to, and I think it is my age. It just annoys me to be in the park with people everywhere. Now, I only hit park when it is pretty much empty. For me, a large part of the fun of skiing is getting away from crowds, and trying to really isolate myself and become one with the mountains. Can't do that while surrounded by bro brahs.

There isn't anything quite like skiing through a perfectly manicured park, all to yourself though. Sliding a rail smooth, or stomping really clean off a booter is just a great feeling, and that never goes away, no matter how old I get.

Nov 19 2008 6:19PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
I always love these threads. Seeing the amount of 21+ members there are on this site really shocks me. Love it.
Nov 19 2008 6:27PM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 913
bump
Nov 19 2008 6:45PM
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