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Do you feel like you are getting old?

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johnnypsunami
Posts: 5024 - Karma: 221

I am 23 years old, turning 24, and I've been freeskiing since I was 17. Skiing has been my life over the last 6 years, and there is really nothing that I enjoy doing more.

I have found that lately my passion for the sport is slowly fading away. I don't know if its because I'm getting older, or that I've sort of seen the progression of our sport slow down over the last few years, or that I'm not one of the best people at my mountain anymore.

I am also finding it harder to push myself in the park these days. Falling ends up taking you out for weeks, rather than a few hours when I was younger.

Anyways, sorry for the rant, but I'm just wondering if anyone else is feeling the same way...

Feb 23 2009 2:02PM
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alpineplease
Posts: 2791 - Karma: 1,789

dishwalla! its about having fun man! who cares about being the best when opportunities are so limited! have fun everyday, dont feel inclined to learn double flips or some crazy shit thats gonna break you off, cuz unless your already getting paid now, you probably wont get paid to ski ever!

you're a shredder dawg, come out west and ride more pow!

Feb 23 2009 2:06PM
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stonedTEX
Posts: 256 - Karma: 31
me 23 and I feel you.  I suggest you take your game to tough shit not the o a double D stuff but the o I think I am going to shit my pants when I look down from the top.  pushing my limits in terrain has renewed my love of skiing.
Feb 23 2009 2:12PM
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NESblowjob
Posts: 1174 - Karma: 41
smoking weed will make you more patient.   I get tired of things more quickly if im not smoking


Feb 23 2009 2:22PM
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NESblowjob
Posts: 1174 - Karma: 41
and candide is 26 how do you think he feels
Feb 23 2009 2:24PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
Just wait bro... I am 28.  I had to face the reality that my progression has stopped all together.  Why?  Because, as you said, when I fall, something bad happens to my body; broken bones and torn ligaments and tendons.  I have to settle with having fun.  As the saying goes, distance makes the heart grow fonder.  Don't ski for a couple of months and see if nothing is enjoyable any more.  Sure, I can't really go in the park much any more and I am really out of shape, but I find I crave going skiing as much now as I did before.  Once your perspective finally changes on where you are in life, you will love it more again.
Feb 23 2009 2:26PM
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Z_rob
Posts: 3076 - Karma: 152
smoke and ski
Feb 23 2009 2:27PM
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Nicholas.
Posts: 10905 - Karma: 60
im only 18 but have been riding for soooo long, i still love it but i am ok with the fact that i am too busy to go up more than like 7 times this year. i miss it, but not really that much.
Feb 23 2009 2:29PM
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Stilev
Posts: 18 - Karma: 10
picked up skiing this year (im 18) and i ski with 25-35 year old guys who are amazing skiiers, and they are the young guys compared to our 50 year olds (although they dont touch the park) 24 is young man, and we all get the out for a week or 2 injury's which suck
Feb 23 2009 2:44PM
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oldskewl
Posts: 457 - Karma: 10
Here is the problem...you have been skiing for a while and in terms of park skiing you have probably been there and done that. You are a little bored. I experienced the same thing. I started skiing when I was 2. I raced. I got into big mountain and various "X" stuff. I have skied countless 100+ day seasons. I then got bored. When i discovered park it lit a new fire in me. You need to find something to light that fire. BTW Im 42


Feb 23 2009 3:01PM
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crzyskier311xxx
Posts: 515 - Karma: 12

i feel the same and im only 21, ive been skiing since i was like 8 and got kinda bored with it til i started doing park at 17.  I know what u mean with falling hurting cuz my shins and thumbs hate me right now from last weeks skiing lol.  I think my main problem though is trying to have the same feeling about skiing when most of the people I used to ski with dont ski anymore, and sometimes life gets too busy to go (living in a desert doesnt help lol).

I just hope I never become victim to the disease my customers get where they have a family and give up skiing for like 15 years :/

Feb 23 2009 3:11PM
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powerslide
Posts: 570 - Karma: 273

Hi I’m 34 and some times I get the skiing blues, but I have a full time job, a wife and a kid, so there is not much time to ski – the last 2 years my skiing have been more like 3-4 weeks of intense skiing spread out over the winter and then the rest of the winter at home working and living with the family. This gets me stoked like hell, when I’m (like 2weeks ago) driving to Austria to work and instruct people in the mornings and to shred pow in the afternoons for some intense days. And get well paid doing it.  

I was a pro in another sport and in the end some of the things was just killing the fun of it, but I sat down and made a list of + and – and got some new goals. I’m no more a pro, but my sports life makes a lot more fun. Now I just do what I find funny and motivating. No pressure to do well and I spend more quality time with the family. Next week I’ll bring my wife and kid to the mountain for a week, and I’m just stoked – I’m going to bring my 6 month old out in to the snow the first time.

Feb 23 2009 3:29PM
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Rapt0r
Posts: 2041 - Karma: 10
you can't think about that stuff or else it'll just get you down. Stop worrying about shit you can't control and just enjoy the ride.
Feb 23 2009 3:33PM
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Rapt0r
Posts: 2041 - Karma: 10
oh yeah and stay in shape. I won't stop skiing till I die, or it just becomes physically impossible
Feb 23 2009 3:35PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,821
I've learned that you can't let how good you are and how much you progress define you. I'm 17 so I'm still trying new things and pushing myself trying inverts but eventually I'll have to be satisfied with how good I am and just focus on having fun with friends. Its nuts though just thinking I'll probably be an adult next time I ski powder.
Feb 23 2009 4:30PM
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SirFryanator
Posts: 11149 - Karma: 1,415
Ha! I'll be 18 this summer and I definitely don't feel like it. I've been skiing since I was 3 and I won't stop it. I still look young, maybe around 15, 16 at most. I'm so glad for that, hopefully I mature a little slower so that I won't end up feeling like the thread creator.

I had my first injury this year which thankfully only took me out for 3 weeks. Now I'm back, and first day back I tried a few new tricks that I could have really fucked myself over on. Thankfully I didn't, but reading this I realize how badly I could have been hurt. I enjoy being young, but I know that once my body stops changing as much at it is now I won't be able to huck my ass off. So now I've decided to have fun with it and work on style until I know that I have the trick down with solid grabs. Progression comes at a price...and I want to be able to progress for the next couple decades. I mean there are pros like Turpin and Mike Douglas who still kill it in their 30s.


Damn I just went on a rant.

CLIFF NOTES: I love being young so I'm not killing myself trying to improve anymore like I have been so I can stay in peak condition for years and years.
Feb 23 2009 4:38PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,821
yeah, im the same. hopefully ill still feel 18 when im 21. i love being 17. i do frontflips off cliffs overshoot jumps and recently tried a double back and didn't get injured.
Feb 23 2009 4:52PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
you really have to go out with the intention of having fun
Feb 23 2009 5:08PM
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Silence
Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150
I'm 26 in June and my park progression is definitely on the way down - my love for skiing hasn't and won't change though
Feb 23 2009 5:09PM
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barberdude
Posts: 520 - Karma: 140

I'm 26 and still progressing.  Slower then before but it still is happening.  In the end for me it's having a crew to ride with.  I ski with the same two dudes every weekend and we all make each other progress by encouraging each other and just making it more fun than ever.  At 26 I live for skiing more then ever.  I work 40 hrs a week and just can't wait to ride all weekend.  Another thing I have learned, get into all the tech shit that is going on, butters, taps, shifties, hang plants have revived my love of park skiing.  Team K

Feb 23 2009 6:37PM
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Meadows
Posts: 82 - Karma: 105

i hear that bro.... my solution was saying fuck the park and only shred pow......

Feb 23 2009 6:47PM
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Edew19
Posts: 365 - Karma: 13
I hear ya.  Im only 20 but I was so much less excited for skiing this year.  Ive been playing all kinds of sports since I was 5 and I had my first ever debilitating injury this year the first week of December.  This weekend was my first weekend in the park since then and being rusty and timid I bailed pretty hard a few times and decided to call it quits after a few laps.  Luckily I didn't get re injured but I really didn't want to fuck my self up because I lead a pretty active lifestyle.  Im starting to think I might be content with hanging it up in the park and focus on the rest of the mountain.
Feb 23 2009 6:59PM
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N.L.
Posts: 2420 - Karma: 2,744

you cant teach an old dog new tricks, but you should make those old tricks look real steezy.

i feel like skiing hurts me more, so i dont do anything im not sure of.

Feb 23 2009 7:09PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,311
I'm 24, and I really agree with you about getting older when it comes to park skiing.  I used to be motivated to push myself in the park, and I would crash hard, but I would progress, cuz i really wanted to be a good park skier. Now, it doesn't seem worth it to me to go out and kill my body in the park, cuz I might miss a good pow day, it doesn't seem worth it to get hurt in the park anymore. My skiing is changing, but Im still  having fun so whatever.
Feb 23 2009 7:19PM
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partyalex
Posts: 131 - Karma: 11
don't worry man! i turned 24 the other week and i just got back from a trip. im skiing better than i ever have, in the park and pow. Just keep yourself in shape, work on the core and you'll be able to take a hit in the park easily! Seth Morrison is 36 and he's still throwing double fronts off 100ft cliffs, admittedly the guy is in a league of his own but it just goes to show, if you keep working at it, there's nothing to stop you from progressing when you're older if you want to! But if you don't, fuck it, you're gonna have fun anyway!
Feb 23 2009 7:28PM
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TheQuailman
Posts: 7382 - Karma: 147

I'm only 17 but my mind is older.

I'm not nearly as good as I should be or compared to my peers.  But it doesn't matter how good you are at all.  Its just about having fun, and skiing, and enjoying life and being out in 'nature' and just chilling with your buddies.  I don't want to break my neck throwing crazy tricks, but I can still have a good time going to the mountain.

And don't worry, everyone gets those feelings like they are sick of something they love.  There are days when I don't feel like going to the mountain but the next week I'm more stoked than ever.  You haven't grown to old from skiing, just wait a week without skiing and you will see.

Feb 23 2009 8:04PM
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SirFryanator
Posts: 11149 - Karma: 1,415
do you still bone girls while dancing?
Feb 23 2009 8:42PM
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Nicholas.
Posts: 10905 - Karma: 60
haha id can it if i were you royallllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

ha just playing just playin.
Feb 23 2009 8:45PM
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coolhandluke
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 153
yep i refuse to go in the park now so theres no temptation to get hurt.  and im old man now too (24) so i joined ski patrol so i can get paid to make fun of park kids.

ill hike all day to get two minutes of fun pow in.  quality over quantity.  my lifes a bit different now than it was even a year ago.
Feb 23 2009 8:47PM
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Cudder.
Posts: 2248 - Karma: 307
im 14 1/2 im growin out my beard that makes me feel old
Feb 23 2009 8:52PM
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Panchuk
Posts: 1610 - Karma: 355
my grandma is 68 she still slays the park...not but really, she still skis more then I do...
hell, she got me into skiing when I was 5.
Feb 23 2009 8:54PM
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canuck
Posts: 1124 - Karma: 137
Yu think you're old,,,,i'm 30. I still  ride the park but it is mostly for tuning the tricks that I can take to the rest of the mountain (ie Cliffs and lips or whatever)
So it's not so much about progressing in the prak but around the whole mountain.
Something that made skiing really fun for me was watching and reading snowboarding magazines and movies. I find snowboarders look at the mountain different which in turn makes it really fun to go out and try and see the mountain different as a skier.
Feb 23 2009 9:00PM
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SirFryanator
Posts: 11149 - Karma: 1,415
psh no big haha
I just think its funny when kids try to act all mature. hell I know that I act the age I look I definitely should not be graduating lol
Feb 23 2009 9:03PM
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SirFryanator
Posts: 11149 - Karma: 1,415
oh and I know I was a dumbass dont even bring that up at least I can admit it :P
Feb 23 2009 9:03PM
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birdshake
Posts: 1228 - Karma: 71
Im turning 19 in may and I already feel old
falling hurts a lot more then it used to.
Feb 23 2009 9:28PM
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DJAK
Posts: 346 - Karma: 242

Eventually you only huck things you know you will stomp. Eventually your back will hurt. Eventually when you take a break midday, your entire body will get stiff and won't get loose again the rest of the day. This happened to me at 25. Stretch more often and you can delay it.

Feb 23 2009 9:40PM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2492 - Karma: 509
24 now. Didnt really take park skiing seriously till 19. Results? Bruises and Concussions here and there, as well as three broken fingers. Getting old? Not at all. Every year I feel more motivated and throw down that much more. Could not be happier.
Feb 23 2009 9:50PM
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DBeck
Posts: 1275 - Karma: 63
I predict that newschoolers will become the new TGR within the next decade when everyone on here grows up. You can quote me on that.
Feb 23 2009 9:52PM
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.Jibber20
Posts: 231 - Karma: 75
I am 15 years old, recently broke my tibia (shin), and nose. I also recently developed osgood schlatter (knee pain), planters faciitus, back pain, and most recently ciatica (lower back nerve pain). I just got my cast off, and dont consider myself that old, but i do feel a little bit stupid doing back arches all the time and taking advil every other day for my inflamed knees, while wearing orthodix for my feet, at the age of 15. At least it wont come as a shock when i get older
Feb 23 2009 9:54PM
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johnnypsunami
Posts: 5024 - Karma: 221

wow guys. thanks for all the positive feedback. reading this stuff really helps.

I was really hoping there were other people out there who felt the same way, and by the looks of it, there is.

I totally agree with you guys about just going out there and enjoying yourself. Because you're right, that's why we ski in the first place.

I just am always searching for that feeling, when you land a new trick and you are so stoked. Its hard to replicate that when you are just doing tricks you already know. But, at the same time, I can't convince myself that its worth it anymore...

I have considered packing the park scene in for a little while, but I live in the East coast and there is not much here in terms of powder etc... it is crazy the time span that you have in this sport. I look at guys like Tanner and Jon, two of the biggest pioneers in our sport, and still pushing it, but you can tell even they are coming to their careers.

all you youngin's, enjoy every single day/lap/jump that you can. time flies by really fast.

Feb 23 2009 11:39PM
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SnowRidgeParks
Posts: 2146 - Karma: 88
This is the first year that I've really noticed some changes in my skiing as a result of getting older. I'm still only 21 years young, but I'm definitely starting to notice the little things. Of course, alot of it has to do with me not working out at all and being in the worst shape of my life, but as others have mentioned before, falling hurts a hell of a lot more than it did a few years back. No big though, I'm still having a blast and I'm loving it more than ever. It's pretty cool though, I've sort of moved on from that mentality of getting better and competing, to more of a supportive/coaching role to the groms around me. It gets me super stoked to see 13 year olds throwing down and having a good time. I've sort of taken it upon myself to make sure they keep that mentality up and not get caught up in all the "have to get better, I'm going to beat you" BS.

cliffnotes: I'm starting to feel older, but I'm loving it more than ever and my focus has shifted completely to having fun and getting stoked on the future of our sport.
Feb 23 2009 11:47PM
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Sun_Ra
Posts: 983 - Karma: 279
The best advice for not feeling old would be to stay in shape.
There are a lot of pros in the park that are about your age. Think of Tanner who is like 25 and still skiing hard. I think that when you're older, you need to make sure to stay in shape more. You need to work out during the off season to be strong. I've ridden with mid 40 skiers that hucks way bigger than me(in powder) but still. You should really try powder skiing because it truly never gets old. Or in the park, only hit the jumps with clean landings and rails.
Feb 24 2009 12:00AM
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Holte
Posts: 10740 - Karma: 7,814
I had a rough season last year. I kept injuring myself almost immediately after I recovered the previous injury, and finally had a season ending crash that broke my back. I'm only 22, but I started thinking that maybe I should start slowing it down, which was pretty depressing.

But then I started working on a documentary on Danny Way last summer. And he's 35 years old and really nuts. I realized that if you can still push the envelope mentally, you don't have to start slowing down a lot until you're practically in your 40s.
Feb 24 2009 4:46AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I'm 24 and am still crazy in love with skiing, I only got into it when I was 19, but since then it's pretty much all I have done, due to getting into it late I'll never be a pro, but I ski everyday and try and push myself as much as possible. I think my progression is almost speeding up lately, I still worry about getting hurt, but I look after myself more now, less drinking, more stretching and conditioning than in my first few seasons and that seems to help! I am sure one day I will reach my peak, but I don't want to think about that right now, if you do, I reckon that's the surest way to stop progressing.
Feb 24 2009 5:33AM
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partyalex
Posts: 131 - Karma: 11
This. I've been skiing since i was 5, im 24 now and in the best shape of my life skiing harder than i ever have. Still love hitting the park and im not scared to take a big fall. Having said that, i love the powder way more but still, you need to be in some shape to really shred it! Just stay fit, flexible and work on the core!
Feb 24 2009 6:58AM
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OGSlopewatcherAssassin
Posts: 393 - Karma: 16
Almost 24? Yup, it's over.

CURTAINS
Feb 24 2009 9:18AM
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jeffEllis
Posts: 40 - Karma: 10

QFT!!

enjoy being agile as long as you can. 

Dude, do what you want to do in skiing,  the important thing is, you enjoy yourself.  I have been skiing since i was 7 or so, stopped in college because I couldnt afford it.  When I came back, it was a whole different scene.  I am 25 now and I am just starting to get into park this year, haven't really got a chance to giv'r, due to good snow and nobody really wanting to go with me, but i think i am going to scratch that and go on my own.  so, i am getting in at 25, you are getting out at 23, just do what you want and you should be fine.

Feb 24 2009 9:54AM
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B.bowzz
Posts: 659 - Karma: 211
im just saying but freestyle skiing has progressed the most in the last say 5 years and up. seong of all i am only 14 but i am afriad of getting old and not being able to skii again
Feb 24 2009 10:01AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
man... fuck that - you're not old. I'm 24 and probably as strong and fit as ever. I'm still learning new tricks in the park, and I don't even ski the park all year. I spend most of my winter skiing pow and I can manage in the park.

You wanna get that feeling of landing a new trick back? put some time and effort into it and learn yourself a new trick.
Feb 24 2009 10:47AM
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YetitheWookie
Posts: 95 - Karma: 70
Damn bro, you're not too old at all!  In fact, you still have several years of givin'r left in ya!  Hell I just turned 27 and I ride park 6 days a week.  You're right though, most of my bros I ride with are little 7yr old girls now, and are lazy, sore and hate falling...so it's tough to motivate you to throw down and progress...but if you make friends then you'll always have kids to ride with.  I have a side crew of a bunch of late teens I ride with and it's killer.  We get so stoked and push each other like mad.  Also, do what some of the others have said...take a little break and you'll see how much you love it.

I am coming off of a triple discectomy in my back (I got jumped by a gang of Somalis and beaten unconcious, 52 stitches to my face and skull later, fractured jaw, collapsed septums, and 4 herniated discs, which took almost 2 years to get my surgery) 

Coming back from this was epic, and all night/day all I can think about is throwing tricks the next day, I haven't gotten back to switch 9s or anything, maybe I won't, but I'm back to 7s 3 ways, I ride Thugs on the east, and mostly just fool around and have fun.  That's the most important thing, as long as your having fun, you'll be givin'r for a loooooooong time to come.

Also strtching man...I can't tell you how good that is for the body.  I'm pretty sore after 6-7 days of riding park at my old ass age, and I've started Yoga, and it's amazing...plus there's tons of hotties in their little Lulu Lemon tight pants ;)

...you'll thank me later!

Keep on shredding broooo!
Feb 24 2009 11:18AM
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HeartBeatFaster
Posts: 723 - Karma: 26
I'm 25 and just damaged a nerve in my shoulder and tore my rotator cuff after a severe shoulder dislocation and rendering my arm useless for the next 6-8 months. I don't think this injury would have happened or been as significant if I were younger. This may keep me from going nuts the rest of this season but it will not stop me from trying to progress myself in the future. I still ski against the doctors orders but I take this time to ride switch all over the place, spin butters, and just have a good time.  I also realized that there is still mono skiing in the X-Games if I get too hurt.
Feb 24 2009 11:42AM
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