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How old were you when you started riding park and am I too old to start?

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Patrick_Bateman
Posts: 14 - Karma: 10
I'm about to turn 27 (5'9 155lbs and pretty athletic) and started learning the ski basics this season (never skied before). Going downhill on greens and blues were kinda boring so I started beginner terrain parks.

Just recently spent a bunch of money on my own skis since rentals made me mad (I got Line Anthems, Look PX12, and Salomon SPK boots... thus I am set up for park). Now people are telling me and I am reading that I am too old to be doing/starting freestyle. Plus I keep hearing that I should really be an advanced skier before I should try park (again, I'm a beginner).

I don't plan on being a pro (obviously) I just want to have some fun, should I just block out the advice from others or should I keep going on greens and blues to get better? If that's the case It'll be harder for me since I bought park specific gear.

How old were you when you started riding park?
Mar 8 2010 12:07AM
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StupidDeep
Posts: 103 - Karma: 9

He is very much right here. Also i was 8 wen i started straight airing stuff and actually like not jus going off the side of stuff. I dont know if that counts or not. But i started paying attention to park when i was about 14

Mar 8 2010 12:43PM
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207
Posts: 8969 - Karma: 3,846
I was 11.

Just go for it dude!
Mar 8 2010 12:46PM
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.peter
Posts: 1222 - Karma: 63
I kicked it this summer with a guy who was in his 30's. He wanted to do it so his kids would want to get into it. He had pretty much just started and killed it.
Just have fun. If you have something to say/prove with your skiing than do it. If not, just enjoy.

Plus when you're older/have a real job you have money to spend on skis and trips and stuff... hopefully, which just makes it even more fun/easier to get better. And if you really wanna get better and have the money to do it, Camp of Champions ALWAYS welcomes adult riders. Don't worry you won't be the oldest person there, and you get to go to the adult camp parties.
Mar 8 2010 12:51PM
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rooftop
Posts: 110 - Karma: 8

started last year when I was 26.  I was apprehensive at first because the kids about half my age were killing it. 

I grew up in the skiing era when everyone was snowboarding and skiing was lame.  Does anyone else remember when skiis weren't allowed in terrain parks???

Never too old man, take it from me.

Mar 8 2010 12:58PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
I'll try and get one next time i'm up at the canyons. I see him pretty much every day.
Mar 8 2010 1:02PM
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STAUSS
Posts: 8232 - Karma: 3,311
yeah dude, go for it!
Mar 8 2010 1:03PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
I was 15 when I officially started in the park. as for you - welcome to skiing, there are no rules.


if you want to learn park, go out tomorrow and learn park. if anyone says you can't do something on skis because "it's not cool", "you're too old", "blah blah blah" hit them on the back of the head.
Mar 8 2010 1:06PM
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Dunmore
Posts: 2 - Karma: 11
I am 20 and just started skiing this year. Made the switch from a board after borrowing a friends park skis for a day. The next day I bought Afterbangs, PX12s and SPKs. I don't think I will ever go back. I am picking up park stuff pretty fast as well. I'm confident hitting urban rails and boxes and am starting to learn 3s off of like 25ft jumps.

So go for it! I did and I'm stoked!
Mar 8 2010 1:41PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
Ignore the age-factor. I have seen countless older guys in the park, even a 50 year old who can 5.
as for the beginner in the park deal, who cares? I have at least 5 friends who just started skiing this season and only ski park, no mountain at all. so as long as you can ski, it doesn't matter how long you have skied in your life.
I respect the fact you wanna rip up the park at 27, I hope in 9 years il do the same.
Mar 8 2010 2:59PM
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c4t_l0ver
Posts: 5485 - Karma: 810
i was 13.
Mar 8 2010 3:04PM
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Toilet-Ott3r
Posts: 369 - Karma: 24
doesent matter what age as long as you can pull some tricks out the bag its all good!
Mar 8 2010 3:06PM
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i.ski.troll.
Posts: 4692 - Karma: 247
I was 15 when i started, and im now 17.
Mar 8 2010 3:09PM
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tribefan226
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 209
just have fun with it man. theres some dude at my local hill thats like 50 and still hits the jumps and hangs in the park
Mar 8 2010 3:14PM
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jamodeo
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 663
i would get really comfortable outside the park be capable of getting down all the trails and such and then hop on the park train i started park when i was 12 or 13 i think 16 now but yeah age isn't a problem my dad is 67 and still charges the rest of the hill
Mar 8 2010 3:15PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
i find this thread funny cuz you are allo saying like 40 is too old and my dad and his friend are in there forties and do the 20-40 footers
Mar 8 2010 3:21PM
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Hoppy
Posts: 685 - Karma: 95
Yeah man go for it. Who cares, as long as its something you want to do.



And omg look at how positive a thread can be!
Mar 8 2010 3:41PM
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jach107
Posts: 58 - Karma: 10
i was 14 and all you need to do to ski park is have to will to do it age does not matter
just do it-NIKE
Mar 8 2010 4:00PM
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leahey
Posts: 2548 - Karma: 32
It will be a lot harder. Because balance wise it will be something very new. Go for it, who gives a fuck.
Mar 8 2010 4:24PM
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_CC_
Posts: 3890 - Karma: 747
i was 13 but you are not to old by any means! theres a guy at my hill whos probably 45 and hits the dew tour jumps. just make sure you are totally comfortable on skis before you try anything crazy. have fun man!
Mar 8 2010 4:28PM
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sack
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 147
i was 21 when I started skiing and skiing park, but until now I haven't really committed to learning it. go for it!!
Mar 8 2010 4:33PM
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manuel87
Posts: 675 - Karma: 17
Ive been skiing since the age of 3. This season was my first countable park experience. I am 22 now and feel like I am progressing noticably slower than all the kids. It might be that I am too worried about injuring myself, but there is progress nonetheless. You are definitely not too old, but I would focus more on improving outside of the park first. (something like 70:30 relation of normal skiing vs park skiing)
Mar 8 2010 4:42PM
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Upgrayedd
Posts: 620 - Karma: 25
I think I am a good case study - I started riding park when I was 32 after many years of riding mainly steeps and pow.  I am in the industry and I ride park almost every time I get out on the hill.  You are definitely not too old.

What you have to remember, though, is that you and I are not as elastic as we used to be and indeed as elastic as the kids we are riding in the park with.  I have seen some of the most horrific looking slams where the kid just popped up and gathered his shit like nothing happened - a slam that would have broken something on me.  I had a rather simple fall off a flat down box last winter that resulted in a torn shoulder muscle that took months to heal.

There are two things I would advise seriously - Go slow with your progression and get some pads. I have taken a lot of time getting really comfortable on rails, boxes and jumps without tricks and have been nailing 180s, sw180s and zeros for a while.  I am now to the point where I am working on spinning 3s and spinning on and off boxes and rails.  Most of the kids who frequently ride park will get through these skills much faster than I have, but I can't afford to hurt myself like when I was young.  I also pad myself head to toe - downhill mountain biking shin and knee guards, impact shorts, impact jacket, mouthpiece and helmet.  It helps a lot. 

Regardless of padding, however, you will fall on your hip learning to jib, and you will get some of the nastiest bruising you have ever seen - It happens and has happened to every single one of us who rides park.  You just have to pick yourself up and do it again.

Enjoy
Mar 8 2010 4:50PM
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GNARwalls
Posts: 1287 - Karma: 528

Yo, i was 14 when i started, i can admitt i'm not good at all. but seriously just go for it brah.  skiin's all bout havin fun shreddin. if ur not havin fun on the begginer trails and u wanna park go for it.  i think that some experience could do good for landing tricks for edging and balance but u'll learn that.

good luck man

Mar 8 2010 5:56PM
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sack
Posts: 4881 - Karma: 147
it would definitely help to feel comfortable and develop a general skiing confidence, skiing parallel on blue and black runs before you hit the park
but actually regular skiing skills won't help a lot in the park in terms of specific skills, for example in regular skiing you want to turn with your lower body but for spins off jumps and on rails you want to keep your lower body still and spin starting with your shoulders. it's almost the complete opposite.
Mar 8 2010 6:28PM
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fountain.
Posts: 1399 - Karma: 80
as long as you are completely comfortable cruising and around and can control yourself fine, i say go for it. my mom is 45 and snowboards, and will occasionally try stuff in the park. i have also rode up the lift with someone about 37 who skis park, he actually helped me to hit a 40 foot jump for the first time. just try not to take things to fast, and just make sure you are having a good time.
Mar 8 2010 6:29PM
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jfp
Posts: 739 - Karma: 521
dude im 33, barely ski park cuz i like backcountry but definately lap the park a couple times a day to brush up on spins etc> you arent even close to too old.
Mar 8 2010 6:46PM
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Elmo.
Posts: 4317 - Karma: 662
yea d00d go for it... i would advize a little more mtn riding first cuz it helps with balance the feel for ur skiis and stuff like... also ur awarness of things around u needs 2 b high in the park cuz if u go on a landing and no knowing someones in the air it can end badly... but by all means go for it just hav fun with it bro... o and i was almost 15 when i started and im almost 16 now and i love it =)
Mar 8 2010 7:18PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
Just make sure you can afterbang.
Mar 8 2010 7:21PM
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adamlukowski
Posts: 3676 - Karma: 311
my friends dad is a ski patroler, and when they started putting up rails he thought it was easy and tried it, but he fell and decided he had to get the whole thing, so that was his start to skiing, probably at the ripe age of 45. but i don't know exactly, now he is a Terrain park attendant and ski patrol
Mar 8 2010 7:25PM
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jeremyo13
Posts: 493 - Karma: 288
i moved to pennsylvania from florida at age 31, having never skied a day in my life.

now im 35, love skiing, and hike rails 3 days a week.

youre not too old.
Mar 8 2010 7:27PM
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RyanDiMatteo
Posts: 226 - Karma: 21

i started skiing park at 25, but i come from a racing background. I wouldn't focus too much on what colour runs you can do, but choose terrain that challenges you, but still fun. Get used to having skis on and sack up in the park bro!!!

Mar 8 2010 7:48PM
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asapCferg
Posts: 3057 - Karma: 358
I was skiing my whole life and I picked up park when I was 14 or 15. Age doesn't matter! Give it a try
Mar 8 2010 8:15PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
BOSS
Mar 8 2010 8:18PM
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Ebaneezer
Posts: 288 - Karma: 24
haha, i just started last year
Mar 8 2010 8:21PM
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the_goose69
Posts: 595 - Karma: 35
just started last year really im 15 now
Mar 8 2010 8:23PM
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eastcoastplanker
Posts: 964 - Karma: 70
your never too old bro
Mar 8 2010 8:27PM
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P.opsicle
Posts: 478 - Karma: 29
I really started skiing park at 14, so this season. Being a strong skier outside of the park is only recommended as then your comfortable on your skis and have some confidence.
Mar 8 2010 8:30PM
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Backyard.Skier
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 1,497
i was 13 when i started riding and i found it really helped to get out of the park and learn to ride blues and blacks. it really helps with your confidence if you feel good one your skis. also i find to get spins down do around on greens and do little 180s on jibs this will help you get the feel for spinning and then just take it to the park. but otherwise i definitely dont think your to old to start just have fun.
Mar 8 2010 8:39PM
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Santa-Cruz
Posts: 2236 - Karma: 11
this season
and i am 17
Mar 8 2010 8:47PM
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theboondocks
Posts: 94 - Karma: 21
i have the same last name as you
Mar 8 2010 8:48PM
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skithesouth
Posts: 145 - Karma: 8
i got my skill in skiin doin racin then moved to park later on, u should try racing, its a lot of fun and will push u to be a better skier even if its not as kwl as skiin park, everybodys gota get a start somehere, u cant jus jump right into park real fast, its lyk doin bmx before ya really kno how ta ride a bike
Mar 8 2010 9:26PM
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blackoutbill
Posts: 2918 - Karma: 282
There is a guy on here (Mr.Huck), and he is in his forties. He has his own backyard setup and is pretty damn good at skiing. If you learn the basics of skiing then go into the park, the learning curve in the park will be a lot lower. Bottom line, age really makes no difference
Mar 8 2010 9:48PM
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mtganja
Posts: 9 - Karma: 1
just do wat u want and go have fun. if people only ski park because their friends are doing it, then they gay. if u want to do something just because other people r, go snowboard
Mar 8 2010 9:53PM
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zues
Posts: 6434 - Karma: -5,330
holy shit that "guy" was dirty!!!
Mar 8 2010 10:59PM
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Woodsy15
Posts: 239 - Karma: 383
Last year was my first year skiing, im now 16 and id recommend to be comfortable around the mountain before you get into park. But its defiantly not too late to start.
Mar 8 2010 11:32PM
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Jgombasy
Posts: 180 - Karma: 62
I just started this year and am 17 but theres always time.  Just respect other riders and most riders will give you advice if you just ask and are willing to commit.   Also go to night skiing and on weekdays if you dont want to be in the mad rush like it is normally on weekends
Mar 8 2010 11:32PM
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petesguitar1
Posts: 358 - Karma: 5
Started skiing about 4 years old, started park skiing (straight airs, daffy's, spread eagles - old school) when I was about 15. Had a few years off and have come back at mid 30s and love it. All of the young fellas have helped me out heaps. Get in and do it - but be safe (it takes longer to heal!)
Mar 9 2010 2:07AM
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Hi.Phi.
Posts: 602 - Karma: 84
dude just go for it. i could do 180s before i could turn left
Mar 9 2010 2:16AM
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LockyK
Posts: 404 - Karma: 16
went skiing in the park the other day with an older guy that had never been in the park. was shitting himself but he hit all the flat boxes and rails and he was stoked! go for it man, its so much fun.

most people where i work had never been in the park at the start of the season now they froff on it.
Mar 9 2010 2:52AM
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