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Am I too old?

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Shwanky
Posts: 133 - Karma: 513
Hey all, Ive been skiing for around 5 years now and want to get into park skiing. Im now 20 most of my friends that ski park have been doing it since they were like 12. I can do some rails but find that my skill progression is very slow. Any other skiers out there that started late?

EDIT:I landed my first backflip the year after I posted this which was 3 years ago. Currently I can grease any rail at my home mountain and front swap or 2 out of most of them, additionally Im getting better every weekend at hitting rails switch. Its fucked that I thought 20 was too old to do anything. I just did what everyone was telling me to do the whole time. Go fast and commit.

**This thread was edited on Dec 7th 2017 at 4:42:12am
Aug 6 2014 5:15PM
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Shifties4Dayz
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 553
Probably
Aug 6 2014 5:17PM
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00000000
Posts: 11075 - Karma: 82,508
There's no such thing as too old!
Aug 6 2014 5:17PM
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HappySoda
Posts: 333 - Karma: 449
MousseauThere's no such thing as too old!


This. As long you're out there having fun and getting stoked, does it matter what age you are?
Aug 6 2014 5:22PM
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thefry
Posts: 72 - Karma: 78
theres no age limit for skiing, as long as you're having a good time thats all that matters
Aug 6 2014 6:18PM
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spaceghostpurp
Posts: 249 - Karma: 835
no your not too old. and i found that when older people start park they progress faster. I think they just have more balls to throw shit that would seem scary.
Aug 6 2014 6:22PM
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LastChairMedia
Posts: 860 - Karma: 1,855
No. Just have fun and go slay whatever you want.
Aug 6 2014 6:26PM
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Mingg
Posts: 13963 - Karma: 48,971
Do what makes you happy dude. I say you should definitely do it. Who cares if you progress slow, That doesn't really matter. Do it because you love it not to prove yourself to other people.
Aug 6 2014 6:30PM
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SimplyClean
Posts: 556 - Karma: 1,752
I thought you were gonna say you were 28-30 but you're 20 man...plenty young.

I'm a 24 year old that does 360s and 180s and minimal rail spins. I hardly progress but I have a blast out there every time I'm in the park so that's all that matters!
Aug 6 2014 6:59PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
No you're not to old and also with progression I found when I first started park I progressed very slow but it has gradually sped up and I learn new stuff a lot faster than when I first started.
Aug 6 2014 7:09PM
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128368798788
Posts: 0 - Karma: 1,167
One name man: Tommy Ellingson



Guy's at least 32 and progressing more every year. Its never too late. Just always remember its all about having fun and not giving a fuck

Here's a dope article about him if you wanna read more about him: http://xgames.espn.go.com/skiing/article/9463738/tommy-ellingson-mt-hood-most-legendary-jump-builder
Aug 6 2014 8:04PM
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Nillion
Posts: 35 - Karma: 50
You're still a kid at 20. You'll be fine.
Aug 6 2014 8:29PM
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gerbear
Posts: 435 - Karma: 397
Is this serious?

I got my biggest balls in the park or hucking cliffs when I was 21-22 years old.... I'm 27 and pondering the question you are, and it's because I am nearing 30 and have a legitimate reason.

How are you thinking this shit at your age? Go out and get it dude.
Aug 6 2014 9:55PM
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TotallyTrevor
Posts: 4379 - Karma: 26,364
I'm 24 and still learn stuff every now n again

learning curve slow or not, you'll be stoked when you learn new stuff and so will your friends
Aug 6 2014 9:56PM
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steezysteeze
Posts: 1739 - Karma: 1,012
Chris Turpin started skiing at 19, whats your excuse?
Aug 6 2014 10:11PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,576
Did my first lap in the park and my first 360 at 19.
Aug 6 2014 10:29PM
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forrest.baker.52
Posts: 54 - Karma: 70
My friends and myself are always in the park. Our average age is 29. Shit if you were at hood this summer you couldve seen the old guy possibly in his fifties airing the pipe,it was nuts! We've all been skiing for a long time and are still progressing little by little every season. Just go out have fun with your friends and enjoy it.
Aug 6 2014 10:39PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
Wiley miller just turned 30 last month. And somewhere in a video or interview he had not too long ago he said he still is and wants to progress more. And he's 10 years older than you. Definetly not too yung, so have fun.
Aug 6 2014 11:11PM
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Mingg
Posts: 13963 - Karma: 48,971
Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional
Aug 6 2014 11:17PM
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Donketts
Posts: 261 - Karma: 173
Go for it I'm 12. I just started when i was 10
Aug 6 2014 11:23PM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
in the end its all about having fun, so yea go for it man and dont worry about what other kids are doing
Aug 6 2014 11:33PM
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quinnw
Posts: 867 - Karma: 5,332
Do it for you mane.
Aug 6 2014 11:37PM
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Gerome.
Posts: 1040 - Karma: 965
socal_skierGo for it I'm 12. I just started when i was 10


lol. so classic
Aug 6 2014 11:44PM
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Mingg
Posts: 13963 - Karma: 48,971
grmwbblol. so classic


Haha so classic I can't tell if he's serious or not
Aug 6 2014 11:53PM
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VANULAR
Posts: 1930 - Karma: 5,131
steezysteezeChris Turpin started skiing at 19, whats your excuse?



you beat me to it, yah Turpin started skiing pretty old and was pro in like 2 years or something and is skiing better than ever into his 30's
Aug 7 2014 12:03AM
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methscratchface
Posts: 1203 - Karma: 4,445
you should just move to portland and retire cause your washed up.
Aug 7 2014 12:32AM
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elslayerdeparque
Posts: 44 - Karma: 22
Hike features. Fastest way to improve
Aug 7 2014 2:00AM
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JayRich
Posts: 969 - Karma: 1,301
I'm in the same boat as you. I'm 21, and started skiing when I was 15. I'm still not very good at park, but I could give a shit less. There's nothing better to me than fooling around on the mountain for a day with my boys! Just have fun with it.
Aug 7 2014 2:46AM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,634
Yup started park a few years ago , backcountry when I was 19, and I'm 20 now. Progression is slow but fuck it's so much fun getting better no matter what. I have been skiing since a relatively young age so that has helped a lot.
Aug 7 2014 2:46AM
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Aiur
Posts: 267 - Karma: 1,944
Jaaaaaahhh blaze the day mahn.

But seriously you're never too old. Stay stoked.
Aug 7 2014 3:02AM
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Ali_Dibden
Posts: 1966 - Karma: 1,688
MAHONEboneOne name man: Tommy Ellingson



Guy's at least 32 and progressing more every year. Its never too late. Just always remember its all about having fun and not giving a fuck

Here's a dope article about him if you wanna read more about him: http://xgames.espn.go.com/skiing/article/9463738/tommy-ellingson-mt-hood-most-legendary-jump-builder


Hes a nutcase, that triple front he tried to throw at hood on that huge stepup was madness. Back when triples were simply speculation too.
Aug 7 2014 4:45AM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
I started park with 22 and it's the best thing I've ever done. Just have fun, who cares about your age
Aug 7 2014 4:49AM
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pastysmasher
Posts: 780 - Karma: 664
You don't stop playing because you're old. You're old because you stop playing.
Aug 7 2014 5:52AM
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BOSSignol
Posts: 593 - Karma: 16
"You're not even a has been. You're a never was." - D1 or D2 I forget.

Go get it player!!! They make mini parks now (progression parks) they'll help you get the timing and balance down and you can apply it to bigger shit. Bumping hard ass rap music while riding increases your progression rate. Im an idiot
Aug 7 2014 6:13AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51514 - Karma: 160,924
spaceghostpurpno your not too old. and i found that when older people start park they progress faster. I think they just have more balls to throw shit that would seem scary.


Not really unless you're like 5 and older people are 12. It helps to get into it as a kid like any sport but that doesn't mean you're too old to do it. To old to go pro? probably but if you're just trying to have fun and learn new shit you've got plenty of time. Honestly if you ski with decent people and are down to try some stuff once in a while you can learn a lot.

I'd def recommend skiing somewhere that has a nice mix of freestyle terrain for all ability levels. Find yourself a super low really lame looking flat box or rail and learn all kinds of shit on that then take it to the next feature.

Also build yourself a backyard setup if you have the space. That will help make up time, be fun as hell, and give you something to do in the off season.

Skiing with kids that are better than you will help you out. Also if somebody in your crew has a similar ability level you can learn some tricks together. Push each other to do stuff. If you learn a trick here and there it adds up fast.

Don't get too caught up in how good you are or where you friends are though. It's great to push yourself but make sure you're having fun. If it's not fun what the hells the point. Go have a blast crank some old school hip hop, learn some new tricks, and show us all up next season.
Aug 7 2014 7:00AM
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ndye
Posts: 3756 - Karma: 7,094
Nah good thing you are starting now tho, 21 is too old
Aug 7 2014 8:34AM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10810 - Karma: 57,053
Not at all. At first it may seem a little discouraging, especially with all the younger riders in the park, but keep it up and you'll progress. it's all about getting out there and having fun.
Aug 7 2014 10:22AM
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Greenberger
Posts: 252 - Karma: 612
I am 32 and started riding park at 25 and am not stopping anytime soon. Did my first backies at 28 and flat 3s at 30 years old among other stuff.
Aug 7 2014 11:16AM
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ny300z
Posts: 1299 - Karma: 1,708
it sucks seeing 20 year olds wondering if they are too old.

say this is every thread like this but i was 29 when i started park and skiing a lot for that matter. im 32 now
Aug 7 2014 11:16AM
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MikeWeinerONE
Posts: 501 - Karma: 1,215
I'm 35 and still progressing. Don't worry about your age, it's more about your mindset and keep your body in shape.
Aug 7 2014 4:04PM
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Jaggy_Snake
Posts: 2287 - Karma: 1,418
MinggGrowing old is mandatory, growing up is optional

This.

I'm 25 nearly 26 and I have a blast in the park. OK, I can't/don't do crazy spins, but what I can do, I have so much fun doing.
Aug 7 2014 4:49PM
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3mania
Posts: 2608 - Karma: 10,304
20 too old???!!!???? STFU!
Aug 7 2014 5:09PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,175
OP I think you got your answer
Aug 7 2014 5:27PM
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swanyd
Posts: 103 - Karma: 32
I'm 36. I have a six week old baby sleeping on my chest right now. I still ski park, go have fun.
Aug 7 2014 5:34PM
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artrud
Posts: 598 - Karma: 1,471
MousseauThere's no such thing as too old!


this. age is all just in your head and potentially just an excuse to not go for something. Just go out there, have fun, and focus on the trick you are trying to learn.
Aug 7 2014 6:48PM
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whackhouse
Posts: 736 - Karma: 939
unless you've been jumping off buildings barefoot for the past 10 years, you'll be fine. I only say this cus im 15 and my knees are already starting to be a weak link. (I also run so that could have something to do with it)
Aug 8 2014 11:25AM
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fortyvalve
Posts: 1442 - Karma: 1,573
I've been skiing since I was 5 and I'm 21 now, but I just started to get into the park last season and the year before. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, but I don't see why 20 would be too old at all. 20-30 you can still huck shit and you have the cognitive ability to know your own limits as opposed to when you're 16 and can take slams all day. Your body definitely acts a little differently/can't take as much of a beating in a day at 21 compared to 16 though and you definitely need to be aware of that.
Aug 8 2014 11:47AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7137 - Karma: 17,392
Mr.BishopDid my first lap in the park and my first 360 at 19.


Exactky. Us older skiers did not even have parks growing up. First time I seriously skied park I was 21
Aug 8 2014 3:55PM
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Shwanky
Posts: 133 - Karma: 513
Was checking to see if my recent post had any responses and saw this old thread. Im sure absolutely no one was wondering but I did my first backflip the year after I posted this and can currently slide and do front swaps any rail at my home mountain (S rails can get fucked still working on that) so to discredit my younger, probably drunker self there is no age limit. Also now Im embarrassed for thinking 20 was too old for anything
Dec 7 2017 4:03AM
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Holte
Posts: 10739 - Karma: 7,814
Embrace the skier conundrum and you will never stop progressing. Join the party. Despite all the bullshitting and joking, this site is filled with dudes in their 20s, 30s, 40s who are learning new shit every single day.

The skier conundrum goes something like:

If I land a 360, I'll be happy.
*lands 360
If I land a 540, I'll be happy.
*lands 540
Okay, if I land a 7, I'll be happy.
*spins a sketchy 7
900 is right around the corner
*lands a 900
I'm pushing it too much. But if I land a 1080 I'll be happy.
*a few bad crashes later, a 10 happens
You know, everyone is tossing doubles...
Dec 7 2017 4:24AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9254 - Karma: 60,522
ShwankyWas checking to see if my recent post had any responses and saw this old thread. Im sure absolutely no one was wondering but I did my first backflip the year after I posted this and can currently slide and do front swaps any rail at my home mountain (S rails can get fucked still working on that) so to discredit my younger, probably drunker self there is no age limit. Also now Im embarrassed for thinking 20 was too old for anything


Haha this is a sick update! And yes 20 being "too old" is a joke but I hear ya, when I was that age I momentarily had the same thought lol it's nonsense
Dec 7 2017 9:53AM
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