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Beginner Skiing/Terrain questions

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kk0710
Posts: 32 - Karma: -8
This might be a dumb question, but how long should be skiing before you try to do tricks? I started skiing for the first time last season at Greek Peak in upstate NY, this season opened up a couple weeks ago and the few times I went I fooled around a little in the terrain park. I didn't do tricks but was slowly going over small ramps and progressively speeding up and trying to get air. Am I moving too fast? I actually feel like it is making me a better skier as it's a crash course on balance. I really want to try going over the little box but don't want my arrogance to get me hurt lol. Also, I am grown and not a spring chicken if that makes a difference. And does anyone have any exercises they recommend to help with feeling lighter on my feet and helping with the lower back pain from skiing?
Jan 2 2019 9:54PM
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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
Lower back pain kinda comes with the whole park skiing dealio. All those landings get those back muscles working pretty hard.

As for progression, move as fast as you're comfortable. Once you can air a 30 foot-ish jump without windmilling your arms all over the place, you'll be pretty comfortable spinning the 10 footers. Slushy warm days are perfect for trying new things when the snow is soft. Just do what you feel comfortable with! I doubt you're interested in inverts, but definitely don't try any unless you've practiced them on a trampoline or something.

Yoga is great if you're looking to limber yourself up and prevent injuries.
Jan 2 2019 10:01PM
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freestyler540
Posts: 13106 - Karma: 18,910
Did you go too fast? no...not at all.
This is why there is a small park early season in the year. Its so people cant get hurt for sending it too hard on the first day.
Any time spent in the park is a learning opportunity, no matter what your skill level is.

Why does your back hurt? Your body position is wrong. You must be arching your back forward while riding. Every impact, every bump puts a lot of strain on your back. By the end of the day, you will notice the stiffness. Remind yourself to straighten you back and bent your knees more.
Jan 2 2019 10:14PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
However much you bend your knees, bend them more. Absorb impacts with your legs.
Jan 2 2019 10:17PM
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kk0710
Posts: 32 - Karma: -8
I am not sure I'll be doing 30 foot jumps any time soon lol. As for my back I have lower pack pain in general. I'll see if I can find a nice ski workout to help me all around.
Jan 2 2019 10:36PM
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CharlzHub
Posts: 1166 - Karma: 8,542
Props for getting into park right away. Do shit with engaged muscles always. And go fast because it makes things surprisingly easier
Jan 2 2019 10:39PM
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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
kk0710I am not sure I'll be doing 30 foot jumps any time soon lol. As for my back I have lower pack pain in general. I'll see if I can find a nice ski workout to help me all around.


Yeah I was just trying to emphasize not to try spinning until you're suuuuper comfortable with straight airs.
Jan 2 2019 10:44PM
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kk0710
Posts: 32 - Karma: -8
ButteredToast.Yeah I was just trying to emphasize not to try spinning until you're suuuuper comfortable with straight airs.


Well now I feel obtuse, I thought you were serious lol.
Jan 2 2019 10:57PM
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kk0710
Posts: 32 - Karma: -8
CharlzHubProps for getting into park right away. Do shit with engaged muscles always. And go fast because it makes things surprisingly easier


That was one of the first things I realized my second day back this season, my uphill leg drags way worst when going slow, I have actually been trying to force myself to go faster and/or practicing turns while lifting my leg. I literally spent like 8 hours on the bunny slope just trying to increase my speed and working on turning.
Jan 2 2019 11:00PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4874 - Karma: 17,330
Read up on and follow park etiquette and you're good. Also don't be afraid to ask questions
Jan 2 2019 11:00PM
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bostonbeater
Posts: 20 - Karma: 33
Make a habit of stretching everyday even if you can’t get a workout in, the 10-20 minutes of stretching helps everything. If you loosen up your legs/hips it will help to loosen your back. YouTube skiers yoga, there’s some good stretching routines on there.
Jan 3 2019 11:37AM
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nmwninjart
Posts: 3011 - Karma: 15,163
Look up core muscle groups exercises. Strong core along with proper weight distribution, posture, and the bendy knees and stretching mentioned earlier will ease up the back pain.
Jan 3 2019 5:52PM
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kk0710
Posts: 32 - Karma: -8
bostonbeaterMake a habit of stretching everyday even if you can’t get a workout in, the 10-20 minutes of stretching helps everything. If you loosen up your legs/hips it will help to loosen your back. YouTube skiers yoga, there’s some good stretching routines on there.

I looked up and tried(poorly) some yoga today but didn't think to search "skiers yoga." Everyone's advice has been great, thank you.
Jan 4 2019 12:20AM
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6416 - Karma: 69,669
kk0710I am not sure I'll be doing 30 foot jumps any time soon lol. As for my back I have lower pack pain in general. I'll see if I can find a nice ski workout to help me all around.


From an injury in 9th grade, I've always had lower back pain. In pt they told me to do a lot of stretches and workouts that target the hamstrings, hips, and all parts of the back. All your muscles are connected to the nearby ones in some way so these things help a ton. Look some up and try them out. You may feel results right away or it may take weeks.

Most importantly, have fun and just enjoy skiing.
Jan 4 2019 2:30AM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
Huck
Jan 5 2019 4:42PM
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