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Overcome fear in park?

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snusmatta
Posts: 7 - Karma: 85
So, i have a problem. I have been skiing for the past 5 years now and if I can say by myself i know how to go down the slopes, very well. But I really want to go skiing park. Like I want to main park. But I have one problem. I have a feeling that the guys that are in the park will judge me as I cant really do any big tricks yet. I know this may sound silly but I would like to get some tips on how to overcome my fear to ride park. Im not scared of the park itself, Im scared to get hated on.
Sep 28 2020 10:47AM
37 1
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Ginger_Drew
Posts: 649 - Karma: 2,528
skiiervinzSo, i have a problem. I have been skiing for the past 5 years now and if I can say by myself i know how to go down the slopes, very well. But I really want to go skiing park. Like I want to main park. But I have one problem. I have a feeling that the guys that are in the park will judge me as I cant really do any big tricks yet. I know this may sound silly but I would like to get some tips on how to overcome my fear to ride park. Im not scared of the park itself, Im scared to get hated on.


As long as you go in to the park knowing the written and unwritten rules for safety and respect, people aren't going to hate. Everyone's there for the same thing; slide some metal, hit some jumps, and progress. We've all been in your shoes at one point or another, so don't be afraid to ask for tips from other skiers! Most dudes will be more than willing to help out.

Good luck out there!
Sep 28 2020 10:53AM
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armchair_skier
Posts: 2316 - Karma: 29,144
skiiervinzSo, i have a problem. I have been skiing for the past 5 years now and if I can say by myself i know how to go down the slopes, very well. But I really want to go skiing park. Like I want to main park. But I have one problem. I have a feeling that the guys that are in the park will judge me as I cant really do any big tricks yet. I know this may sound silly but I would like to get some tips on how to overcome my fear to ride park. Im not scared of the park itself, Im scared to get hated on.


As long as you respect the flow of the park nobody will judge you. If you need beta on a feature people are always happy to help. Wearing park style outerwear (hoodies, looser fitting pants etc) might help you feel more comfortable too. When you fall learn to laugh at yourself and keep trying rather than being discouraged.
Sep 28 2020 11:08AM
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snowmosexual
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 10,020
Be cool. You why? Cause it's easy.

Fr tho just don't act like you're sick and people will respect that. Talk to people and be humble.

**This post was edited on Sep 28th 2020 at 11:44:56am
Sep 28 2020 11:19AM
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ColoradoDogfart
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 29,046
The people that would judge you and laugh at your are really the most insecure people there, there not comfortable with their own skills so they want to put others down. If you ever see somebody killing it and your struggling they’ll often come up to you and ask if you’d like some pointers, everyone is super nice and that coming from a guy who kids breck and keystone witch are arguable the doucheiest parks around
Sep 28 2020 11:32AM
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ASAPCarter
Posts: 918 - Karma: 10,356
Believe me, we’ve all been there at one point or another. I used to be super intimidated when I’d see a bunch of people at the top of the run-in. What I eventually found is that they’re usually pretty chill people and a lot of them aren’t nearly as good as I was expecting. I remember when I was learning 3’s there was this guy throwing rodeos and stuff and I got all anxious whenever I’d see him but eventually he caught on and ended up spending the rest of the afternoon giving me pointers until I finally was stomping it. There’s nothing wrong with doing straight airs to get comfortable as long as you clear the gaps, follow basic etiquette and respect the other dudes. If your mountain has different parks with smaller features, I’d def recommend putting in some time there. The features aren’t as intimidating and most of the people just side jump or run over the lips anyways. Just be cool and have fun and you’ll progress over time.
Sep 28 2020 3:08PM
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yessirskiii_
Posts: 244 - Karma: 1,675
Drink beer and smoke cigs for maximum performance
Sep 28 2020 4:31PM
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b0ss
Posts: 796 - Karma: 6,274
More likely to get judged by some boomer on the lift than in the park
Sep 28 2020 4:33PM
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ColoradoDogfart
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 29,046
beenjammin669_Drink beer and smoke cigs for maximum performance


get you a coach like ben jammin
Sep 28 2020 4:53PM
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ScaryDumpTruck
Posts: 584 - Karma: 3,392
Just don't cut anyone off
Sep 28 2020 4:55PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9292 - Karma: 61,005
the only people who will be a dick or judge a newbie are lame wannabes. every actually sick skier or snowboarder ive ever met have been stoked and too busy having fun and appreciating the sport to spend time hating on some newb. we've all been there

also keep in mind that it's easy to look intimidating with a mask, goggles, and gear on and a crowd of friends, but behind 99% of those goggles are people really really similar to you

prove it to yourself by saying hi to people in the park, just say waddup or ask if they want to take some laps together. i promise you 9/10 people will be chill back, and you don't need to worry about that 1/10 who will think they're too cool, they just have their own issues to work on
Sep 28 2020 4:57PM
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Granby_killdozer
Posts: 2386 - Karma: -12,011
You've gotta work on not being so self-conscious. Trust me, the people that are really good are usually the nicest, at least that's been my experience. When I lived at mt hood for a summer I had Jonah Williams giving me tips on switch rodeos, Scrappy Joe complementing my filthy riches, and I dropped in between people I'd watched in level 1 movies. I remember being so intimidated at first but you just have to realize that even the best of the best skiers are just normal people out there trying to have fun. I feel like a big part of skiing well is to have a generally positive disposition and not let little things make you angry like a kid cutting you off or someone less experienced falling on the jump before you drop in. And on the flip side, you can't worry too much about what others are thinking and chances are they are just thinking about what trick they want to throw next anyway.

**This post was edited on Sep 28th 2020 at 10:45:27pm
Sep 28 2020 6:17PM
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SkierPT
Posts: 2177 - Karma: 4,720
Get used to falling a lot and laughing it off! I don’t mind falling now (as long as I’m not injured) because everyone falls !
Sep 28 2020 8:46PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51672 - Karma: 162,626
Start small, don't cut people off, have fun and keep skiing.

Nobody goes from new at skiing to triple corks right away. Challenge yourself but keep things reasonable. Learning a few tricks like sliding rails, or a few jump tricks like 360s and some grabs will open up a lot of doors for you
Sep 28 2020 9:43PM
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Snakethepark
Posts: 15 - Karma: 93
Everybody went through (or is going through) similar experiences. My way of breaking out of that rut was to learn to do just a couple tricks really well, make them look good and learn variations of them. My go-to style/confidence tricks were switch tailbutter 180 and continuing the spin to nose butter 180. It feels good and looks decent and got me used to flexing the skis and building up energy. Once you know how to do something well you will have the confidence to keep pushing and adding new tricks to the bag
Sep 28 2020 9:47PM
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ShakyFilmer
Posts: 41 - Karma: 59
ive been skiing park for a few years and for me personally the fear of embarrassing myself in front of the better guys has always been worse than the fear of injury. For like the first year i always kept to myself and waited for everyone to ski past before i tried anything and i hardly progressed at all. Then one day i caught a lift ride with a really good skier and we lapped for the entire day together, i prolly learned more that day then the season and a half before it. At least where im at people are really nice and always super inclusive and down to help, who will even take time out of their days to teach you stuff. You just gotta put yourself out there.

Also the thing thats helped me the most in terms of progression is peer pressure, nothing like it

**This post was edited on Sep 29th 2020 at 12:34:47pm
Sep 29 2020 12:31PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,421
If this is your only fear then you're golden man. Learning to overcome the self conscious part of it is easy once you get out there. I'm a very self conscious person and I can't ski park to save my life, but even I don't care what others think. Just know NO ONE CARES as long as you have proper etiquette and aren't a douche. Anyone who laughs or gives you shit, thinks they're better than they actually are and are douchebags. Even then, they're largely the minority and many times nonexistent in parks. Just go out and shred it. Ask for tips on features and chat it up on the lift. This will calm your nerves and help make new friends. The more you practice the better you'll feel. The more comfortable you'll feel. And the more people will go ooooo ahhhhhh when you ski park.

I've found the fear and consequences of continually falling and getting fucked up are way more crippling than worrying about what others think. When you fall, laugh a bit, throw your hands up and go along with it- lightens the mood for all.
Sep 29 2020 2:47PM
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Thot.exe
Posts: 51 - Karma: 195
I know everyone says park skiers are friendly and they just love the sport, but what I cannot stress enough is all this is true. People are there to meet new people and push each other to be the best they can be at the sport. As long as you follow the rules nobody will judge you. I have been able to improve so much by talking to people that are much better than me. Many times they will give me tips and then stick around until I either land it or get close to landing.
Sep 29 2020 3:59PM
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JmckR
Posts: 1280 - Karma: 5,880
Ginger_Drewso don't be afraid to ask for tips from other skiers! Most dudes will be more than willing to help out.


So true. I remember asking two random guys at Hood how to slide rails whilst riding the chair. Me coming across like the biggest jerry on the planet because it was Spring Pass, all the Pro's were out, the park was absolutely firing and I could barely slide a rail.

I was struggling with gapping onto rails urban because I was trying to look at the end on the rail (like you're supposed to) but I always ended up looking down at my skis, because I was trying to land square on the rail... if you get me. So I wasn't sure where I was supposed to be looking whilst taking off the lip. But they were super chill about it and gave me some good tips.

Good memories from that week at Hood, made some real good friends at the campsite, we connected through insta so I really hope to ski with them again one day.
Sep 29 2020 6:58PM
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MilkPlanet
Posts: 74 - Karma: 353
I love the support in this thread. If you haven't been able to tell, you don't got much to worry about. The guys in the park are mostly gonna be friendly, if you ask you'll get pointers or advice at least 9/10 times. You'll quickly learn that nobody in the park thinks poorly of you unless you're a dick, and that the 50+ people on the lift that can see you is significantly scarier. Just go out there, and don't be afraid to say hi to a stranger and ask for advice.
Sep 29 2020 8:24PM
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snusmatta
Posts: 7 - Karma: 85
Thanks for the positivity :)

**This post was edited on Sep 30th 2020 at 5:25:04am
Sep 30 2020 5:23AM
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Obama_care
Posts: 581 - Karma: 2,759
People in the park may not seem that friendly you don’t have to go up and say hi but I guarantee most people are fine with it and personally I love giving advice to other people. No park skiers judge unless you do something that makes you wanna judge em just do snake anyone and don’t look like kook and you are loved by us
Sep 30 2020 6:20AM
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Lillyskis
Posts: 9 - Karma: 80
The hardest part is going for the first time. Once you learn even a small trick that you can do well, you'll feel more comfortable around the more experienced people.
Sep 30 2020 1:26PM
5 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
skiiervinzSo, i have a problem. I have been skiing for the past 5 years now and if I can say by myself i know how to go down the slopes, very well. But I really want to go skiing park. Like I want to main park. But I have one problem. I have a feeling that the guys that are in the park will judge me as I cant really do any big tricks yet. I know this may sound silly but I would like to get some tips on how to overcome my fear to ride park. Im not scared of the park itself, Im scared to get hated on.


IDK if you are just Trolling along here, but as you see from all the advice folks are giving you here, that most folks are way cool.
As everyone has said, when someone is stopped in a Bro-Zone, go and give a compliment and let them know you want to learn better but you don't have money for a coach or to be in a coaching program. I think you will find that a lot of folks would actually love to make a few turns with you and try to help you out. Respect Gets Respect.
I'm an "old man" but the youngers respect me because I am chill and show them respect. You can do it too.
I give you credit for making your post assuming you are not just Trolling.
Good luck and best to you.
Sep 30 2020 3:09PM
1 0
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WisconsinDogfart
Posts: 675 - Karma: 5,525
MilkPlanetI love the support in this thread. If you haven't been able to tell, you don't got much to worry about. The guys in the park are mostly gonna be friendly, if you ask you'll get pointers or advice at least 9/10 times. You'll quickly learn that nobody in the park thinks poorly of you unless you're a dick, and that the 50+ people on the lift that can see you is significantly scarier. Just go out there, and don't be afraid to say hi to a stranger and ask for advice.

not to mention people on the lift are usually impressed just if you do a stait air on a small jump
Sep 30 2020 3:51PM
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6397 - Karma: 69,446
theabortionatorStart small, don't cut people off, have fun and keep skiing.

Nobody goes from new at skiing to triple corks right away. Challenge yourself but keep things reasonable. Learning a few tricks like sliding rails, or a few jump tricks like 360s and some grabs will open up a lot of doors for you


Idk what you are talking about, my first trick after learning a 360 was a swich lip to triple rodeo 1170 out of a massive 30 ft cannon rail
Sep 30 2020 4:27PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
ConesForBreakfastIdk what you are talking about, my first trick after learning a 360 was a swich lip to triple rodeo 1170 out of a massive 30 ft cannon rail


Dude, you can't fool theabortionator! BTW, do you ski the cone for breakfast? If so you be hard core. Respect
Sep 30 2020 4:42PM
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6397 - Karma: 69,446
DominatorJacquesDude, you can't fool theabortionator! BTW, do you ski the cone for breakfast? If so you be hard core. Respect

If I lived near Bachelor I would love to. But nah man my name means like to wake n bake from a bong
Sep 30 2020 5:45PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
ConesForBreakfastIf I lived near Bachelor I would love to. But nah man my name means like to wake n bake from a bong

Wake and bake! Ahh...... to be young again! I never liked bongs much, but some good homegrown stativa in a pipe did I like!
Cone forth!
Sep 30 2020 6:06PM
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beepbeepski
Posts: 153 - Karma: 1,455
find some friends that also park ski. nothing pushes you to progress more than motivating and being motivated by friends. even if you're alone at the hill, talk to some other people at the park and make some friends!
Oct 1 2020 9:49AM
5 0
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Young_patty
Posts: 3282 - Karma: 37,945
skiiervinzSo, i have a problem. I have been skiing for the past 5 years now and if I can say by myself i know how to go down the slopes, very well. But I really want to go skiing park. Like I want to main park. But I have one problem. I have a feeling that the guys that are in the park will judge me as I cant really do any big tricks yet. I know this may sound silly but I would like to get some tips on how to overcome my fear to ride park. Im not scared of the park itself, Im scared to get hated on.


Dawg if you stay out of peoples way I can guarantee no one one will care.

there’s an old Dr.Suess quote:

“those who care don’t matter and those who matter don’t care”

any good park rat will not give a single shit if they see a beginner park skier doin their thing.
Oct 1 2020 4:24PM
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