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Beginner's Guide to Park Skiing

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skierman_jack
Posts: 1671 - Karma: 17,538
Looking back on my first 2 seasons as a "park skier", there is a lot to take in when starting out in the freestyle world. I figured I would start a list of a few things that could help beginners navigate the park and the community. Feel free to contribute.
- start small. wandering around in a park with huge features will not make you a good park skier. There is no shame in spending some time in the baby park getting your feet under you.
- dont be afraid to ask for help. 90% of guys/gals in the park will have no problem giving you some pointers. However they are not your coaches. Nothing is more annoying than giving someone a tip or two and then they follow you around all day pestering you.
- there are dicks in the park. there are dicks everywhere. dont be arrogant and treat everyone with respect, dont be a dick
- ski because you enjoy it and not for the clout. there are enough instagram 1 hit wonders.
- Gear matters, but not that much. Any decent park ski these days will get you there. Buying custom ON3Ps with rainbow pivot 18s will not make you a better skier
- set goals. make them attainable and meaningful.
- get comfortable skiing switch. switch spins, switch lips, switch carves etc all contribute to a more enjoyable time in the park and smoother lines
- most park skiers are really down to earth and chill. talk with them, take a couple laps with them if you can
- the best way to get more style into your skiing is to watch stylish skiers. Watch edits all the time and learn what looks good
- dont be afraid to crash or make mistakes. thats how we get better
- call your drops, wait your turn, have respect for the features and those using them, and do not stand in areas where you cannot be seen clearly by other users.
- always thank your park crew
- skiing park is almost entirely mental. you can do anything you set your mind to.
- do not side hit features. if you do this your local park skiers hate you and you look like a dumbass. there are small jumps and side hits along the hills for a reason.
- have a good time. the stoke is real and the vibe is epic. go have some fun
Dec 24 2020 10:40AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51618 - Karma: 162,042
Also. Go fast, take chances.
Dec 24 2020 11:01AM
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WoFlowz
Posts: 7897 - Karma: 63,930
Don’t forget to commit and stretch stretching will help you do much with grabs and injury’s and commit so you don’t eat shit
Dec 24 2020 11:10AM
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skierman_jack
Posts: 1671 - Karma: 17,538
Stretching dammit I knew I forgot one
WoFlowzDon’t forget to commit and stretch stretching will help you do much with grabs and injury’s and commit so you don’t eat shit


**This post was edited on Dec 24th 2020 at 1:26:13pm
Dec 24 2020 11:30AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51618 - Karma: 162,042
WoFlowzDon’t forget to commit and stretch stretching will help you do much with grabs and injury’s and commit so you don’t eat shit




I finally joined the stretch gang a few years back. Shit's pretty decent. I would recommend.


And agree on commitment. A lot if times the worst fall you'll take is melllower than partially committing to a trick and half assing it. Unfortunately our brains are trash and lie to us.

Always good to get a few friends around for trying a new trick to hype you up and get you to send it.
Dec 24 2020 12:00PM
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sqeellicbic
Posts: 421 - Karma: 3,356
Also, know the difference between pushing yourself and just being an idiot trying something you have no business trying.

For example, trying a 5 on a jump that you have straight aired and done 3s off of many times is a smart way to push yourself. Trying to hit a DFD when you've never hit any kinked rail before is just straight up stupid.

Don't try to make up for lack of skill by sending it harder than you should. Don't try a trick unless you can easily visualize it and think you have at least a 60% chance of stomping it. Push yourself, but not too hard.
Dec 24 2020 4:28PM
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yessirskiii_
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,674
Also cigs and beers help obtain maximum potential
Dec 25 2020 12:43AM
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ScaryDumpTruck
Posts: 584 - Karma: 3,392
The worst crashes I've seen in the park is beginners not committing. For example, a kid hit a dfd but didn't fully pop into it and lock on, and got thrown off the kink pretty bad.
Dec 25 2020 12:49AM
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nmwninjart
Posts: 2993 - Karma: 15,061
This is a good list.
The benefits of making friends or at least talking to other skiers in the park are huge. I'm a newbie still and am just now starting to talk to people. They really are decent people for the most part and feeling welcome definitely helps with feeling more comfortable to try stuff
Dec 25 2020 8:35AM
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corona
Posts: 12795 - Karma: 32,747
SkylineGTR_R32- skiing park is almost entirely mental. you can do anything you set your mind to.


All true except this. You are absolutely limited by your strength (mostly core), air awareness (which is not mental), flexibility, skill on skis outside of the park (edge control for example), muscle memory, and previous practice.
Dec 25 2020 9:29AM
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skierman_jack
Posts: 1671 - Karma: 17,538
Fsfs
just wanted to exaggerate
coronaAll true except this. You are absolutely limited by your strength (mostly core), air awareness (which is not mental), flexibility, skill on skis outside of the park (edge control for example), muscle memory, and previous practice.
Dec 25 2020 3:31PM
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