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KilaTsunami
October, 2024

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Aging & park skiing

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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
Any old heads out there ripping park still?

Nowadays at 29 I find myself just ripping groomers most of the time and straight airing natural hits, plagued with the desire to get back into park and shake the rust off, but laden with the fear of being more breakable than my younger self.

I know 29 isn’t “old” but I know my ligaments aren’t as pliable as they used to be, and my muscles hurt more in general than they used to.

I want to get my rodeos back, my switchups, all that jazz.

Is it even worth it at this age? Am I just gonna break myself immediately?

Is anyone my age still sending it in the park or is it pretty much game over once you hit this age bracket? Tips? Tricks? Thoughts and prayers?
Feb 17 2022 5:39PM
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corona
Posts: 12795 - Karma: 32,750
Just make sure you stretch before and after and keep up with core strength and leg exercises to minimize injury risk. I always get looks stretching at the top of the park like I'm about to throw down dub corks, but no fucks given. I'm a bit older than you and still learning new tricks.
Feb 17 2022 5:49PM
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sexyjulian
Posts: 873 - Karma: 11,218
Feb 17 2022 5:49PM
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mynameisgiovanni
Posts: 82 - Karma: 750
I’m 35 bro, for me it’s loads (and I mean loads) of time in the gym, lots of balance board and loads of yoga. Fitness and flexibility are key. Incremental progress these days, go with how you feel on the day, don’t be pressured into laying down every time you ride. Warm up and cool down after sessions.

The fact is, it takes way more effort to still rip as we age, injuries last longer if they occur, but it is worth it and the fact is I’ve got a family member who still skis in their 80’s, ripping groomers but who cares if you’re still having fun and living the dream!

oh, yeah and Candide
Feb 17 2022 5:57PM
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nmwninjart
Posts: 2994 - Karma: 15,061
39 and just started a couple years ago.
Granted I've done alot of other physically demanding body punishing things in the previous years ( military, martial arts, running ) skiing just happens to be my latest adventure(obsession). As mentioned above strength training amd keeping limber are key. And being smart about tricks and progression. I have the progression rate of a snail at this, but Its fun and frustrating at the same time. The simplest of accomplishments make me happy.
Feb 17 2022 7:01PM
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fghtoffyrdmns
Posts: 2998 - Karma: 6,867
Dude I’m 29 and never stopped skiing park you’re fine
Feb 17 2022 7:11PM
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Nuno812
Posts: 432 - Karma: 1,792
30 this year and getting back after tearing ACL… working my way back no issues.. get it
Feb 17 2022 7:25PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51642 - Karma: 162,207
32 going on 150 here.

I feel you.

I got hurt bad a few times and can't shake the fear. Once in a while i still lock into the zone and get a bunch of "decent" tricks going.

Its tough.

I've personally started enjoying other hobbies more. I picked up skating 2 years ago and though arguably more dangerous I'm new to it so even just rolling around feels good.

Also play my guitar a lot.

But i love riding park still. Just slowing down a little.
Feb 17 2022 8:03PM
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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
theabortionatorI've personally started enjoying other hobbies more.

Whew idk that I’ll ever feel this. Even if I’m just blasting groomers, skiing will always be about all I can think about in the winter. I get the unshakable injury fear thing though. Not something I had when I was 17!

It still feels like I’m finding new ways to fall in love with the sport, but hey, life comes in waves.
Feb 17 2022 8:13PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7821 - Karma: 21,848
I'm 32 and have been skiing park every season since I was 16. I'm definitely less willing to try more risky tricks now, but I see no reason not to keep at it. I do spend more time outside the park, but it's because I'm touring and trying to bring my tricks to natural features.
Feb 17 2022 9:00PM
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KilaTsunami
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 28,835
I’m 27… u guys are scaring me lol but fr I feel like I’m at the top of my game still and can only go up from here. Will I ever cork 7? Who knows. I really don’t care anymore it’s all just about fun now that I have a big bag of tricks to run thru
Feb 17 2022 9:07PM
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NickSkisGood
Posts: 76 - Karma: 943
This thread hits hard for me. 30 yo here nursing a sore shoulder that popped out and back in when I slammed jibbing the other night, and also a sore butt from an extreme hammocking injury. I feel great tho! It's all part of my evolution as a skier, becoming more judicious about risk.
It also makes me weigh my ski goals vs their risk, like I'll get more enjoyment from staying healthy to ski rad backcountry lines than from risking it gapping onto some sketchy rail.
They say you don't become a true master until 10,000 hours of doing something, which makes for an interesting dynamic in skiing and other extreme sports of experience vs young rubbery athletes. I think we're good though for a while some 41 yo won an Olympic ski racing medal this year and shit Tanner Halls still going hard AF
Feb 17 2022 9:24PM
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Abomber22
Posts: 3053 - Karma: 5,254
"The fact is, it takes way more effort to still rip as we age, injuries last longer if they occur, but it is worth it and the fact is I’ve got a family member who still skis in their 80’s, ripping groomers but who cares if you’re still having fun and living the dream!"

THIS^^^^^^
66 and no core or leg strength, which makes easy things, hard things. l

love the feeling of ski on snow while imagining crazy hits I know will never happen

put in the work now ( whatever age now is for you/
Feb 17 2022 9:50PM
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snowpig
Posts: 87 - Karma: 406
nmwninjart39 and just started a couple years ago.
Granted I've done alot of other physically demanding body punishing things in the previous years ( military, martial arts, running ) skiing just happens to be my latest adventure(obsession). As mentioned above strength training amd keeping limber are key. And being smart about tricks and progression. I have the progression rate of a snail at this, but Its fun and frustrating at the same time. The simplest of accomplishments make me happy.


same here, 40 and started a few years ago. We just need to be smarter. Only hit stuff on days when you are feeling in top condition. If your knee doesn't feel as stable, if you don't feel as flexible, or focused - don't try things you are not really good at.
Feb 18 2022 7:42AM
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kmccall85
Posts: 15 - Karma: 124
36 here. Skiing park old is easy. Try skateboarding, that really sucks when you’re old.
Feb 18 2022 8:07AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,310
how i feel in the park:



turning 30 this year, i still like to get off axis. cant say i enjoy rails as much as i used to. ill hit them; dont feel the need to try 27 on on big features. i only go to the park if conditions are bad everywhere else.
Feb 18 2022 8:31AM
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Chrischi69
Posts: 652 - Karma: 5,060
just gotta try it and ease into it
Feb 18 2022 8:58AM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 6975 - Karma: 60,946
I’m 30. I feel much much better now about my skiing as a whole. I’m def more risk averse aka not as likely to fling myself off huge jumps but I feel I can ride a mountain way better and more fun now finding natural trannys and jumps.

I used to be way better at back 2 off rails than front 2s. Caught up on some plastic in 2020 and got a mental thing so now I’m way better at front 2s haha

I feel stronger as a skier than ever before and more stylish than ever before. I’m not as reckless either. Knees and body has taken some damage but a lot of that is my fault. Def starting to take the gym more seriously
Feb 18 2022 9:08AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,310
wow lots of 30 year olds lol.

is ns how you guys procrastinate at work?
Feb 18 2022 9:13AM
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BradFiAusNzCoCa
Posts: 6975 - Karma: 60,946
Idk why people are saying skating… skating scares me more than skiing. I broke my funny bone skating. With skating it’s an actual fear. With skiing it’s more like my brain says “hey think about this”
kmccall8536 here. Skiing park old is easy. Try skateboarding, that really sucks when you’re old.
Feb 18 2022 9:16AM
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Dilldoes
Posts: 761 - Karma: 5,853
I'm 30, grew up in Oklahoma and can still do a nasty handrag 900. You got this.
Feb 18 2022 11:54AM
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Goretex_Vidal
Posts: 756 - Karma: 10,501
37 year old who was away from skiing entirely for 19 years. Yoga, distance running and Bulgarian bag training have made all the difference for me.

I’m content with trying to learn or relearn one new thing everytime I’m on the hill; If I never progress beyond getting my flat 5s and backflip back I’m still happy.
Feb 18 2022 1:21PM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
Think we already did this thread last season.

As long as you're in okay shape your bones and ligaments don't just explode when you get to 30.

I learnt 7s for the first time last winter after a long plateau (I'm 37), just build up slow and you'll be fine.
Feb 18 2022 2:46PM
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Goretex_Vidal
Posts: 756 - Karma: 10,501
The permanent nerve damage in my right thigh from falling skating a pool last summer agrees.
kmccall8536 here. Skiing park old is easy. Try skateboarding, that really sucks when you’re old.
Feb 18 2022 3:03PM
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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
Lol thanks I think I genuinely needed this reminder
RosbifAs long as you're in okay shape your bones and ligaments don't just explode when you get to 30.
Feb 18 2022 3:27PM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2492 - Karma: 509
29? wut?

37......Been working parks/mountains/trail crew for 15 years. Everything was fine and dandy till I shattered my pelvis last year. But I'm not giving up. Recovery time just taking a bit longer than expected. (1 yr 2d ago exactly)

Doin stuff when not on the hill helps keep tip top tho. Gym / balance / agility etc.

Can't just shred 7 days a week being 20 something and eat pizzas like triscuits with no negative results.
Feb 18 2022 4:12PM
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fghtoffyrdmns
Posts: 2998 - Karma: 6,867
Yes I’m at work rn 😂
ajbskiwow lots of 30 year olds lol.

is ns how you guys procrastinate at work?
Feb 18 2022 4:13PM
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nmwninjart
Posts: 2994 - Karma: 15,061
ajbskiwow lots of 30 year olds lol.

is ns how you guys procrastinate at work?

Its how I procrastinate on my lunch break and sometimes sneak in a peek when I'm doing something boring and mundane
Feb 18 2022 8:54PM
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BigmoneyMatt
Posts: 1545 - Karma: 1,185
ButteredToast.Any old heads out there ripping park still?

Nowadays at 29 I find myself just ripping groomers most of the time and straight airing natural hits, plagued with the desire to get back into park and shake the rust off, but laden with the fear of being more breakable than my younger self.

I know 29 isn’t “old” but I know my ligaments aren’t as pliable as they used to be, and my muscles hurt more in general than they used to.

I want to get my rodeos back, my switchups, all that jazz.

Is it even worth it at this age? Am I just gonna break myself immediately?

Is anyone my age still sending it in the park or is it pretty much game over once you hit this age bracket? Tips? Tricks? Thoughts and prayers?


Shut the fuck up and free your soul idiot.
Feb 18 2022 8:57PM
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g_lectrolyte
Posts: 195 - Karma: 1,495
I turn 27 this year and I feel pretty good, I think it really is all about progressing in a way that makes sense to you. Pick features and tricks you like/ones that make sense in your head. Also I tend to stay away from the XL jump line.. prefer the schmediums. I know I won’t be doing both way dub 12s ever so I just go out and learn new tricks with my friends, mostly dicking around on rails. Yea the 14 year old comp jock kid can do way gnarlier shit than me but I like to think I’m having just as much fun
Feb 18 2022 11:40PM
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SteezMaster68
Posts: 182 - Karma: 2,140
ButteredToast.Any old heads out there ripping park still?

Nowadays at 29 I find myself just ripping groomers most of the time and straight airing natural hits, plagued with the desire to get back into park and shake the rust off, but laden with the fear of being more breakable than my younger self.

I know 29 isn’t “old” but I know my ligaments aren’t as pliable as they used to be, and my muscles hurt more in general than they used to.

I want to get my rodeos back, my switchups, all that jazz.

Is it even worth it at this age? Am I just gonna break myself immediately?

Is anyone my age still sending it in the park or is it pretty much game over once you hit this age bracket? Tips? Tricks? Thoughts and prayers?


My dad is 48 and still skis park
Feb 18 2022 11:45PM
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ButteredToast.
Posts: 6459 - Karma: 2,570
SteezMaster68My dad is 48 and still skis park


That’s cool is he still alive
Feb 19 2022 12:40AM
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SteezMaster68
Posts: 182 - Karma: 2,140
ButteredToast.That’s cool is he still alive


He actually took a bad fall on his shoulder last year and he takes it’s super light in the park now
Feb 19 2022 1:13AM
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IHatePedophiles
Posts: 708 - Karma: -6,903
I don't know I'm 15
Feb 19 2022 1:40AM
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tri_photo
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 7,195
man, I'm 25 and I feel old already skiing park LOL

here's the thing I've found - when it comes to aging and any action sport, do what brings you joy my man, plain and simple. Whether its a zeeched front 270 or a simple floated out mute 3, if it puts a smile on your face... who cares
Feb 19 2022 9:21PM
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