One of the most common fears when learning freestyle snowboard tricks is the fear of looking like a beginner in front of all those smooth, stylish riders in the terrain park.
Most of us go into the terrain park and we don’t want to look stupid or get in the way of snowboarders that are WAY better than us. However, there’s something we don’t realize.
There’s actually a HUGE difference between what we think an advanced riders thinks when he sees us snowboard and what he’s actually thinking. Let me explain.
What you think good snowboarders think of your freestyle skills:
Why is that beginner in here? That guy is just in the way! That guy sucks, he’s doing it wrong.
We seem to think that good riders look at beginner snowboarders and think they’re in the way or they shouldn’t be in the park or maybe they look down on riders who aren’t as good as them.
However, that’s not really what they’re thinking. In reality, it’s quite the opposite.
What good snowboarders are actually thinking of your freestyle skills:
That guy started his spin too early. He forgot to pop. He should be turning his shoulders more to get that spin around.
Good snowboarders are watching you and they’re noticing the mistakes you’re making. However, they aren’t actually looking down on your riding. In fact, they’re probably thinking about what you could be doing to fix those mistakes.
The problem is that although they notice your mistakes, it’s hard to say anything to the person without coming off a little rude. After all, you can’t ride around the mountain pointing out the mistakes that everyone is making, some people won’t appreciate that and it could be a little obnoxious.
For example, I like to ride with my housemates in Whistler and most of the them are beginners in the terrain park. I usually can’t help but notice the mistakes they make with their technique, but I’ll never say anything unless they ask for help.
I want to help them and offer advice, but I don’t want them to feel like I’m constantly pointing out all their mistakes.
How you can take advantage of this problem:
Ask! Talk to other snowboarders. Good snowboarders have a wealth of knowledge that will help you become a better snowboarder, but they can’t share that knowledge with you unless you ask.
If you’re riding with someone better than you or happen to be on the chairlift with a good snowboarder, ask them for tips. They know all the mistakes you’re making because they probably went through the exact same problems.
Don’t waste the opportunity to get tips from better snowboarders just because you’re scared of what they think.
- Jed
ps – If you haven’t checked out Torstein Horgmo’s new snowbaord documentary yet, it’s pretty awesome. Just downloaded it today via iTunes: Torstein Horgmo: Horgasm
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