I've been skiing like once or twice a year for the past 10 years or so. I am 24 and this was the first year I decided to try twin-tip skis and predominantly try freestyle stuff. I always liked going off jumps with normal skis, but made the transition this year.
I live on the East Coast (Philly, PA) and we had a horrible winter so I only got to go out 3 times.
First time I went out, was just getting used to the feel of twin tips and center mounted skis. Spent most of the day going down trails and skiing switch.
Second time I went out, I spent most of the day going up jumps and trying to get big air. I feel very comfortable going off jumps, and from my limited experience, I didn't see anyone else hitting the jumps harder or faster then me. I routinely landed at the bottom of the landing area trying to push myself. I also tried to clear spines whenever I could rather then going down the side. Didn't try many, if any tricks, and only grinded boxes by riding onto them. Took some falls which kept me out for 2 weeks.
Third time I went (last Tuesday), I went balls to the wall. I tried and landed a few 360s with pretty big air but didn't feel super comfortable. I learned how to grind boxes 50/50 and some non-circular rails. Felt pretty comfortable, still fell a little on rails but not a ton. Was able to ride off them switch.
Tried to start buttering a bit but couldn't really figure it out. Got really good at doing 180s off small kickers pretty fast but didn't try hitting kickers switch. Back to the jumps, I like pushing myself as hard as I can, and I stupidly tried a 540 on the biggest jump Bear Creek Mtn had. I ended up landing on my back after going about 20-25 feet through the air and this is what happened.
By the way, my body normally looks like this after skiing because I keep trying shit until I'm in so much pain. Do you guys recommend I get Crash Pads and the Slytech Back Protector? I usually have to take a week off or more after each time I go because my body is so beat up.
Going forward, I would like to average 10 times a season or so. Thanks in advance for any responses!
