Warning! Super long post ahead.
Newschooler Moms (and Dads)
Sort of an expose based on my NS experience ?
naaaa, its not that profound ...
Skiing is fun! I've now been skiing for as long as I can remember. now 4+ decades worth. Freeskiing simply to me, helps keep a healthy fun activity remain fresh and interesting.
I found NS around 2001- my kids at 6-7 yrs old at that time - I found myself faced with the parental dilemma of what to do with something I didn't really approve of. (ruining brand new skis on metal objects)... SO in an effort to understand why destination resorts would even allow/promote snowboard parks. NS kept popping up on my internet radar.
I would browse, mostly pics then click on forums. I had early experience with Compuserve - AOL1.0 chat then IRC . I would read and then get turned off reading potty mouthed posts. Each season I would find/come back to NS. create profile? no way... I knew I would get ganged up on, be told GTFO... This site was for the kids. Yet regardless by 2004 It was easy to see a growth pattern - ex:membership here would nearly double every year. NS also provided me ability to be the parent, essentially sneaking behind my kids back to see/learn/check what my kids were into.
I do not remember why I created a profile. I think it was to try and find out more info on comps occurring on same date and make decision on which one?
Like MaryO I also admit being someone who never grew up, someone who is more comfortable acting silly than maintaining a stiff upper lip, irresponsible and selfish...., someone who worked to make money so that I could spend it on fun things. Someone who loves outdoor activities, someone who hollered in the maternity ward woooooot! a new ski buddy!!!! didn't know if boy or girl.. ....
Parks and ruining equipment....... it was still skiing and I knew how to tune skis. Didn't like it the extra work. (I believed that tuned gear was nearly the most important number one thing) not true - the most important thing is to have fun!. skiing without edges, i've no clue how they do it.. As parents know, the instinctive protective thing related to offspring kicks in and you do what you think you got to do. I would file edges each trip and nips would remove them promptly grind em off on the curb when I wasn't looking
Sam, the honest truth as I know it. The same way there are soccer moms, to some degree, there are equal, if not more parents looking checking/learning how to best support their kids. They eventually find NS, I believe that advertisements capitalizing on alarmist attitudes have also taught/encouraged many to check their kids internet activities - so that will/might inevitably put them here.
Now. tie that with every parent who has carted their kids to a comp, allows/spends money on XXXXXXL gear, has basic computer skills and what you then have is a group of parents who are on here regularly, even daily. especially the soccer mom and dads types. I took my involvement with NS a step farther, by going ahead and embarrass my kids, do what I could to promote freeskiing to management of anyone who would give me a minute and listen. Generally just putting myself out there.
The best way to meet other moms here on NS that I know of is through observing who is standing on the sidelines at competitions, keep an eye out during registration, lodges closest to the parks and introduce yourself and go from there. Maybe get a NS sticker and put it on your helmet? You will find that the network of supportive parents is like any other sport.. Sadly few are outgoing enough to post, that mostly (rightfully so) is because they don't want to embarrass their kids..?
My profile contains many parent profiles....though sadly the list is 4 years old .
Welcome to NS Sam! the green names - The moderators here are a great source of info, support and guidance, while this likely not true for everyone with a green name, for the most part, I believe it was/is .. as it should be. Got a question related to the best way to do something here on NS?. They as a group have the best insight, experience, knowledge and know best how NS works.
Sam- the future of Freeskiing that has yet emerged is perfect - might be perfect for you. Female freeskiers. While I don't have intimate experience, I have some rather strong opinions due to a few somewhat negative interactions Maybe there is something about the dichotomy of testosterone/progesterone? I dunno, I do know that there are female skiers who are as good and better than most "pro's) there is no clear reason that I can find for the delay of females proportionately into the mainstream. How many male gymnasts can you name? Female? Shawn Johnson plus so many more... Freeskiing related to gymnastics is approaching Aerials in that the technical naming of the flippy spinny things has surpassed my observational skills Unnatural Switch double 10 truck. take off back wards spin right 3 times while flipping twice while grabbing both skis at tip.
Okay, in closing for those who have read this far. read between the lines on Mr Bishop's post. Finding and maintaining, assuring continuing support from the establishment is key to any activity. Freeskiing in the Olympics 2014?? !!! 2008 was year of over zealousness regarding Olympic freeskiing on my part where got told by some influential insiders to shut up! lol
Not quite Lastly, I will never forget the year that started with papa wally lamenting that he was longing for the freeskiing thing to wane and focus to change to a legal curriculum that ended with a proud supportive dad showing everyone an album documenting where, when his offspring started and continued skiing... "dad..... " please put that thing away!""
Epithet : For those curious/want to know. Steve(n) aka nipples Last I heard is currently " living the life"at Mammoth Lakes lapping the parks hanging with the who's who during this typical migration. where to after that? I dunno. he is wide open to do anything he wants and apparently is doing just that. I am stoked that the whole mojo love of the snow thing has returned about 4 years after lawn darting himself into the oceans bottom . . best way to contact? hit him up on FB ?
Ridge: For those that don't know My youngest now 18 - first name is Ridge! Also a freeskier, goes nearly as big as his brother. yet at one time, placed 2nd at Park City National Nastar Championships Ridge has chosen to continue his education at UVM ! University of Vermont is one of the first 8 Ivy league schools, Strong ski clubs close to Stowe Killington and others.
As a parent, I am super stoked for both boys who love the snow . I continue to support any way I can or that they will accept. For the most part they are both grown and on their own. Looking back. I can only say that had there not been interaction with NS...... well I know things would be different, in a bad way.
