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Bein a bitch

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HentaiHero
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,099
First day of the season and I'm skiing at keystone. I'm not too great at terrain park and I'm trying to get better but the problem is every time I get to the park I get intimidated by the enormous hoard of park rats and inevitably bitch out. How do I overcome this situation?

Inb4 don't be a pussy, man up, just do it etc.

I'm hoping for actual advice. Thanks!
Nov 26 2013 2:47PM
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eheath
Posts: 61155 - Karma: 118,812
Crank some tunes and just ski man, don't worry about anyone else.
Nov 26 2013 2:49PM
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GaryColeman
Posts: 248 - Karma: 380
.
Nov 26 2013 2:51PM
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TheIntern
Posts: 62 - Karma: 1,465
Honestly, I think the best course of action is to throw on your headphones, blast your favourite music, and tune out everything else around you. Wear a face mask, smoke cigs, swear at yourslef, do whatever it is to make yourself separate from any judgement that a park rat can impart onto you and just send it for yourself.

You can't possibly improve if you spend your entire day worrying about what some other kid might think about you. Gotta do you at the end of the day.
Nov 26 2013 2:52PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
Are people really that self conscious about skiing? Do you worry about the ski instructors judging you on your way down to the park?
Nov 26 2013 2:53PM
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HentaiHero
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,099
It's not so much that I care what they think it's actually kind of a combination of the rails looking 'too hard' and the crowd.
Nov 26 2013 2:57PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
This, the people who judge you for trying are the stupid ones.

A lot of people will be stoked when you try things
Nov 26 2013 2:57PM
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
This here. Despite what some people think the whole world ISNT out to get you, and people will often be happy and supportive even if they dont know you.

Another way out of this is to grab some friends to ski with, that way you guys can progress together and learn by encouragement.
Nov 26 2013 3:00PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,669
Find some easier features to ski then. If your not comfortable on bigger features then don't hit them
Nov 26 2013 3:02PM
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Brue
Posts: 392 - Karma: 1,948
Everyone has to start somewhere. Last season was my first season skiing mostly in the park. I'm still in my first year I guess because I started in 2013 or very close as in within a week. I started by just telling myself that everyone starts somewhere. You have to try. If people judge you why does it matter if you are never going to improve by not trying. Not trying doesn't get you anywhere. You need to go and just do it. As soon as you dont try and brag you should fit in fine. Just chill and have a good time learning.
Nov 26 2013 3:05PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
and here we have the product of skiing becoming popular...

A bunch of kids picking up park skiing for the sole purpose of looking cool and not because they genuinely love to ski and progress. You're scared to hit rails because you'll fall in front of people? Go ski some fucking groomers, you don't belong in the park and neither do any of those fucking jackasses that actually care about how others look.

You asked for advice on to how not be a self-conscious pussy... you fucking asked for it.
Nov 26 2013 3:05PM
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powerbong2000
Posts: 737 - Karma: 1,802
Shut it dick!

I recommend bombing through the park while screaming "suck my fucking pussy!" a few times. Should loosen up the vibe.
Nov 26 2013 3:08PM
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ChristianMingle
Posts: 629 - Karma: 1,202
find some people who are better then you and ride with them. i have already progressed more this year then all of last year because i'm riding with a couple rats this year and was by myself all of last year.
Nov 26 2013 3:18PM
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HentaiHero
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,099
I've actually been skiing my whole life I've just recently wanted to start getting better at park.
Nov 26 2013 3:22PM
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The_Polock
Posts: 345 - Karma: 1,280
Start by doing straight airs on the jumps until comfortable doing any tricks.  Work you way up from small to big jumps.  It will be fun man, I swear.  Skip the rails in the park all together until you are comfortable with them.  Some parks have beginner areas with short or small rails.  Start with those.  Also-dont feel like you have to hit all the features.  Hit what you want!
Nov 26 2013 3:24PM
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Meeds
Posts: 73 - Karma: 335
nut up or shut up
Nov 26 2013 3:28PM
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SDrvpr
Posts: 851 - Karma: 649
Keep in mind all of these park rats have been in the same position as you at one point. Besides the young, spoiled teens, skiers and boarders are generally really chill people. When I was learning and falling a lot (still do) I found people gave me tips on what I could do to lock onto a rail and also someone usually helped me collect some of my fallen gear. Everyone's there to have fun, no matter how "thug" they try to look. Just have fun and know that if you keep practicing, you'll be throwing down just as hard as others soon enough.
Nov 26 2013 3:35PM
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ThePierceStudios
Posts: 86 - Karma: 526
You could always go build a jump somewhere on an un-crowded run. Practice on that and soon you will be able to hang with the park rats!
Nov 26 2013 3:43PM
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p-fo
Posts: 9372 - Karma: 6,155
Just do it man. I learned how to hit urban entry skinny rails because some random dude told me what I was doing wrong. I always try to pass that along. People who look down on you suck. Straight up. Skiing is about everyone having fun.
Nov 26 2013 4:55PM
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ZAHNER
Posts: 3480 - Karma: 19,219
get in the groove
Nov 26 2013 5:15PM
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SnowMiser
Posts: 801 - Karma: 3,150
As long as you can safely/skillfully ski downhill, just block out the rest of the world and go for it in the park.

But, while we're on the topic, there's a fine line between judging others for trying and judging people who have absolutely no idea what they are doing.

Good example: you have been skiing for years, you've gotten plenty comfortable with regular slopes, you venture into the park and work your way through the features safely and methodically, while at first you may fail you get more comfortable with everything with time, pick up on the culture, everybody's happy. Good.

Bad example: you are on a ski trip with your middle school/youth group/boy scout pack/dad's friends/etc and after three runs on the bunny slope you decide to go ski in the snowboard park for fun. after failing multiple 50-50's, running into your like-minded friends, struggling to stand up and keep skiing, someone comes over, helps you up, and suggests that maybe you shouldn't be here yet. "well I can't get better if i don't try!" you say. wrong. learn to ski first please. being this guy is a nuisance and a danger to everybody around you

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Freeskiiers may look like douchebags (don't lie to yourselves), but not all of us are. :D

>rant over
Nov 26 2013 5:18PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Again, you got into park to look cool. Leave.
Nov 26 2013 5:25PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 36720 - Karma: 111,000
Kids that think you're a terrible skier if you suck at park are typically the ones who can't ski for shit, so don't get upset. Just ski for yourself. Do what you want to do. Thats the whole magic of it.
Nov 26 2013 5:29PM
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a_burger
Posts: 5206 - Karma: 20,187
just bring some friends


also skiierman stop trolling, you're trying to look cool
Nov 26 2013 5:37PM
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RonJeremiah
Posts: 146 - Karma: 436
When in doubt, send it.
Nov 26 2013 5:47PM
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OwenReynolds
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,955
This. The best way to get better is by riding with people that are better than you. It gives you goals to build towards and an example to follow.
Nov 26 2013 6:02PM
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bigskier1010
Posts: 126 - Karma: 187
Skierman, quit being a dick . He asked for legit guidance . The guy just wants to learn something new . Park looks fun , he wants to try it out without being intimidated ! Everyone starts from the beginning sometime .
Nov 26 2013 6:02PM
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STAUSS
Posts: 8232 - Karma: 3,311
this is bullshit.  "falling in front of people" has nothing to do with skiing becoming popular.  12 years ago when i learned how to hit rails i was worried about falling in front of people. as a kid, who wants their peers to think they suck or that they aren't good enough?  it takes time in the park to realize that everyone falls and its not a big deal.  fuck man, thats how life works especially when you're just starting out in something (school, job, new sport)... you worry about what others think about the things you do. 

just go skiing.  skiierman is right when he says go ride groomers.  go ride everything.  get comfortable on the hill, comfort in the park will come along with everything else.  fuck man, how do you get through school everyday?  just gotta roll with the blows and learn from the bullshit. 
Nov 26 2013 6:09PM
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HarmfulMilkman
Posts: 30 - Karma: 75
i'm one of those park rats, and i just hate people that just sit there in the corner and watch every one go one by one, without they, themselves trying out the feature. I couldn't do 2 on's before but them like i didnt give a shit and just continuously went for them and pretty much killed myself every try, but got back up, ran up and tried it again and again till i got it, thats when everyone banged their poles, because i was persistent and it ended up paying off. Also if you fall dont just sit there moaning and bitching about how much it hurts, just suck it up grab your skis and run back up.
well yeah good luck
Nov 26 2013 6:15PM
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speedin
Posts: 731 - Karma: 131
Get intimidated by park rats? Shit man....be intimidated by the jumps, rails, terrain...ect. But not people.
I am and old timer now, and watch young bucks huck thier meat in the park. No way do I ever think that I need their approval, and need to look good in front of them. Skiing is a individual sport, who gives a flying shit what anyone else thinks.
Too many kids get caught up with the brands, outerwear trends, and how they look on the mountain. It would be much better to use all that thought towards skiing, and not how you or others look.


Nov 26 2013 6:29PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Oh yes, it's so legit to ask people how to slide a rail without falling in front of people... yeah man, so to like do that you slide a rail but don't fall and make sure no one is around! OMG I just gave legit guidance.
Nov 26 2013 7:45PM
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Iraq_Lobster
Posts: 1866 - Karma: 4,904
i bet you can't even ski can you
Nov 26 2013 7:58PM
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Benson.
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 3,787
If I wanted to kill myself, I'd climb your ego and jump to your IQ.
Nov 26 2013 8:08PM
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PearTree-Prod
Posts: 116 - Karma: 882
Started doing this a while back and saw tremendous improvement... Everyday you go out learn a new trick or something new doesnt matter what it is, it could be a new grab or learning a new grab with a spin. As long as you learn something new everyday, you will see tremendous improvement.
Nov 26 2013 8:12PM
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mski
Posts: 4791 - Karma: 3,803
Most of those people are just out there to have a good time, the ones who give you shit arn't worth the stress.

Nov 26 2013 8:16PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Why don't you ask some of your "friends" on that buddy list of yours.
Nov 26 2013 8:22PM
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PKNeison
Posts: 313 - Karma: 721
Just pull a switch misty, and you'll have all of them licking your boots.


But really, I suffer from the same phobia, it's always intimidating being by yourself and knowing lots of people are watching you.

Just fuck 'em. Who cares what other people think skiing is what you make it to be, so make it fun.
Nov 26 2013 8:37PM
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PKNeison
Posts: 313 - Karma: 721
Build yourself up, start on boxes progress to rails, then move on to all different variations, once you crack it, you'll be stomping all of them
Nov 26 2013 8:40PM
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404404
Posts: 11358 - Karma: 21,033
100% know what you mean.

Everyone can get self conscience at some point and time. All you need to remember is that even Tom Wally falls from time to time. I have seen it with my own eyes. Skiing at Mammoth the other day I was getting self conscience but had to remember that I'm only skiing for myself. Sucks being the worst person your skiing with and it happens to me alot. Ski like no one else is watching you, and focus on your own progression. Come into the park with some things you want to do and get them done.

SkierAssHoleMan stop being such an ass. Jesus you have a real fucking problem with being a dick on NS.

Nov 26 2013 8:51PM
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Just_Send_It
Posts: 4758 - Karma: 971
this.
Nov 26 2013 9:08PM
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Just_Send_It
Posts: 4758 - Karma: 971
and this!
Nov 26 2013 9:09PM
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killa_trees
Posts: 97 - Karma: 104
Trying and failing
Nov 26 2013 9:26PM
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Benson.
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 3,787
Quoting because I agree with every word in this.
Nov 26 2013 9:31PM
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humpty
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 3,150
I know exactly how you feel man but a lot of times if you watch what the better kids are doing you can learn alot just by seeing how they do something
Nov 26 2013 9:52PM
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HentaiHero
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,099
I made this thread at lunch and promptly went out and yard sailed in front of everyone on my first rail attempt since last year. I figured I couldn't really do much worse and just lapped the park the rest of the day. Thanks guys, and fuck you Skiierman.
Nov 26 2013 10:14PM
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Mainah
Posts: 728 - Karma: 1,101
I feel you man same thing happens to me but I've found that when you go for it and stomp something for your first time even if its something easy everyone will get pumped for you and if you fuck up they usually pick you up to and can give pointers.
Nov 26 2013 10:43PM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
get it done! at the end of the day youre skiing for you, and because you love the sport. be proud if you progressed and dont get stuck up on what you think other people are thinking of you. weve all been in that same boat and everyones gotta start somewhere.
Nov 26 2013 11:12PM
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gapers4life
Posts: 282 - Karma: 783
i know exactly what you mean and sometimes I feel the same way. The thing that I've found most helpful is make some friends who are somewhere around the same skill level as you, preferably a little bit better. Like tonight for example there was the usual park rats throwing down doing stuff I can't do and I got sorta selfconcious about my skiing ability until I realized they don't really care. It sounds like you have enough experience in the park to at least be able to hit most rails I'm assuming. So just realize they aren't watching you constantly.
Nov 26 2013 11:16PM
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skiierman
Posts: 28699 - Karma: -5,563
Who said it was a problem? I've been told it could possibly be the "final solution" to the n00b problem skiing has been plagued with recently.
Nov 27 2013 12:59AM
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Quinn69
Posts: 293 - Karma: 141
Well you're just a fucking idiot, aren't ya?
Nov 27 2013 1:21AM
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Quinn69
Posts: 293 - Karma: 141
It's the hardest thing ever. You ski into the park with a lost full of tricks you wanna stomp, get to the park, and then whoa.. lots of people. You've just gotta keep in mind its all for you. The preparation, the practice, and then the stoke after crossing off a trick on that list. Even fine tuning tricks I thought I had mastered gets me all hot and bothered. You just gotta blow the people off because at the end of the day its just you, your homies, and some new tricks that you take away from the hill that day
Nov 27 2013 1:26AM
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