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May, 2021

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Average Skill

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Brue
Posts: 392 - Karma: 1,947
What would you say the average skill level of the average skier is at around 16-21?
Are backflips average or above average?
Spinning to what rotation is average?
Or is there not an average because people excel at different things in and out of the park.
YOU decide.
Jan 2 2016 5:47PM 238 29
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-frosty-
Posts: 183 - Karma: 297
i can do a 180. i suck
Jan 2 2016 5:55PM 3 0
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The_Mitch
Posts: 68 - Karma: 151
I 50-50'd a box once. It was dope.
Jan 2 2016 6:02PM 9 1
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boppin
Posts: 111 - Karma: 308
The average skier can't do any tricks.
The average skier on NS is a whole different thing.
Jan 2 2016 6:20PM 37 0
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SammyDubz
Posts: 2168 - Karma: 7,076
I would say the average is lower than you think.
Jan 2 2016 6:33PM 9 0
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-frosty-
Posts: 183 - Karma: 297
UpwardLapsi can do a 180. i suck

I ended last year skiing using rentals only. It was my first year I actually got into the whole thing. Rentals felt like complete shit so I decided to buy skis. Got a nice pair of 4FRNT Click! twin tip skis and a nice pair of boots to go with it. I'm really looking forward to skiing this winter. Joined the ski/snowboard club at my highschool and hope to learn some tricks. I ended last year just getting into park.


I was able to do 180's ( I know, not the best ). Also, i'm pretty bad at grinding boxes turned and my goals for this winter are 360's and solid box/rail grinds. Maybe pedaling and stuff like that. Any tips on boxes and pedaling. I watched a ton of videos on rails and jumps. maybe there was something I missed :)
-michael
Jan 2 2016 6:35PM 3 0
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_Ryan_
Posts: 1538 - Karma: 3,191
im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.
Jan 2 2016 7:05PM 13 3
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THEE_wizard
Posts: 304 - Karma: 1,840
I can backflip, flat 3, and spin up to 720. I've also tried a double backy once but didn't make it.
On rails I can front 2, lip on, and I'm learning to 2 on (can only do it on boxes so far).
I consider myself average for park skiers in my area, usually skiing summit county in Colorado; however many people in the park are way better but also way older. I'm only 17.
Jan 2 2016 7:06PM 2 0
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Hoodliving
Posts: 1033 - Karma: 1,867
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


I'm about a quarter of those In and have a handful of other rail tricks, my all mountain game of carving and actually proper riding is spot on now that I use poles again. Hittin drops isn't too scary rather hit a 30ft cliff than a 30ft jump. Working up to 5s now and getting things both ways on rails and jumps. I'm in my second year, but to be fair boarded for years and worked at a resort the last 4 years.
Jan 2 2016 7:19PM 2 0
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freestyler540
Posts: 12103 - Karma: 8,593
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

No way dude. You completely missed the point of skiing competitively. Its not about how average in comparison to other riders; its comparing your skill level to the local level, regional, state/provincial and on. Everyone rides different at different places. Skill levels vary depending on what is available in an area. In powder areas, backflips are prefered but in the east coast, people prefer 720 and corks. There is no average.

You wanna measure up? sign up for a contest at your hill, or play snow with some friends. Most importantly, have fun
Jan 2 2016 7:46PM 6 13
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bait
Posts: 1172 - Karma: 2,978
I beleive the best skier is the one who has the most fun. Therefore Henrik Harlault has never lost.
Jan 2 2016 8:00PM 31 2
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270on420out
Posts: 7383 - Karma: 48,807
The amount of tricks you can do does not determine how good you are
Jan 2 2016 8:00PM 28 3
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Rennis_Deynolds
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 19,018
THEDIRTYBUBBLEThe amount of tricks you can do does determine how good you are


.
Jan 2 2016 8:20PM 10 2
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Park.
Posts: 2460 - Karma: 4,406
THEDIRTYBUBBLEThe amount of tricks you can do does not determine how good you are


quote for emphasis.

I know of kids near my local hill that can flat 3, rodeo, 2 on, etc, but literally look like they just started skiing yesterday. Its the sketchiest shit man. I saw this one kid trying 2 pretz 2 and somehow he did not die I have no idea how but jesus. I seriously do not consider these kids anywhere near my level but they throw tricks around where I am at. I feel like style is needed to judge skill.

Sure, you can do a back 4. Thats a cool trick (my fav rail trick in fact), but if you look like a boner when you spin and land in switch pizza compared to jossi wells landing a back 4, you will see a serious difference in skill. I think despite the type of style you have, (Im thinking comp compared to street for example), you will undoubtedly be better than someone who may be able to do the same tricks as you but if they are not at the same skiing level it just is not even close.
Jan 2 2016 9:38PM 22 0
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2414 - Karma: 10,390
lol have fun op who cares if you suck
Jan 2 2016 9:41PM 3 0
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.HERO
Posts: 479 - Karma: 3,676
THEDIRTYBUBBLEThe amount of tricks you can do does not determine how good you are


parkplaygroundI feel like style is needed to judge skill.

This. 100% agree.
Jan 2 2016 11:03PM 2 0
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dan4060
Posts: 1458 - Karma: 827
All I see on this thread is park stuff. Plenty of skiers don't set foot in the park, and they are certainly well above average. If you think skiing is all about park you are missing the best part of skiing. In fact, I have never seen anyone go from big mountain to park, it is usually the opposite. People go from park to big mountain and don't go back. The folks who are killing it in AK don't wish they were back skiing urban and park. If you are not skiing steeps you are really missing out.
Jan 3 2016 12:06AM 9 1
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Espen519
Posts: 550 - Karma: 957
what about real skiing ability, like being able to hit the steeps fast and hard, and be able to lock it down anywhere, anytime, and any conditions.
Jan 3 2016 12:09AM 2 1
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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,318
I suck at park, but I'm good at moguls, trees, natural jibs, and Groomers. I can do basic tricks on jumps like 3's and 5's but man-made stuff just makes me uncomfortable.

Going to be 18 soon, my hopes of getting good at park are fading pretty quickly and I'm just accepting that. I have so much more fun hitting little natural side features, hauling ass down groomers, and shredding sketchy tree runs.

So I'm below average at park, but very above average at all-mountain for my age.

I don't think there is an "overall" average in skiing. It's like comparing Glen plake and Tom Wallisch... And then there is Candide, who is fucking incredible at both.
Jan 3 2016 12:36AM 4 0
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JichelMusten
Posts: 744 - Karma: 2,838
Tbh I hate comparing myself to other people. Recently I have progressed quite a bit but then I look at other people and get that "I'm not good" mentality. Sure going out with friends is good and pushing each other but I'm trying to care less about what I am compared to others.
Jan 3 2016 1:28AM 3 0
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Pancake_Fucker
Posts: 1833 - Karma: 1,894
dan4060All I see on this thread is park stuff. Plenty of skiers don't set foot in the park, and they are certainly well above average. If you think skiing is all about park you are missing the best part of skiing. In fact, I have never seen anyone go from big mountain to park, it is usually the opposite. People go from park to big mountain and don't go back. The folks who are killing it in AK don't wish they were back skiing urban and park. If you are not skiing steeps you are really missing out.

This. I was a park rat for the years between racing and now. Moved to Revelstoke and park is a thing of the past.
Jan 3 2016 9:17AM 2 1
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Aparker
Posts: 712 - Karma: 1,585
parkplaygroundquote for emphasis.

I know of kids near my local hill that can flat 3, rodeo, 2 on, etc, but literally look like they just started skiing yesterday. Its the sketchiest shit man. I saw this one kid trying 2 pretz 2 and somehow he did not die I have no idea how but jesus. I seriously do not consider these kids anywhere near my level but they throw tricks around where I am at. I feel like style is needed to judge skill.

Sure, you can do a back 4. Thats a cool trick (my fav rail trick in fact), but if you look like a boner when you spin and land in switch pizza compared to jossi wells landing a back 4, you will see a serious difference in skill. I think despite the type of style you have, (Im thinking comp compared to street for example), you will undoubtedly be better than someone who may be able to do the same tricks as you but if they are not at the same skiing level it just is not even close.

But I can't rodeo
Jan 3 2016 4:11PM 0 0
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Park.
Posts: 2460 - Karma: 4,406
AparkerBut I can't rodeo


not you
Jan 3 2016 4:41PM 0 0
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fries
Posts: 2965 - Karma: 7,321
There really is no direct correlation between age and skill because everyone starts skiing at different ages and progresses at different speeds.
Jan 3 2016 9:30PM 1 0
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jellomellow
Posts: 961 - Karma: 3,527
I am complete shit at park i can't even hit a rail. I could say I'm one of top 3 skiers at my mountain aside from racers(i ski and a complete gaper hill) and all i really do is bomb runs a just send it off of natural stuff.
Jan 3 2016 9:36PM 0 0
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Anguz_li
Posts: 285 - Karma: 515
mantoastI'm about a quarter of those In and have a handful of other rail tricks, my all mountain game of carving and actually proper riding is spot on now that I use poles again. Hittin drops isn't too scary rather hit a 30ft cliff than a 30ft jump. Working up to 5s now and getting things both ways on rails and jumps. I'm in my second year, but to be fair boarded for years and worked at a resort the last 4 years.

And what would you expect to see from a 16 yr old like myself
Jan 3 2016 10:29PM 0 0
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Rparr
Posts: 3515 - Karma: 10,897
Anguz_liAnd what would you expect to see from a 16 yr old like myself


I think you're reading too far into it man. Also, people progress in different directions. For example, I can super fed pretty consistently, even done a few 2 pretz 4's. But I've never flipped or corked anything in my life. Something about jumps.
Jan 4 2016 8:26AM 0 0
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CaptainGaper
Posts: 44 - Karma: 141
I can carve down the hill.
Jan 4 2016 10:00AM 0 0
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,606
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


Dude....you are WAY better than 99% of park skiers. Go through any park in the US and watch...most people suck and can barely throw a 5 or ski switch even remotely good. Granted this would change im sure Breck has a sick scene same with Mt snow and some other big park mountains but most places most people suck. You are a solid solid park skier man.
Jan 4 2016 12:14PM 4 0
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,606
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


Dude....you are WAY better than 99% of park skiers. Go through any park in the US and watch...most people suck and can barely throw a 5 or ski switch even remotely good. Granted this would change im sure Breck has a sick scene same with Mt snow and some other big park mountains but most places most people suck. You are a solid solid park skier man.
Jan 4 2016 12:14PM 1 0
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Lonely
Posts: 4718 - Karma: 23,917
About to be 18
270 off rails and boxes
Flat 3 and 5
Few grabs
Shifty
3s
Jan 4 2016 1:21PM 2 0
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Rparr
Posts: 3515 - Karma: 10,897
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


at my local hill that would make you the best skier in the area by a long shot.
Jan 4 2016 1:28PM 0 0
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McLS
Posts: 1964 - Karma: 6,311
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


dam, Id say someone who can do all the above is above good.
For me, rail game isn't really an indicator unless you can do 360 sw up, hit any rail switch, and have super feds and such on lock. Doing a 270/450 on is easy as long as you just eat shit a few times. Same goes for all 8, practising pretzing isn't hard.

For me someone's good as soon as he can spin a 7 with a grab, can hit big kickers switch (and land switch) and has at least 2 or 3 inverts with different grabs for each (not counting backflip and front flip, say a flat 3, cork 5/7 and misty).
Being able to pull this shit in the park means you're good, doesn't come easy to be comfortable outside of the pow off axis with various grabs.

Then again it's so subjective, depends where you shred. For all the park shredders at my mountain, you're good as soon as you can hit every feature (we got pretty much everything, funky rails big kickers and pipe) without doing the same trick on everything.

Personally I think someone's good at freeskiing when they can pull a few moves (say 2pretz2, 4 out, a 540 off axis rotation) with style in the park and not look like a fucking dick when they shred out of the park, know how to go big, and shred pow with ease, drop cliffs...at the end of the day, no matter how hard you shred in the park, if you can't follow me for shit shredding on the rest of the mountain then you're not good (I consider myself pretty good all round). And trick difficulty definitely isn't the biggest factor, I know a freeskier who doesn't go past cork 7 in terms of rotation, and rarely does more than one sw up on the rail. People who can dub 9 still consider him as good as them or better since he's got such a dope style, tweaking grabs and rotation super well and just being super consistent with everything he does, it be taps or butters on.

So to answer your question, if you can't 2 on or spin past a 3 and barely backflip, yeah you're probably below good regarding ns community. But otherwise you're good in general imo.

Tbh, the best skier on the mountain is the one having the most fun.
Jan 4 2016 2:07PM 1 0
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Park.
Posts: 2460 - Karma: 4,406
McLSdam, Id say someone who can do all the above is above good.
For me, rail game isn't really an indicator unless you can do 360 sw up, hit any rail switch, and have super feds and such on lock. Doing a 270/450 on is easy as long as you just eat shit a few times. Same goes for all 8, practising pretzing isn't hard.

For me someone's good as soon as he can spin a 7 with a grab, can hit big kickers switch (and land switch) and has at least 2 or 3 inverts with different grabs for each (not counting backflip and front flip, say a flat 3, cork 5/7 and misty).
Being able to pull this shit in the park means you're good, doesn't come easy to be comfortable outside of the pow off axis with various grabs.

Then again it's so subjective, depends where you shred. For all the park shredders at my mountain, you're good as soon as you can hit every feature (we got pretty much everything, funky rails big kickers and pipe) without doing the same trick on everything.

Personally I think someone's good at freeskiing when they can pull a few moves (say 2pretz2, 4 out, a 540 off axis rotation) with style in the park and not look like a fucking dick when they shred out of the park, know how to go big, and shred pow with ease, drop cliffs...at the end of the day, no matter how hard you shred in the park, if you can't follow me for shit shredding on the rest of the mountain then you're not good (I consider myself pretty good all round). And trick difficulty definitely isn't the biggest factor, I know a freeskier who doesn't go past cork 7 in terms of rotation, and rarely does more than one sw up on the rail. People who can dub 9 still consider him as good as them or better since he's got such a dope style, tweaking grabs and rotation super well and just being super consistent with everything he does, it be taps or butters on.

So to answer your question, if you can't 2 on or spin past a 3 and barely backflip, yeah you're probably below good regarding ns community. But otherwise you're good in general imo.

Tbh, the best skier on the mountain is the one having the most fun.


maybe its just me but I seriously think you are underrating the difficulty in rail tricks. a 3 swap is way easier than a sw on to brittany. I know you didnt say that but swaps and pretzels are much harder than you make them out to be.. well atleast for me and alot of people I know. You might just be really ogood at them
Jan 4 2016 4:35PM 0 0
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Park.
Posts: 2460 - Karma: 4,406
McLSdam, Id say someone who can do all the above is above good.
For me, rail game isn't really an indicator unless you can do 360 sw up, hit any rail switch, and have super feds and such on lock. Doing a 270/450 on is easy as long as you just eat shit a few times. Same goes for all 8, practising pretzing isn't hard.

For me someone's good as soon as he can spin a 7 with a grab, can hit big kickers switch (and land switch) and has at least 2 or 3 inverts with different grabs for each (not counting backflip and front flip, say a flat 3, cork 5/7 and misty).
Being able to pull this shit in the park means you're good, doesn't come easy to be comfortable outside of the pow off axis with various grabs.

Then again it's so subjective, depends where you shred. For all the park shredders at my mountain, you're good as soon as you can hit every feature (we got pretty much everything, funky rails big kickers and pipe) without doing the same trick on everything.

Personally I think someone's good at freeskiing when they can pull a few moves (say 2pretz2, 4 out, a 540 off axis rotation) with style in the park and not look like a fucking dick when they shred out of the park, know how to go big, and shred pow with ease, drop cliffs...at the end of the day, no matter how hard you shred in the park, if you can't follow me for shit shredding on the rest of the mountain then you're not good (I consider myself pretty good all round). And trick difficulty definitely isn't the biggest factor, I know a freeskier who doesn't go past cork 7 in terms of rotation, and rarely does more than one sw up on the rail. People who can dub 9 still consider him as good as them or better since he's got such a dope style, tweaking grabs and rotation super well and just being super consistent with everything he does, it be taps or butters on.

So to answer your question, if you can't 2 on or spin past a 3 and barely backflip, yeah you're probably below good regarding ns community. But otherwise you're good in general imo.

Tbh, the best skier on the mountain is the one having the most fun.


maybe its just me but I seriously think you are underrating the difficulty in rail tricks. a 3 swap is way easier than a sw on to brittany. I know you didnt say that but swaps and pretzels are much harder than you make them out to be.. well atleast for me and alot of people I know. You might just be really ogood at them
Jan 4 2016 4:35PM 0 0
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iced
Posts: 2727 - Karma: 13,588
UpwardLapsI ended last year skiing using rentals only. It was my first year I actually got into the whole thing. Rentals felt like complete shit so I decided to buy skis. Got a nice pair of 4FRNT Click! twin tip skis and a nice pair of boots to go with it. I'm really looking forward to skiing this winter. Joined the ski/snowboard club at my highschool and hope to learn some tricks. I ended last year just getting into park.


I was able to do 180's ( I know, not the best ). Also, i'm pretty bad at grinding boxes turned and my goals for this winter are 360's and solid box/rail grinds. Maybe pedaling and stuff like that. Any tips on boxes and pedaling. I watched a ton of videos on rails and jumps. maybe there was something I missed :)
-michael


How to slide a box 101:
1. Line up with chosen box
2. When on box, press down on shins while leaning back into the "steeze" zone.
3. Ride out (don't forget to look behind you to see if anybody was watching).
Jan 4 2016 4:55PM 0 1
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mike759
Posts: 868 - Karma: 1,878
i can slide flat rails, do 180s, and very simple grabs, thats about it
Jan 4 2016 5:10PM 0 0
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L0gic
Posts: 576 - Karma: 2,287
wow, I was expecting 90% of the replies to be "Skill doesn't matter, all you matter is that you have fun!!!" While this is true, he's asking a question, please answer it.
Jan 4 2016 5:53PM 0 0
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galardogod
Posts: 1566 - Karma: 4,299
For me average is being able to hit most rails in the park, and hit up to 35 foot jumps. As far as tricks both way 2s and swaps on flat rails , spins 3s and 5s off jumps up to 20 feet. Most average park skiers does not do inverts but might have stomped a backie or flatspin before.
Jan 4 2016 5:58PM 3 0
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Pac2
Posts: 771 - Karma: 2,627
THEDIRTYBUBBLEThe amount of tricks you can do does not determine how good you are


That's so true Ive seen some kids at Sunday river this year who are pretty damn good, better than me but there is this one guy who just flows through the park so effortlessly and hits things going pretty fast and just has such a sick style and you can definitely tell he's a really experienced park skier and knows what's up. Like I see some kids doing 270 on continuing swap continuing 270 out pretty sloppy but looks cool cause of all the spinning but this other guy just comes up and does the nicest back swap I've ever seen and you can tell that he's just better than anyone there.
Jan 8 2016 7:37PM 2 0
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.squirrely.
Posts: 7491 - Karma: 6,797
Holy claim thread
Jan 8 2016 11:28PM 2 0
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sodaksteeze
Posts: 102 - Karma: 334
I have basic rail and jump tricks forward and switch and just working on expanding the bag of tricks, switch on to rails and jumps is natural now and I'm working on consistend swaps and 270's on, also it is paramount to be able to spin both ways which is difficult to do
Jan 9 2016 12:49PM 0 0
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HAMNATION
Posts: 806 - Karma: 1,573
what is alright for me to do probably isn't advised for people on vacation for the most part
Jan 9 2016 8:49PM 0 0
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Emma_Watson
Posts: 4324 - Karma: 5,097
_Ryan_im 18 and feel I'm on the lower end of the people my age... however i can still pull some radical maneuvers man.

I'd say being "good" if you're around 18 is being able to:

-270 on to rails
-have front and back swaps consistently
-450's/630's out of rails
-have all 8, consistent or not.
-be able to spin up to a 720 with grab... higher with or without grab
-hit a jump switch
-Corks,rodeos should be in your bag of tricks
-switch onto rails and off jumps
-Confidence to hit or attempt any size of jump or feature

I can't do all of the above but am definitely in the ballpark... I suggest working to attain all of those.


and boost deep pow
Jan 9 2016 9:37PM 1 0
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