Toddling times: Learning like a child
Jesus said “unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Some people might say that snowboarding is heavenly, and there are certainly some comparisons between learning to ride and being like a toddler.
First, consider the act of getting to stand up when your feet are locked into the bindings. It’s awkward, isn’t it? It reminds me of the difficulty that a toddler faces when learning how to stand up from a seated position.
Next, consider the joy of discovery. Toddlers are natural scientists, exploring everything they see, and often taking great joy in finding something new. One activity that makes a toddler happy is learning how to use a slide. There’s a “whee” factor in making the trip down the slide. Like snowboarding, it involves gravity, sliding, fun, and a bit of fear.
Any other ideas? I’ll be adding them as I think of them–or add your own observations in the comments section.
June 17, 2009 @ 11:00 am
If you only "trying" snowboarding .. your already pretty much done …
I always thought of learning to snowboard was like to learning to ride a bicycle when I was young. You have to train your brain to control your muscles to balance. Acquiring muscle memory while learning to ride a bicycle was not a fast process, a lot of falls, but there was measured results with the continued effort. Then one day, everything seems to click and suddenly your pedding with no thought of what you're doing.
I believe learning to snowboard takes the same mental attitude. Depending on your physical abilities, it will take time. There will be falls until you can train your brain to control your muscles until that long sort after balance and control is finally achieved. Through continued effort there will be measured progress until the magic does happen one day and your linking turns without really thinking about what your doing .. just like riding a bike.
I still remeber the first night I linked turns all the way down the mountain for the first time … pure magic.
I always say "There is no 'crying' in baseball and there is no 'trying' in snowboarding " ..
Got2ramble/OldSnowboarderME
June 17, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Thanks. Interesting analogy with learning how to ride a bike. I had not thought of that before.
I wasn't the most athletic person around, which may have contributed to my need to be maniacal when I learned how to ride. I would not be deterred.
As you suggest, attitude is key.
This all reminds me of something else from childhood–when someone told me something like this: If you think you can do it, you might be able to. If you think you can't, you won't.
June 17, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
I would describe my first season learning to ride as shear determination and a most excellent adult instructor. What made the difference was the multiple lessons and the teaching skill of that instructor. If not, I think I would have never had gotten to my present level of riding. After six seasons, I have been entertaining the idea of becoming an instructor myself.