J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dshenberger

Amazing! No, I have not had the opportunity. :) I will have to look for them if I ever make it to that side of the globe.

As for the initial idea of the thread: I think you can differentiate between "skill" and "ability." I guess there are a couple of ways to the same result. I think of skill as precision and repeatability. Whereas, ability is being capable of accomplishing the task. I will try to use an analogy from musicians. Vladimir Horowitz was a highly skilled pianist(musician). Everything was played to perfection. On the other hand: Artur Rubinstein was noted for his many mistakes, but his music had so much emotion. Was one "better" than the other? I don't think so. Some like to criticize Bodie Miller because he might look a little on the edge at times, but it isn't all about looks. :)

In my limited experience, when someone I don't know tells me they are very good at something - they are either totally dishonest with themselves, or they associate with a group of underachievers. The true professionals have a certain air of humble competence. They've been around enough to know that there is always someone better, and there will always be areas to improve.

Yeah, it's great to be good at something, but the good ones are always the ones that do it all day, every day. . . :)

Ellistine,

The shadows are all wrong! Or was there a massive off camera strobe over on the left(port for you!) side? :P

Looks like that Yoda is on Volkls. You better put some Atomics in there. Or is it Fischer this year? :)

We have a week and a half! Why are you trying to hurry us??? As the ski season approaches, do you cut down your ski prep time? I'll bet not! All great things take time. :)

I've never had a ski lesson, and I don't think it is because I am so macho that I can't sink to that level. My primary learning method is reading, imagining, and practicing! Haha! Of course, the fact that I don't even see most of the instructor staff carving at my local resort doesn't help.

Interestingly, I had a friend visit this year, and he wanted to board. He had never done it, but he skateboards(Yeah, that didn't help much. :). He didn't want to take lessons, so, I tried to guide him the best I could with my small knowledge of boarding. He is one of the most amazingly gifted athletes! We went three days, and his improvement was astounding! Very good control - he was doing blue runs with ease, and we did a couple runs on a black. Sure he fell every now and then, but always in control, understood his edges, and just got it. He tells me that when he skateboards now - he is always thinking about "carving" his turns.

I'm not trying to be negative on lessons! I think they are a great thing! But, there are some who just learn a little differently. But, that is what makes it interesting: it can be a creative sport. :)

Trencher - I know some people like your redneck!!!!

You could have given us a perspective on the size of item #1.

And, yes, I am still alive! I have been trying to keep busy with other things so that I don't pine for the snow. :)

Shangri La? Did you meet an oriental girl there, too?? ;) Or, maybe learn a "new" Etude of Chopin?

Interesting. . . I bet they were Volkl!!! :P