Message #16419

[Svend]

Thanks G! A lot of my improvement has come because of your advice and coaching, and for that I am very thankful.  I really appreciate it, and it has been immensely helpful.

As you point out, skiing is very much a mind-over-matter sport, and relaxation and confidence comes with both physical practice and mental training.  Being conscious and aware of that factor really helps to keep it in the forefront of my mind when I'm out there and working on skills.  It's something I've been trying to do all summer on my mountain bike, and it has really helped me up my skills on the singletrack. 

There are a lot of parallels between the two sports, actually, and a relaxed attitude is key to keeping the bike on the trail and not crashing into a tree.  Light hands and relaxed arms at all times, otherwise you're toast.  Forcing myself to relax is a skill that should be most helpful when I hit the slopes this winter.

But I do agree that having the right gear that performs and is well-suited to the skier makes it all soooo much easier.