I went snowboarding for the second time over the weekend. Steve and I went to Kirkwood with our friend Ben and his brother, John. I was very nervous about it, considering the terrible head trauma I had last time. But I knew that if I didn’t try it soon, I may never try it again. Plus, I bought a helmet so I knew I would at least be a little better off in that department.

I took my second lesson on Saturday with John (his first lesson, second time out). I did sooooo much better this time. I’m not sure if it was just a better teacher or having less students or me being more in tune with the lesson and the board, but whatever it was it worked. He got us to the point of turning our boards, which my last teacher never even touched on. For the first time I felt like I was in control of the board. Also, the snow was like butter, so soft and nice. Though it was much colder this time. Last time you could have gone downhill in a t-shirt and snow pants!

After the lesson John and I continued on the bunny hill a couple of times, along with the other green runs beside it. I continued to fall a bit, but overall was doing much better – I think I got it.

On Sunday John and I started on some greens on the other side of the resort. Suddenly we both forgot what we were doing. It seemed that we could both go one way, but not the other. I was doing well facing away from the hill, heel side and he was doing well facing the hill, toe side (we lead with opposite feet). We figured our inability to ride on one side may have been due to the slope of the hill. At any rate, I forgot how to turn and simply could not do toe side. Ended up catching the edge of my board and landing with my face in the snow several times.

I eventually gave up on that hill and decided to head back to the bunny where I was going to meet Steve later anyway. John went off to another hill, a blue run I think (little braver than I). Here’s my rationale, I’m used to the bunny, may as well get back to it and build up my confidence there before moving on. I should have started there that day. And I was right, when I got on that hill I was able to turn again and managed to make it down three times without falling.

I think the key to learning something is taking it slow, knowing your limits, knowing when you’re ready to move on, and being honest with yourself about taking those steps. I find that when I do these things I’m much more likely to succeed. I followed the same rules when learning how to ride my motorcycle and am doing well because of it.

Steve came up to the bunny hill and we took a short break before going out together. He’s been skiing since he was little, so it wasn’t much of a challenge for him, but he enjoyed spending the time with me. We went down the bunny, the one next to it and then another green that was a little more challenging. By the end of Sunday I had much more control of the board and could easily pin point my weaknesses – going too fast and having people in my path. When either of these two things happen I panic and fail to function, unable to turn I fall on my ass. At least I’m slowing down though and then falling, which hurts much less.

Overall I had a really fun time and can’t wait to go again, despite how sore my entire body is today 🙂