OldDog

Just watched essentially the exact same pivot technique in the SA intermediate vid. Can't stand on my ankle and twist like that yet, but hoping for boxing day to give it another try. I think I'll practice pivot turns on the bunny hill a few times to get more comfortable and then head back up the mountain.

I'll practice dropping low to un-weight my board while pivoting on my front foot to make really quick skidded turns without having to traverse as far or have the speed to do something more "dynamic" or flowing. It seems like the next logical step given the terrain I have to contend with and my resources as far as learning go.

Still contemplating sending a modified version of that rant about the shitty instructor to the Coop GM. Not sure what purpose it would serve. The last thing I want is for someone to lose their job. Not that they would can him over one complaint. Then again, if they have had others maybe he deserves to be canned?

TorpedoVegas

That instructors job is to teach the average beginner (more often than not children), not a 37 year old with no experience and a season pass, who's on a mission to become an expert rider in 20 days or less, and obviously spends wayyyy too much time on the internet, pouring over every tiny technical detail of snowboarding dynamics.

I almost feel sorry for the instructor. I really can't believe you'd sign up for a lesson in the first place. You need to teach yourself... get on the board and point it down the hill.... repeat. You just don't sound teachable at this point... your "stubborn old guy" ways no longer allow for that sort of thing, more along sir.

EatRideSleep

I would. Only because it may benefit others in the future. The instructor might just be so comfortable in his position and slacking a bit. Consider someone brand new - without any research, etc of snowboarding - gets a lesson from this guy and either calls it quits on snowboarding forever or learns something an incorrect way. His shitty instruction serves no one.

Mention in the letter that you don't intend for him to lose his job, but that it did make you debate returning to the hill for another lesson. Revenue matters to businesses, as (should) quality service. Besides, you spent good money on something that didn't meet your expectations.

I'm in a sort of service related business. I'd MUCH rather know that my clients are satisfied, or even if they're not. Constructive criticism makes me better at what I do, keeps me sharp, etc, which brings exposure to new clients. It's a win/win.

Grizz

Don't modify it, just send it, along with a link to this thread. The guy was a douche. A ski school manager at most areas would comp you a lesson, probably with one of their better instructors. Other than in his own mind I doubt this guy was. Ask for a level III or IV.

Be open with what you are looking for from a lesson with your next instructor. Be very specific with what you want to achieve. If the next instructor is any good it will allow you to have a lesson custom fit to your needs, which is the whole point of a private.

OldDog

That was kind of my take on it. If I have my own gear, my setup looks gtg, and I'm strapping in standing up I would think you would tailor the lesson to fit my needs. Maybe skip the whole "this is a snowboard" and "now sit down to strap in". That may also include not talking to me like I'm 10 years old.

My balance on the board was good, I rode the rope tow up with no issues, etc. I just need some basics on edge control and turning. Also, given the lack of basic terrain at Shames it might be a good idea to work on techniques for handling steeper sections other than side-slipping. Most importantly, when I am struggling and not seeing results correct my technique or make some kind of constructive suggestion. Don't just say "that's OK buddy" over and over again.

Thanks for the reply, think I will send this on to the mountain.

Grizz

That instructors job is to teach anyone that shows up to take a lesson. Age doesn't factor into it.

A 37 year old with no experience, but a season pass and their own gear sounds like a motivated individual to me. In theory kind of an ideal first time student particularly if they have some athletic ability.

Navigating Black level terrain with linked turns should be no problem for most people in 20 days....with a little coaching help.

NorthCoastRider

Shames is my main hill and the runs are mostly blues off the chair; stick to that for now. You have to take the t bar to the blacks. The runs get packed down this time of year so I usually ride in the trees or off the edge of the groomers. My seven year old likes the run straight down from the chair.

My 5 year old just had a lesson at Hudson Bay Mountain and seemed to learn quite a bit. I like that hill a lot! Dry powder and LOTS of it. The blues and greens are wide with rollers to check speed (or launch off).

When I first started I went up to Sunshine and pointed her down. Going down was easy, stopping was the learning curve. Got a few pointers from my Bro in law and I progressed from there. Now I can't wait for each weekend when I can ride.

dshann

Learning to snowboard is all about confidence. You can either stay at the stage where you are at for another year if you have no confidence, or you can begin to shred in a week with confidence. YOU WILL FALL, you will get hurt, but it is all a learning progress. You learn your style, what to do and what not to do. You will be scared once you take it to the next notch, just go for it.

And if you are not taking a lesson, try to do the exact same as a good boarder (How I learned).

OldDog

I've had a lot of people tell me Shames is a bitch for learning and I that Hudson has much better beginner terrain, more consistent snow conditions, and longer runs. Problem is the 3 hour hike each way. That's a long way to go by yourself for some snowboarding lessons.

Not to mention the season pass I bought for Shames. I don't think my wife would understand the "I know I can go to Shames on my pass, but Hudson is mo'betta" argument...

NorthCoastRider

My kids learned at Shames; I'm sure you can too.

Some advice I got from an instructor when my kids were in lessons was that at the early stage of learning side slipping was ok as long as they were making is down the mountain and having fun. It probably applies to adults as well.

Don't be hating on Shames though, we are very lucky to still have that mountain open.