This question has come up in a couple of conversations I’ve had with friends from SBF, and whenever I was asked, “...When will I stop referring to myself as a NooB?” I really didn’t have a good answer for them!
So,.. here’s the question,..
At what point in ones riding progression can you (“I”) stop referring to oneself as a “NooB?”
Is this something that comes after a certain number of days or years riding? Is it after mastery of certain “Basic” riding skills? If so,.. which skills? Linking turns and stopping confidently, (...naturally!) ...but what else?
Is it after getting comfortable doing certain tricks? Riding switch? Park, glade riding, mastering Big Air? Riding POW or off piste,.. what? Maybe it comes after a certain level of experience riding a variety of resorts, mountains & terrain? Or is it just a matter of being able to make it down most blue or black runs confidently, without being or looking like you are out of control, that separates NooB’s from Intermediate level boarders?
I wouldn’t think it would be “generally” acceptable to claim oneself as no longer being a NooB if a person has simply acquired a certain degree of technical knowledge about the sport! I.E. equipment, tech, It’s history, etc.! But,.. what if that persons been riding for years and still doesn’t have any real understanding or knowledge of many of those aspects of the sport? I mean we’ve ALL read (...and made fun of!) posts from people who’ve been riding for years but still don’t have a clue about the gear, history, etc. (...BTW, obviously since I’m still learning, that category would include me as well!)
Maybe the question itself is Moot? Maybe it is entirely dependent on an individual and personal decision? A question to be decided by ones OWN feelings about their ultimate goals and progression or mastery of the sport?
I also wanted to add that I do recognize and understand that just because at some point “I” may decide I’ve garnered enough experience or skill so that “I” no longer think of or refer to myself as a “NooB!” That doesn’t necessarily mean that in the eyes of other long time veteran riders, I have any credibility or expectation of respect as an equal. Does that really matter? Should that really matter? I Dunno?!!!! :dunno:
I will be very interested to hear the different opinions and answers to this question!
So,.. here’s the question,..
At what point in ones riding progression can you (“I”) stop referring to oneself as a “NooB?”
Is this something that comes after a certain number of days or years riding? Is it after mastery of certain “Basic” riding skills? If so,.. which skills? Linking turns and stopping confidently, (...naturally!) ...but what else?
Is it after getting comfortable doing certain tricks? Riding switch? Park, glade riding, mastering Big Air? Riding POW or off piste,.. what? Maybe it comes after a certain level of experience riding a variety of resorts, mountains & terrain? Or is it just a matter of being able to make it down most blue or black runs confidently, without being or looking like you are out of control, that separates NooB’s from Intermediate level boarders?
I wouldn’t think it would be “generally” acceptable to claim oneself as no longer being a NooB if a person has simply acquired a certain degree of technical knowledge about the sport! I.E. equipment, tech, It’s history, etc.! But,.. what if that persons been riding for years and still doesn’t have any real understanding or knowledge of many of those aspects of the sport? I mean we’ve ALL read (...and made fun of!) posts from people who’ve been riding for years but still don’t have a clue about the gear, history, etc. (...BTW, obviously since I’m still learning, that category would include me as well!)
Maybe the question itself is Moot? Maybe it is entirely dependent on an individual and personal decision? A question to be decided by ones OWN feelings about their ultimate goals and progression or mastery of the sport?
I also wanted to add that I do recognize and understand that just because at some point “I” may decide I’ve garnered enough experience or skill so that “I” no longer think of or refer to myself as a “NooB!” That doesn’t necessarily mean that in the eyes of other long time veteran riders, I have any credibility or expectation of respect as an equal. Does that really matter? Should that really matter? I Dunno?!!!! :dunno:
I will be very interested to hear the different opinions and answers to this question!