Learn'n the woman to ride

[Clarke673]

Idk if this is kind of like going into the wrong bath room stall or something.....AM i aloud to post here?


I am trying to teach my girlfriend how to ride because i want her to learn to love the sport as much as i do....SO.... Any advice?

My basic plan is to take it VERY slow on a warm bright day and teach her the basics. Make it fun for her, keep her warm, tell her what shes doing right and let her figure out what she's going wrong on her own. Teach her some tricks (counter steer, wait balance, foot placement, ETC)


But mostly my game plan is to be VERY patient.

Any other little tips? Thanks

 

[trickedout700]

Yesterday at Big Sky there was about a foot and a half of fresh and my wife is just been used to Kings Hill so it was tough trying to teach her. Thank god I had some friends with me to help calm her down when she would get stuck and i would tell her over and over again to move around on that machine. She was so mad but i swear by the end of the day i had her standing up and using her weight to help maneuver up hills. She was going so fast one time and hit the creek bottom and just stuck the sled into the other side and hit her chest right into the bars, it was kinda funny but then all i told her what she did wrong in the nicest way possible. It just takes time but just try to get her to go into places where you are playin in and make sure she is watching you the whole time. Hope this helps!!!

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

Idk if this is kind of like going into the wrong bath room stall or something.....AM i aloud to post here?


I am trying to teach my girlfriend how to ride because i want her to learn to love the sport as much as i do....SO.... Any advice?

My basic plan is to take it VERY slow on a warm bright day and teach her the basics. Make it fun for her, keep her warm, tell her what shes doing right and let her figure out what she's going wrong on her own. Teach her some tricks (counter steer, wait balance, foot placement, ETC)


But mostly my game plan is to be VERY patient.

Any other little tips? Thanks

best thing you can do..get her on here to read the ladies threads about powder riding...then when you are going to take her riding..find a local couple who ride and go with them..the ladies dont learn from their significant other or from men in general very good...when you do go riding..the trip is all about her..take her to very easy terrain to practice on, be right there to help her when she falls or gets stuck...dont preach or yell at her ever...and make sure she has a great machine that is setup for her(bar height, suspension stiffness, swaybar disconnected if needed)teach her at home by watching some good vids such as schooled on how to make the sled go..how to powder turn, countersteer, how important spinning the track is to making the sled turn,how to take off in deep snow..anything that makes it easier to ride...and be very nice about it....

 

[CatWoman]

Patience IS of the utmost importance!! One thing NOT to do is say "it's easy". Easy for whom? It's a whole lot better to give a description of the area, or of a place you are going into. Example, you are going to pop off from some riding that has been basically trail, and up through the trees into a bowl or onto a ridge. Instead of saying "it's easy".......follow my track (and don't leave her a trench), there'll be a curve.........some tight trees....a bump....hard right when you reach _____, etc. Something descriptive helps her to prepare mentally, and know what to expect instead of finding herself in something suddenly that scares her. Yes, there will be always be things that can cause one to be uncomfortable, but knowing the conditions is a lot better than being told "it's easy" and then finding yourself in a spot that scares the bejesus out of you. You will have lost a lot of trust, and then from that point on, if she hears that........it's going to bring back the bad memory (it'll forever be associated as being bad). You might need to go up first, then come back down so you can give the description (which will also give her an easier track to follow).

Watch her....yeah, you're out to have fun too..........but keep your eyes on her. If she gets stuck, be right there to help her. When you're at an area she is comfy with, let her play around there. Nice little bowls with some trees (not tight) are great (and not steep). She can cruise around in there, and practice on things. I know I found one area, that for me was the best place ever.........and for awhile, that was an included stop every time we were anywhere near that area. I practiced going down a gradual incline, through the trees. The hill wasn't too big, so I spent some time climbing that.......I also used it to practice my turn outs and sidehilling. Once I was comfortable going downhill through the trees, then it was time to go uphill through them. Pretty soon I was zigzagging all over picking my lines up and around them, and flying up them. The hubby played some there, but he also sat and watched me. He took video or pics. That's a wonderful tool in itself. It lets her watch/see what she was doing.....and its also great for future to see the progress made. If I got stuck, I didn't have to wait around for him to get to me. I still call the area *my playground*, as it was a place we went to MANY times, yet one that helped me to build my skills and confidence.

Sometimes we don't want to hear at the time what we did wrong. We get frustrated, or mad at ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes. Telling me that I hit something wrong, well.......I may have already figured that out and didn't need to be told (which can come across as a put down). Other times, I might ask. A good thing to do after the ride, is to talk about it. Like when home while having dinner or a beverage. Praise her for things you saw she did well at (and praise her doing the day). Discussion about the day accomplishes a lot. If she had been wondering about something, she will most likely ask then. Having a talk about how good the day was will bring those things out. It is now a *safe* time to reflect. It's a good time to look at the pics together, or video.

It helps to do some rides with just the two of you. That way you aren't tempted to run off with the guys, while she feels abandoned. When we started to ride with others again (we went through some rough times to begin with, so it was time to step back and get it right or not do it at all).......we were careful about who it was with. Obviously it shouldn't be the guy that yells at his wife/SO. Other people's patience can be most helpful as well. There is one in our crew that I grew to really trust, so I didn't mind following him as well. There were times when he would sit down going up a hill (and he NEVER left a trench). The point on that was to show me that this wasn't something that was going to be difficult, and he's just puttering up it.

Once I learned that from him (by watching then judging it for myself as I went there), it then left the choice to me....ok, so this isn't bad, and it's not something to worry about it.

Sounds like you have a great attitude about this, and that will get you far. Having your SO as your riding partner is an incredible thing.

 

[skidoochic]

Don't get irritated or impatient - the worst thing you can do is start cussing or throwing things around when she keeps getting stuck, falling off, ect. All it does is make her feel bad about holding you back and making your dig her out. And don't go with any other guys for at least the first few rides - guys tend to forget that they have someone inexperienced with them, and that inexperienced person gets left in the dust (or in a tree well or in a ditch, trench, ect). Go with another woman if possible who can ride - women tend to learn better by watching other women. Remember - women usually don't have the same strength as you, so if you can sidehill like a pro, that doesn't mean just showing her will help.

Good luck and congrats on getting the ladies riding!

 

[DragonPrincess]

Needing some help

I, myself, am a novice rider....VERY NOVICE and my guy is AWESOME on his sled! I feel bad because in the couple of times that I have been out, I feel that I am holding him and members of the group back.
Even though I fell in love with sledding during my first trip out, I am struggling in the handling of the sled that I bought. Yes, I went out and bought one for myself after my first sled trip out!! My machine is a bit much for me, especially in my learning stage. Does anyone have any suggestions on videos that will help me keep up with my honey and his dragon?
Appreciate anything from anyone who has something to offer

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I, myself, am a novice rider....VERY NOVICE and my guy is AWESOME on his sled! I feel bad because in the couple of times that I have been out, I feel that I am holding him and members of the group back.
Even though I fell in love with sledding during my first trip out, I am struggling in the handling of the sled that I bought. Yes, I went out and bought one for myself after my first sled trip out!! My machine is a bit much for me, especially in my learning stage. Does anyone have any suggestions on videos that will help me keep up with my honey and his dragon?
Appreciate anything from anyone who has something to offer

dont feel bad at all about holding the group up..doesnt matter who is in a group..you ride to the least skilled rider..period..if the group doesnt..I wouldnt ride with them again...it is our responsibility to help the less experienced riders..the only way for them to excell in this sport is to ride with better riders and to learn from them..dont worry about slowing the group down...flat out tell them..teach me..so I can do better...as for movies/vids...schooled is a good one..but you can watch any movie/vid and pick up on things if you watch close.....alaska mining and diving have a good tech rider vid area that will teach you alot of the basics.....will see if I can find you a link to it...try here..........http://www.akmining.com/snow/snowinf.htm

 

[cams]

CHICKS CAN RIDE!

The learning environment is critical.Going out with above average riders is necessary although a Valentines custom riding course would help your confidence.Have him find you a place that is safe that he will know you will get stuck trying to get up and you try like hell to get up...Get stuck.You need to know what the machine will do and will not with the throttle wide open!After that it is seat time.This will also give you insight as to your partners abilities.

 

[Redsledhead]

When teaching my wife and daughter to ride I always had other women along too. It makes it easier for them. I was always there when they got stuck or went into the trees and would only offer tips to them . They always like to follow me so they could do what I was doing( what side of sled I was on etc ). Started them on trails and would go off through trees and slowly got to climbing small hills. Always keep your cool with them and let them know that they are no holding you back from going places . Let them know that you enjoy sledding with them .

 

[litenitro]

Earning the trust of the person you are trying to teach is a must, alot of good advice in the posts here. So I won't rehash any of that.
Sidehilling is one of the most intimidating aspects of learnig how to ride in the mountains, A method that I used with my wife when she was first learning was when we had to sidehill in order to get where we were going( which sooner or later will happen)I would make a cut along the sidehill as straight as possible just slightly climbing and try to cut or set the track in fairly deep, then have her put her uphill ski in the trench, levels the sled out nicely when you do this, it kind of gives the sence that the dam thing isn't going to take off down the hill. although this only works if the snow is soft.
Her comfort level is key even as she progress in skill.

 

[Wyodragonlady700]

WOW- Good advice

I too am a novice rider. I started riding again a year ago. I get on here and read what everyone posts - they have been super helpful!! Thanks so much to everyone. I actually started riding with another gal this winter. What a huge help she is!!! One thing that has helped me with the counter steering - is to remember that you are turning your ski's out of your way. When I was told that, WOW, then it finally clicked and the counter steering made sense. On the flat ground this works great for me, going across a hill, I am still trying to figure that out. Any advice? Another thing- don't worry about getting stuck- we have all been there! And we are all there to help! I really have to agree with the gal who said that groups should ride to the newest members ability. I can't tell you how important that is! There was a trip this winter where we went through some tree's and then onto a really steep hill side. YIKES!!! I was scared to the point of having palpitations, my cousin and hubby saw the huge eyes and helped me get out of there. Then I calmed down. Please just have patience with us new riders! We are going to get stuck more, fall off more, and be uncomfortable with things more.

 

[Nytro Gal]

Idk if this is kind of like going into the wrong bath room stall or something.....AM i aloud to post here?


I am trying to teach my girlfriend how to ride because i want her to learn to love the sport as much as i do....SO.... Any advice?

My basic plan is to take it VERY slow on a warm bright day and teach her the basics. Make it fun for her, keep her warm, tell her what shes doing right and let her figure out what she's going wrong on her own. Teach her some tricks (counter steer, wait balance, foot placement, ETC)


But mostly my game plan is to be VERY patient.



Any other little tips? Thanks

PATIENCE is Key. Be sure if you go by yourselves don't get to far off trail. Things get hairy when one of you is stuck, all you have is each other to rely on. My hubby and I just got back from the snowies and were fortunate to find some other guys to ride with for that reason. Teach her to keep herself up off the seat. The easier it will be to move here weight around and control her sled. We women just don't have all the strength and this really helps me. Let her play in the meadows before you start any serious tree riding. Hope she likes it, have fun and be safe

 

[WingNutRacing]

advice, at least it's the best I have....

The best advice I can give you, you already know,,,,,PATIENTCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The second best is ride and ride often, bring her as much as possible, if not all the time.

Take her to different spots and terrain all the time, mix it up.

Take it easy, but push her a little, she will challenge herslef, you'll see.

PRAISE, let her know when she's doin real good. My wife has somehow made spots look easy that I have trouble with???????????wtf?????????

Outfit her with good gear..... A cold woman = not happy!!!!!!!!!!

Ride with different levels of riders, she will pick up some new tricks from watching how different people do it.

And far above all else: HAVE FUN, when it stops being fun, well, that's just no fun....

Most women learn quickly but seem to lack confidence, this takes alot of nurturing, but she'll get there, as long as she is enjoying it.

I've got more but don't want to ramble.........
Here is a shot of my riding partner.

 

[snomom]

The only thing I can add to WingNut's great advice is that the ONLY time you should get upset with her is when she doesn't try and have fun!!

 

[wyopdrsqrl]

Something that I have noticed with my wife when we are riding is that she gets so amped up an excited that she forgets to eat to keep up her energy an half way through the day shes done we've been working on this. So make sure she keeps hydrated an eats to keep up her energy she will be alot happier at the end of the day.

 

[Oregongirl]

Sometimes we don't want to hear at the time what we did wrong. We get frustrated, or mad at ourselves. We can learn from our mistakes. Telling me that I hit something wrong, well.......I may have already figured that out and didn't need to be told (which can come across as a put down). Other times, I might ask. A good thing to do after the ride, is to talk about it.

AMEN!!! I know it's a PIA, but women and men communicate differently. My best advice is, speak to her when helping her get unstuck like you would a buddy of yours. A buddy you respect.

 

[EagleRiverDee]

Something that I have noticed with my wife when we are riding is that she gets so amped up an excited that she forgets to eat to keep up her energy an half way through the day shes done we've been working on this. So make sure she keeps hydrated an eats to keep up her energy she will be alot happier at the end of the day.

Agreed. I've done that myself, and had friends do it. Most guys I know can go all day without eating. I need to eat every 4 hours or my sugar will drop to the point I get the shakes, get weak, get irritable. Then the ride is no fun for anyone! LOL. I'm not shy though- I'll stop and take a break when I feel the need, now. The guys don't mind. They just play in the powder around me, or take a break with me.

 

[sled*dunk]

Everyone has great advice. I need to know what I've done wrong so I can fix it. However, applying it takes me some time. Seems like everything in sledding is opposite of how I think it should be (give it throttle, countersteer). But the delivery in how you tell someone is key. My hubby is great.
What has helped me the most is riding with women and men of varying degrees. I spent a lot of time following the women. The guys can go their way sometimes and it works out great. I just kept telling myself "if she can do it then so can I" and give it a shot. (I wasn't following hard core riders either). As I gain a few skills and confidence I will tell my hubby I want to follow him for a while. He pushes me but doesn't take me places I can't go.
Finally, when I started, I was very out of shape. Still am, but better than I was. Snowmobiling is hard work and I would get frustrated at not having the energy etc. I couldn't move to one side fast enough, getting stuck was a nightmare, etc. Getting in shape before the season can really help.

 

[theultrarider]

I, myself, am a novice rider....VERY NOVICE and my guy is AWESOME on his sled! I feel bad because in the couple of times that I have been out, I feel that I am holding him and members of the group back.
Even though I fell in love with sledding during my first trip out, I am struggling in the handling of the sled that I bought. Yes, I went out and bought one for myself after my first sled trip out!! My machine is a bit much for me, especially in my learning stage. Does anyone have any suggestions on videos that will help me keep up with my honey and his dragon?
Appreciate anything from anyone who has something to offer

This is a VERY common feeling for the newer gals that we take with us. Like AKSNOWRIDER said, don't feel bad. We know that you are not to our level of riding when we agree to take you for a day and will plan the day around that. Most of us love to share our knowledge and passion for the sport and love to see the women learn it, and fall in love with it as well. For a knowledgeable leader it is pretty easy to make a ride where all level of riders will have a great day. Both sides need to show a little patience. We will hit playgrounds where the hotdogs can let it hangout, while the novice riders can play to their abilities at the same time. If you get stuck, we will notice and will be more than happy to get you out. We EXPECT IT! It is so great to see a novice rider learning new skills and doing new things (to them) and having fun and seeing the smiles on their faces as they master new skills. We enjoy it. Yes, we will take some pokes at a hill or run some lines that we don't expect you to follow, we need to have some fun too! But I always try to make sure that the novices know when I am playing, and not to follow me as well. I don't want to scare them or get them hurt either. The only way to truely learn is to get out and practice practice practice. You can watch every video in the world and still will not get the feel of what it really takes until you are actually out and do it your self. It is so much of nothing more than a balancing act. You have to just learn the feel. That can not be taught with a book or a video. Now go out and HAVE FUN!!!