Taking son for first trip to the mountains - Whats your RIDING INSTRUCTION advice?

[Snappy Sledder]

When I started riding in the mountains my first trip out was only on the trail. I hated the deep snow with a pasion, of course the old 1980's ish Yamaha Excel 340 I rode wasn't the greatest off trail. When I learned the most was the past few years just following about mid pack and seeing what everybody does in certain situations. Watching videos even helps me by just seeing what they do and what works for them. Mainly just go out and make him get stuck, then he'll know what to do next time. And listen to him, don't push him to much to where he will hate riding and never want to do it again.

 

[allied1]

Another thing we do is use POV vid as a tool. We get POV footage of the rider then follow with the camera and download at night and watch it. Just like watching film after a football game. You can find what you do wrong and also see things you do right or are improving on. It's fun to do and a good learning tool. We use Liquid Image goggles because they are very easy to swap around and use.

 

[eyefish123]

I kind of went through the same thing the last few years. I had been out of sledding for about 25 years and decided to get back in. Bought 2 sleds and my son kind of took over the wife's sled. I had to learn to ride all over again and my son had to learn from the beginning. Along with everything else that has been said, make sure that you make the trip about your son and let him learn at his pace. Twelve year olds don't know fear yet and it won't be long until you will be trying to keep up with him and you will have a great riding partner for life.

 

[03RMK800]

One of the above comments has to do with looking where you are going. The other way of saying this is don't look where you don't want to go. When I see people having trouble, I talk about recognizing a problem, eg. know there is a big hole there, but look where you are supposed to be/want to be. And, look up/out--watching your ski won't cut it either.

 

[Jeff C]

One of the above comments has to do with looking where you are going. The other way of saying this is don't look where you don't want to go. When I see people having trouble, I talk about recognizing a problem, eg. know there is a big hole there, but look where you are supposed to be/want to be. And, look up/out--watching your ski won't cut it either.

Thats good advice.......

So much of this is so natural to me, that when it comes to instructing, I would have missed some of the obvious things.......

Thanks to all for your great advice so far,,,,,,,,,,

Keep it coming......

 

[CoyoteGirl]

Here is what I have planned for him so far.........

Day one - this will be after a 17 hour straight drive and we get there in the morning, and I am generallyu tired and cranky.

What else would you guys do with a kid who is a newb?

Maybe not start out cranky??

Lucky kid, I hope you have an amazing trip together!

 

[turboxp]

First ride

My god just go and have fun and be safe.