Tag Archives: snowboarding

Skiing Snowboarding After Having Kids

I’ve been skiing for 24 years, and for the last seven years I’ve been teaching at Tallington Lakes Ski & Snowboard Centre so I believe I’m a fairly competent and confident skier, happy to tackle any slope, including the Swiss Wall and launch myself off big jumps or over rails. I’ve taught many adults, mainly women who haven’t skied since having kids and are looking to get back into it.

The main thing I noticed was a lack of confidence, and skiing without confidence makes it harder, your body will probably hurt a lot more from all the tensing, and you won’t have any flow.

While I was pregnant I skied and snowboarded until I was roughly 6 months pregnant, all the time being very safe and staying within my easy limits and had cut down the amount of time on the slope. My baby is now three-and-a-half months old and since he was born, I’ve skied and snowboarded at Tallington several times, however the main different between now and pre pregnancy riding– confidence! Although still very confident in my own abilities there’s now a feeling that if I get hurt, I have someone who is relying on me.

Doing flat 360’s on the slope, or even 180’s aren’t as smooth, I’ve been doing these since I joined Tallington Lakes and never had a second thought but now I have to think about it – what if I catch an edge. Trying to link turns on my snowboard has now become way more difficult because what if I fall over and get injured?

So, to all you parents out there, I get it! I get the worry of falling over, I get the worry of getting hurt, but I know the more I get out there and practice, the more my confidence will build, and I’ll get back to my previous standard. A lesson with one of our instructors will help you build that confidence and correct any errors that may be creeping in, I know I’ll be seeking some advice!

Lotti
Chief Instructor
Tallington Lakes Ski & Snowboard Centre

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From one seasonaire to another…

Remember: you are probably going to be flying and will have to fit everything into your ski bag and holdall. So, this is my ultimate guide after massively over packing for my own season!

Firstly, keep in mind that you will, hopefully, be skiing everyday for five months so invest in your kit wisely! The number one piece of kit on your list should definitely be boots, whether that is ski or snowboard. We’ve all worn rental kit, which is just about passable for a week but these need to be comfortable from the moment you step onto the slopes on your first day to the last day of the season. Go to a shop, and get your boots fitted properly. A simple solution is to get a footbed, get them heat moulded, and wear them in before you go. Then you’re not wasting your precious slope time trying to make sure your feet don’t hurt! Get several good pairs of socks too; this will ensure your feet stay warm and provide all the necessary padding in all the important areas.

Secondly, get yourself a tray, or two! Investing in a snowboard or skis will mean you can have exactly the right kit to meet your needs. Remember, you are there for five months so you have to think about what you can achieve in that time; even as a beginner you can progress to be riding powder (which will happen) to free-styling within a month or so. Since you are riding every day make sure you get yourself something you can have fun on everywhere as well. An all-mountain set up that’s not too stiff will mean you can venture anywhere on the mountain, including the park, but won’t hold you back on the fresh corduroy. With your hardwear now covered, don’t forget your head. Never ride without a helmet, protect yourself!

Get yourself a comfortable pair of goggles that fit well with your helmet. Having the choice of lenses is also a good idea: the Oakley Prizm Rose are ideal for cloudy-to-low-light days but will cover you if the sun decides to shine; paired with the Oakley Fire or Sapphire Iridium and you’ll be covered for all levels of ability.

For the duration of your season, one pair of salopettes is plenty but ensure that they have leg vents. Bib pants are a great choice since you get more pockets and they keep all the snow out, especially on a powder days. They are also fantastic for summer slush laps as they provide all the important cover without the need for extra layers, not to mention they look pretty cool too.

Clothes and layers are equally as important, since you will see all sorts of weather throughout the season; where sunburn is possible and but so is frostbite. You’ll need t-shirts and sun cream when riding in 12°C sun and also a number of thermal tops and leggings for those really cold days. Remember, layering is more than just one massive coat, so grab a riding hoodie or fleece (or three), plus a thin waterproof jacket. This will benefit greatly as you can then mix and match your apparel depending on the weather – so you don’t get too hot or too cold! What’s more, a cheap spare coat that you are happy to get a little dirty is a must-have for your nights out.

With all your technical equipment accordingly sorted, now to decide what to wear when you’re off the slopes! The mountains are surprisingly not a fashion show you don’t need a new top every time you go out; a couple of spare jeans and tops will do you fine, just make sure you stay on top on your washing!

Finally, my top seasonaire tip – make sure you pack yourself a 4-way plug because you can be sure that you’ll need to charge several things at once. This way, not only have you got a bit more extension but there won’t be any arguments over plugs!

For more information about any equipment please see our other blog posts or visit us in-store.

Lottie (Chief Instructor)

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