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Can you learn to propel yourself forward? Yes.
Can you learn to ski? No!

I recently purchased a pair of cross country skis from a sporting goods store that was going out of business, thinking it would be a great alternative to biking in the winter. Knowing no one who cross country skied, but that there were trails in my area, I gave it a whole hearted try.

I watched lessons on YouTube to learn the rhythm and techniques for going up and down small hills, but after my first half a dozen attempts, I am seeking out REAL lessons!

I clipped into my skis in the grassy area of the park near the parking lot and pushed myself forward towards the trail left by other skiers. As I awkwardly shuffled along until I noticed the marks that other skiers had left with their poles. I had to squat down to examine the print and to discover I was holding my poles backward.

After this novice mistake that could have very easily been remedied by a brief lesson, the ski trail led across an iced over multipurpose road. I debated over taking my skis off, but observed that others had seemingly made it across successfully. I gave it a try. As expected, I fell, and could not get up. I perfect view of the parking lot, I realized I had no idea how to get up from a fall. I flopped and flopped and tried to push myself up with the poles but kept slipping on the ice only to land in more and more of a twisted position. I tried to take my skis off but couldn't manage to reach the release button in my tangled mess. I could feel the soccer moms in their vans watching my horrifying display. I could hear people on the trail ahead of me laughing. Finally, I twisted enough to get my feet beneath me and shoved myself up with the poles.

This, again, could have been avoided. Perhaps not the fall, but the flopping and the embarrassment. This is why I believe an Internet lesson cannot teach you a sport of any kind. Interaction between coach and student is integral in the learning process. An expert of some sort should at least be present to get you started on skis and to teach you how to get up when you fall! I believe I am solid proof of experimental Internet sporting lessons!

Learn more about this author, Kathryn Plath.
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