I'm not good at sports.
In gym class growing up, I was always picked last for everything, even pickleball. I have really bad eyesight, which translates into bad depth perception and lousy coordination. I'm basically a huge klutz.
This season, my friends convinced me to try snowboarding.
I've put off snow sports for years. Many have invited me to the mountains for a day of shredding or skiing and, to be honest, the thought has always terrified me. I've feigned sickness, complained about being too busy at work and even told someone I had to give my cat Gizmo a bath to avoid Crystal Mountain.
Eventually, I gave in.
While in line for the lift I practiced standing on the board and immediately fell over. This won't be good, I thought. The words of Mike Lewis, my boss, flashed through my mind: Please, for the love of God, wear a helmet. His look of concern was scary. If you hit your head and get a concussion, who will be able to run Bonney Lake-Sumner Patch?
I started to worry. Will I break my neck and come home from Snoqualmie a vegetable? What happens if I fall off the mountain?
Then, the lift. I looked around anxiously as we rose higher and higher into the mountain. (OK, it was just the bunny hill. But still). My heart was pounding and my palms were sweaty. I started to wonder if I could walk all the way back down.
I managed to get off the lift without face-planting. Good start. Then, after a few patient practice moves with my friend, I was ready to cruise.
And I totally rocked it.
I fell a lot, but I didn't hurt myself or get a concussion. I was able to heel-toe and control the board. It was effortless. I'm a natural! Once I got over my fear of trying something new, I was able to enjoy myself and spent the whole day jumping on and off the bunny hill with a bunch of 7 year olds. It was fun and I was suprisingly good at it for my first try!
I can't wait to go again. Even though my boss hasn't stopped begging me to wear a helmet next time.
So, here's a video of my best fall of the day, for your amusement. Have you tried snowboarding? What do you recommend for new boarders?
