Part 2 of the 20 hours: Ski Challenge with Protest
I have now finished 8 hours of my 20 hours: ski challenge, so I thought this would be a good time to fill you in on how it’s all going and what I’m finding more difficult.
I can:
- ski from the top of the slope;
- get down a hill without falling over;
- get down a hill with control;
- do turns and snow ploughs; and,
- fall over…
Pretty sweet huh? And all whilst looking pretty darn good in my Protest clobber (you can see outfit 1 in How to Ski and outfit 2 in Winter Fashion!)
But, it’s all VERY slow. In short, I am still in the chicken phase and the big question now is breaking that barrier to a bit more speed!
20 hours: Ski Challenge – hours 1 to 7
I have had 7 hours of lessons with the lovely Lesley at the Everyone Active Silksworth Sports Complex in Sunderland before she had to leave me to go to Austria (how rude!).
I found the lessons have been such a confidence boost. Being out with Lesley has enabled me to feel comfortable, even when there are lots of people around. It is also much easier to progress with a teacher as she has given me exercises that, for example, make sure that I’m putting my weight on the right leg, or stop me thinking so much about turning so I relax. All of that has meant I could concentrate on improving whist feeling proud of myself and what I’ve achieved in the lesson.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far was after my first fall! We went to the top of the slope during hour 4 and what a view! However, I quickly lost control and pretty much threw myself on the floor. It didn’t hurt and in fact I felt elated afterwards, like I was a proper skier, and even rang Mike to jubilantly tell him.
Reuben also watched the clip of me falling for about 20 minutes, which was nice…and you can see it here (plus more shaky footage!).
BUT, that was on Thursday and my next lesson wasn’t until the following Monday. By then my elation had turned into fear! For nearly the whole lesson I felt really nervous but Lesley snapped me back out of it.
By lessons 6 and 7 I was back into the swing of things and I even fell over again but this time because I was going so slowly!!
20 hours: Ski Challenge – Hour 8
Hour 8 was my first solo ski… 10 days ago and I haven’t managed to go again since! Mike surprised me with a trip to the Xscape Centre in Leeds on our way back from a family visit to Lincolnshire but I chickened out. In my defence it was super busy and I was a day away from being wiped out by a virus for 3 days.
But my solo ski, although a bit nerve-wracking and not as much fun without Lesley, was really good.
It is such a nice way to spend an hour, I’d highly recommend it! The views are spectacular, it’s definitely good exercise (phew!) and it allows you to switch your head off and focus on what you’re doing while getting some fresh air and vitamin D. What’s not to love?
Speaking of which…
Would you like to give Skiing a go?
If you fancy having a go at skiing, Everyone Active have an exclusive offer for you as a Mums’ Days Reader!
1. Ski foundation 1 course
– 1 hour taster session for beginners aged 7 and above. Use code MUMSKI5 to get the course for £5 instead of £22.
2. Kinder Ski course
– 10 week beginners course for children between 4 and 6. 1 hour per week of 10 weeks. Use code MUMSKI45 to get the course for £45 instead of £68.
All you need to do is
- like the “Everyone Active – Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Centre” Facebook page, and then
- contact them via Facebook with your chosen code and contact details.
- They will be back in touch with you to help finalise the details and your start date!
20 hours: Ski Challenge
So, that’s it so far…I have 12 hours left of my 20 hours. I think the plan is to get 1 or 2 more hours practise at the Silksworth Sports Complex before we jet off to France where I will have another set of lessons. So my final update will be at the start of January after my 20th hour!!!
You are doing so well huni. I doubt I could even stand up! I can’t believe you rang Mike with glee to tell him you fell over 🙂 I bet Eddie The Eagle Edwards has got nothing on you xxx
Good on you for learning to ski! I’ve had a couple of hour long lessons several years apart, but both times found them quite stressful – I’m definitely not a natural. I really wish I’d learned when I was younger but never got the chance. Keep up the good work!
Oh you are so brave Hannah! It’s a fab challenge to set yourself x
You are doing brilliantly! Honestly! So proud of you. I’ve only been skiing once properly, years ago when I went on a skiing holiday with my Dad and I can still remember how tricky it is when you’re learning and also the fear! Keep at it, you’ll be a pro in no time 🙂 x