A talk undelivered: Skiing with Confidence

[ski diva]

Some of you may know that I was asked to give a talk at the Women's Exhibit at the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo this past weekend. Well, it never happened. Not that I wasn't prepared -- I was -- but there were (ahem) issues. For one, the booth was really unsuitable for any sort of presentation. It was right out on the convention floor, so it was waaaay too noisy -- there was even a DJ blaring music next door. Plus there wasn't anyplace for anyone to sit or stand to hear anything. AND I had a horrible cold, so I could barely talk. Really, it's better it worked out this way, rather than proceed and have it be a complete disaster.

Anyway, I did prepare to speak, and since some of you expressed interest, this morning I posted a transcript on my blog. Presenting Skiing with Confidence. Enjoy.

 

[Abbi]

It would have been good, Wendy, if they’ve made it even possible for you to deliver it! I’ve never understood the need to have some blaring loud music at any of the events I attend. But that is maybe just that I am too 0LD to appreciate blaring music anymore!

 

[diymom]

Just one row back from the Her Turn booth was a set up with a mini dry slope, rails, a radio station. The other side of the hall was much quieter.

 

[Skier31]

Great speech, Wendy! Spot on.

I love teaching women. I spend quite a bit of time encouraging women that, yes, they can ski. It is amazing to see the transformation during the day. We need more of this!

 

[HikenSki]

Great talk, just a shame you couldn't really give it given the setup.

My confidence has gotten better as my skills have improved. If a trail looks too steep when I get to it and think that I won't be able to get down it, I remind myself that I have the skills, I don't need to do it fast like those I may be with, and to take my time and I'll get to the bottom. Knowing there's always the side slip technique if it's starting to look dicey is always a great help too.

I also like your point about skiing what makes you smile. While I do like the mid-Atlantic black runs for a challenge, I don't really enjoy them as much as my husband and brother. I've at times let them run off to the blacks while I have fun cruising the blues and work on my form. We meet up at one of the lifts and everyone's happy!

 

[knolan12]

I loved this! Confidence is probably my biggest hindrance so I love the fist exercise.

Also, that part of the convention was SO LOUD. We chatted for a minute someone at the women's section, but I could barely hear her :(

 

[mustski]

That was great! Too bad the venue wasn't conducive to talking. They lost out.

 

[Tvan]

Thanks for sharing! Great topic and well written!

 

[contesstant]

What a great write-up!! I've been feeling WAY more content and confident with life lately, and am realizing that for the first time in quite awhile (maybe ever, really!) I am feeling confident going into ski season and about my first day on snow vs. nervous. My mindset during the divorce and even last year, when I was so in fear of what was going to happen to me in my life REALLY bled over into skiing.

I'll get a lot fewer days on snow this season thanks to a job, but I have a feeling I'll have more QUALITY days, and that is a beautiful thing!

 

[liquidfeet]

Great talk! Yes, it's a shame you couldn't deliver it. Maybe publish it in Ski Magazine?

 

[marzNC]

Anyway, I did prepare to speak, and since some of you expressed interest, this morning I posted a transcript on my blog. Presenting Skiing with Confidence. Enjoy.

Absolutely wonderful talk! Glad you made it available. Should be read at the beginning of every season.

I hope some ski organization takes you up on the offer to do it as a live presentation. I have no doubt the interaction afterwards with the audience would be great.

 

[QCskier]

This was a great read!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

And a nice shout-out from seniorsskiing.com, with link to the (unabridged) blog article:
https://www.seniorsskiing.com/skiing-with-confidence-advice-from-the-ski-diva/

 

[ski diva]

And a nice shout-out from seniorsskiing.com, with link to the (unabridged) blog article:
https://www.seniorsskiing.com/skiing-with-confidence-advice-from-the-ski-diva/

Yes. They're great guys. I helped them cut it down.

 

[newboots]

Confidence is especially important in skiing, I discovered last year. When you take the leap of faith to really get forward going down a steep (or, steep-for-me) trail, you learn the secret. It really does give you more control. All that leaning back into the mountain, because the hill was scary, just scared you, feeling out of control.

I’m working on the confidence to get that going early this year!

 

[snoWYmonkey]

Lovely article that touches on so many different aspects of confidence.