Giving advice, online perceptions and Jack Handey

[2knees]

So, are you comfortable giving advice to people while skiing? If so, do you do it unsolicited or only if asked. And if you were to recieve some advice from someone online, then find out, or already know, that person can't walk their own talk, do you percieve them differently? Does it matter? If someone knows how to explain something, yet cant do it themselves, does that diminish the advice? Can i start a thread with more questions in the initial post?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

I like telling people to keep their hands forward..alot of people are way in the backseat..I don't know exactly how my form looks in my Avatar picture..I really need some clown poles for the bumps..better than 2knees

 

[deadheadskier]

I don't really give advice unless asked. Even then it's kind of shoddy. I'd be a crappy instructor for sure.

 

[Greg]

I hand out advice from time to time, and probably have no business doing it sometimes. Case in point was yesterday when I suggested one thing to someone and the mogul coach ironically said the opposite about 5 minutes later. Doh! But I'm not too proud or egocentric to admit I was wrong and we laughed about it. When I do give advice, it's from the perspective of someone that still has a way to go up the learning curve. I like to think that trying to relay things that have worked for me is useful since the progression is so recent. Sometimes, folks that are so accomplished that much of the technique is second nature have a hard time explaining how or why certain things are done. It's the really great skiers that can still relate to us mere mortals that are the most enjoyable to be around. 180 is a good example of that.

 

[gmcunni]

other than my kids i never provide advice unless asked*. even when asked i shy away from giving too much advice because i really don't know a lot. i tend to just pass along tips i've been told by others that seemed to work for me.

i enjoy receiving advice from others (yes, i'm a taker, not a giver) but often feel awkward asking for it.


* sometimes i post what might be considered advice to forums but it isn't really meant as such.

 

[hammer]

So, are you comfortable giving advice to people while skiing? If so, do you do it unsolicited or only if asked.

For the most part, only if asked, and the only thing my spouse ever gets from me when skiing is encouragement...

And if you were to receive some advice from someone online, then find out, or already know, that person can't walk their own talk, do you perceive them differently?

Depends on how the advice is worded...and I never take any advice from someone online as gospel anyway.

Does it matter?

See answer above.

If someone knows how to explain something, yet cant do it themselves, does that diminish the advice?

Not always...I teach in my martial arts classes on occasion, and I have to be comfortable with giving input on techniques that I'm not real solid on. The key is whether the advice helps the recipient IMO.

Can i start a thread with more questions in the initial post?

I won't give advice on that question...

When I do give advice, it's from the perspective of someone that still has a way to go up the learning curve.

That's what I try to do as well.

Sometimes, folks that are so accomplished that much of the technique is second nature have a hard time explaining how or why certain things are done.

I see that in martial arts classes as well...the challenge for the higher ranks is in explaining a technique that they do so well due to muscle memory. My guess is that this applies to any sport.

 

[powbmps]

So, are you comfortable giving advice to people while skiing? If so, do you do it unsolicited or only if asked. And if you were to recieve some advice from someone online, then find out, or already know, that person can't walk their own talk, do you percieve them differently? Does it matter? If someone knows how to explain something, yet cant do it themselves, does that diminish the advice? Can i start a thread with more questions in the initial post?

I'm not really comfortable giving advice while skiing. However, I'm always there for emotional support.

I do like receiving advice. In fact, I received some good advice on Sunday. It came from two different people so I couldn't deny it. I was outvoted 2 to 1.

Sometimes, between runs, I pull out my mirror and tell myself that people really do like me. That usually gives me the confidence boost I need to continue with my day.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Generally only if someone has an explicit or implicit interest in being critiqued. For example, there was a young ripper skiing with us Sunday, and I noticed he was planting on the top of the moguls. Because he has aspirations of competition, I offered advice about where to plant, and how to be patient waiting for the right moment to plant.

But I generally won't just approach someone and tell them what they're doing wrong!

I can respect technical knowledge that lacks technical ability. I have no qualms about being critiqued by someone of a lesser technical ability if that person has a good critical eye. How do you think coaches work? I don't think many mogul coaches can ski like Dale Begg-Smith, but they keep giving advice to the highest level athletes! That, of course, is an extreme example, but I think the principle applies regardless.

 

[gmcunni]

I offered advice about where to plant, and how to be patient waiting for the right moment to plant.

where is the correct place to plant the pole?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

where is the correct place to plant the pole?

backside of bump??

 

[Sparky]

So, are you comfortable giving advice to people while skiing? If so, do you do it unsolicited or only if asked.

Since I'm an instructor I'm comfortable giving advice, but when free skiing with friends I try to do it only when asked. I think it makes for a more enjoyable time for the people I ski with.

And if you were to recieve some advice from someone online, then find out, or already know, that person can't walk their own talk, do you percieve them differently? Does it matter? If someone knows how to explain something, yet cant do it themselves, does that diminish the advice?

The old saying "do as I say not as I do" seems to fit here. The whole concept of coaching seems to cover this question. Having the expertice but not the skill doesn't mean that you can't help someone willing to learn. As a skier I am not a quick study, and the things that I have to work the hardest to learn I seem to be able to help students with the most. I guess that's because I can relate to their efforts.

Can i start a thread with more questions in the initial post?

I don't think so, but It sounds like an interesting challenge.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

backside of bump??

Yup. Downhill side.

http://www.mogulskiing.net/technique_guide_10.html

 

[gladerider]

Generally only if someone has an explicit or implicit interest in being critiqued. For example, there was a young ripper skiing with us Sunday, and I noticed he was planting on the top of the moguls. Because he has aspirations of competition, I offered advice about where to plant, and how to be patient waiting for the right moment to plant.

But I generally won't just approach someone and tell them what they're doing wrong!

I can respect technical knowledge that lacks technical ability. I have no qualms about being critiqued by someone of a lesser technical ability if that person has a good critical eye. How do you think coaches work? I don't think many mogul coaches can ski like Dale Begg-Smith, but they keep giving advice to the highest level athletes! That, of course, is an extreme example, but I think the principle applies regardless.

+2

 

[mondeo]

So, are you comfortable giving advice to people while skiing? If so, do you do it unsolicited or only if asked. And if you were to recieve some advice from someone online, then find out, or already know, that person can't walk their own talk, do you percieve them differently? Does it matter? If someone knows how to explain something, yet cant do it themselves, does that diminish the advice? Can i start a thread with more questions in the initial post?

I'm happy to give advice, both online and in person, as long as someone asks. Some people aren't looking for advice, so I feel a bit presumptuous just giving tips.

It's fairly common for someone to have the knowledge of how to do something but not have the practice, ability, etc. to do it, and vice versa. You can have Dan Dipiro's book memorized but be a hack in the bumps, but that doesn't diminish the value of the techinque Dipiro teaches.

I have faith in your ability to have even more questions in an initial post.

 

[2knees]

I can respect technical knowledge that lacks technical ability. I have no qualms about being critiqued by someone of a lesser technical ability if that person has a good critical eye. How do you think coaches work? I don't think many mogul coaches can ski like Dale Begg-Smith, but they keep giving advice to the highest level athletes! That, of course, is an extreme example, but I think the principle applies regardless.

I agree with this. I was having a conversation with a few people about this the other day and this was the point that was made that swung me. Lots of managers, coaches etc in all sports werent great players, but know how to teach, motivate and improve their teams, players, students whatever.

 

[gladerider]

backside of bump??

that's what i do. i was critiqued by a friend of mine that i reach in too early and that's due to planting in a wrong place.

took that advice. took some time to practice. cut the pole length by a few inches. helped to to stand straighter.

and my friend giving advice was not dialing in perfectly either, but he knew what i was doing wrong. cause he sees what i cannot see (myself). worked for me.

 

[MR. evil]

I hand out advice from time to time, and probably have no business doing it sometimes. Case in point was yesterday when I suggested one thing to someone and the mogul coach ironically said the opposite about 5 minutes later. Doh! .

It was more like 1 minute later..... It was pretty funny!

 

[deadheadskier]

But I generally won't just approach someone and tell them what they're doing wrong!

This is the number one reason why I don't give advice. I don't necessarily subscribe to the 'rights' and 'wrongs' of skiing.

As an example, take Austin for instance. I've only skied with him once and taking nothing away from how he skis, I could see a PSIA or WC knowledgable skier critique his somewhat unorthodox style. That said, the dude freaking rips.

For me, when I was learning bumps, I didn't really try that hard to emulate my idols. All I wanted to do was ski the line as fast and smooth as possible. I could give a crap where I make my poll plants.

....but that's just me.

Like I said, I'd be a pretty crappy instructor :lol:

 

[deadheadskier]

It's fairly common for someone to have the knowledge of how to do something but not have the practice, ability, etc. to do it, and vice versa.

The rather condescending joke is

Those who can't do......teach

 

[2knees]

Sometimes, between runs, I pull out my mirror and tell myself that people really do like me. That usually gives me the confidence boost I need to continue with my day.