Ryan learning how to ski

We have decided to visit Korea in Dec 2005 to have some snow experience. The kids were looking anxiously towards skiing. The schedule only catered half a day for it and they were complaining that it was too short.

They were not aware how tough it would be yet.

At the ski resort, the atmosphere was exciting. The ski slopes were packed with people and most of them made skiing looked so easy.

Our once-in-a-lifetime experience started with us putting on the gears. The thick clothings and gloves restricted our agility and mobility. It was really inconvenient to walk with the bulky ski shoes. Poor me still got to carry the skis and poles (think that's what they call it). Mind you, I have to carry 2 sets of skis. It was too heavy for Prince Ryan.

The instructors gave us a very brief lesson. Taught us to break fall, get up and walk sideways. 10 mins lesson in total. That's it??? Yes, that's it.... go enjoy yourself!

It was my first expereince too but I took over as coach to guide Ryan. Finally understood the true meaning of 'the blind leading the blind". In between the numerous falls, I was shouting instructions at Ryan to be careful! Ryan was inclined to walk upslope with the skis pointing straight in front. This is a basic mistake we should not make. It causes us to slide backwards.

So we all have to walk sideways upslope to enjoy the glide down. This was Ryan's first headache. The skis were big and heavy. He kept falling down, got up, glided backwards, fell again, got up, glided backwards somemore... and got himself further and further downhill instead of going up. There was no enjoyment to talk about.

After about 30 mins or more, he fell for the 1000th time and sat on the snow and cried. "I give up! I am not playing anymore!" There were tears.

I could tell he was very disappointed that skiing was so difficult. He was looking forward to it so badly. I took off his gears, brought him into the cafe, consoled him and sipped a hot drink together. Rested for 30 mins and encouraged him to give it a 2nd try.

This time, we would carry his skis for him upslope. All he had to do was ski downhill. And then, we took off his skis and carried it upslope again. How convenient for the Prince!!!

His skiing experience took a positive turn and we ended the experience within 3 hours (total). All because daddy and mommy became too tired.

The tour guide was correct. Half a day was more than enough for us. Enjoy the video below.


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