Question for the more "expert", seasoned riders.

[X-Treme]

I'm wondering what the "experts" out there would say would be their first few "lessons" they would teach to the "newbie" mountain riders. If you were to take a buddy out that's totally green to mountain riding, what would be the first few things you would teach to him/her to make their experience easier/more enjoyable? I'd like to watch some videos and follow it up with trying some of those things (once we get some freakin snow), but there is so much crap out there, that I don't know where to start. Thanks in advance.

 

[DRD]

Don't park facing uphill.

 

[pfi572]

Don't go ripping around if no tracks until you have checked area?
Slow and easy first.
Have a wing man and always look back to make sure he or one of the group are following.
If not stop and wait for them .
Don't take off without someone in the group with you or have let someone know what your doing and area you are going .
If stopping on trail park to the side with good visibility both ways.
Will start with that.

 

[teeroy]

we always ensure our green riders are in the "cradle", experienced guys ahead and behind them and we ride like they should to set the example. we take them to spots where they will be completely safe, and show them where to ride to sharpen their skills, always where we can see them. and don't be a dick and bitch them out every time they are stuck. if you brought them to teach them, you better expect a day of work.

no one is doing a favor to new riders by telling them what not to do and turning them loose. there's no amount of reading or video watching that is as valuable as hands on experience.

your mileage may vary

 

[Boostmonkey]

Safety first. Owning the latest and greatest gear means nothing if you don't know how to use it properly. After that the fun stuff. My main focus would be to teach them how to put the sled on its side and learn how to control when it is. Next how to get stuck and get out, Most people get really frustrated when they keep getting stuck and if the teacher cant handle digging out a sled all day than don't try to teach someone to ride in the mountains. Patients are very important when teaching.


JMO.

 

[Mike270412]

I'm by no means an "expert" seasoned rider like those who have already posted.So I guess I have nothing to add.

 

[teeroy]

I'm by no means an "expert" seasoned rider like those who have already posted.So I guess I have nothing to add.

you have to own it and wear it like a badge, it's a burden I am forced to carry.

 

[X-Treme]

I'm by no means an "expert" seasoned rider like those who have already posted.So I guess I have nothing to add.

Actually, when I typed that, your name, as well as Maxwell were the first 2 that popped into my head.

 

[InFeRnO]

Get them to make a ton of left and right turns using counter steer in a nice open field or meadow to get them used to the concept of steering the opposite way to where you want to carve. Always teach them to look where they want to go and not what they are going to hit lol.

 

[Mike270412]

Actually, when I typed that, your name, as well as Maxwell were the first 2 that popped into my head.

You've quite obviously never seen me try to ride a power tobogan.

 

[teeroy]

You've quite obviously never seen me try to ride a power tobogan.

it's on my bucket list. but you guys go to bed waaaaay too early and don't take kindly to party invitations. at 3am.

 

[Caper11]

Taking newbies to the mtns is fun and can be an adventure, some do better than others. I've taken newbies up with just myself and a group.

Safety first! I guess making sure they understand how to use the beacon, etc, and be comfortable that they are comfortable is the most important to me.
Make a beacon park at home and get them to find a buried beacon. At the end of the day that newbie may be apart of a rescue team.

Second have fun, they will make mistakes and learn from them, that's what camera are for too, While showing the "go no go" areas along the way.

I'm far from a expert myself but never regretted taking a newbie to the hill, because we were all newbies at one point.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Clode]

I think a good thing is to have a snowmobile that is "power" appropriate, I have found a lower powered sled is much easier to teach with because things don't happen as fast and the HP hit is softer....my group always checks the area out before turning rookies loose just to check for creeks, blowholes etc....and like it has been said before be patient there will be many stucks

 

[0neoldfart]

I'm no expert, but I do take new riders along often. Patience is key. I will advise them of terrain hazards, show them how their safety equipment works, and provide basic riding instruction. Usually go into less aggressive terrain to start with, and ride at their pace, not mine. If I'm with my wife, she'll usually lead, the newbies in the middle, and I'll act as the "sweeper", ensuring there is no one left behind. Everyone uses radios when they ride with me, and I will NOT tolerate the rider who doesn't stay with the group, or takes unnecessary risks in avalanche terrain...the backcountry can be VERY unforgiving.
I learned to ride under these principles many years ago, and feel that skill is far more important then buying a brand new sled that will take an inexperienced rider into places they have no business being.

 

[MOMMA]

I'm no expert, but I do take new riders along often. Patience is key. I will advise them of terrain hazards, show them how their safety equipment works, and provide basic riding instruction. Usually go into less aggressive terrain to start with, and ride at their pace, not mine. If I'm with my wife, she'll usually lead, the newbies in the middle, and I'll act as the "sweeper", ensuring there is no one left behind. Everyone uses radios when they ride with me, and I will NOT tolerate the rider who doesn't stay with the group, or takes unnecessary risks in avalanche terrain...the backcountry can be VERY unforgiving.
I learned to ride under these principles many years ago, and feel that skill is far more important then buying a brand new sled that will take an inexperienced rider into places they have no business being.

Bang on!! I love what you wrote Mr Old Fart and others in this thread. Again not professing to be an expert, but I do spend lots of time with newbie riders.. the day is about them... they shouldn't feel so out of place that they feel the burden.. or "that guy/gal"
I give unlimited stucks, and help unstick while providing a pep talk amist the session. Success based learning is essential. When you start to see fatigue, that is when it's about time to call it a day.. end on a high note. Give them ample opportunity to succeed by choosing very simple welcoming terrain. Terrain that can help them find their legs, practice counter steering, and perhaps even catch a little bit of air, depending on the person.

 

[cdnredneck_t3]

I like what others have said. I would also like to encourage new riders to comment in this thread. Let us know what worked well and what did not from the eyes of a student. It will help the guys taking new riders out make the most of their day.

 

[hbar218]

if you know your going to be stuck there is no need to pin it and bury it even deeper, might come out easily with an "experienced " rider and a ski pull, if you want to go up a hill get some speed before you hit it rather then pinning it after the fact, try to get the sled partially turned out if you cant make a hill, stop and wait if you are not sure if you can make a hill or obstacle(maybe get some advice before you attempt it), if you spend all day stuck, which they will, lol, maybe a few less stucks will give you some energy to get the sled going where you want it and most important..... take a break after you get it unstuck because we all know how easy it is to get stuck again when you are tired

 

[X-Treme]

Any thoughts or opinions on videos a newbie could watch to "learn" some of the basics of mountain riding?

 

[InFeRnO]

The schooled series is very good for instruction.

 

[cdnredneck_t3]

The schooled DVDs, 1 to 3 are the most helpful. And when we say new rider are we talking has power sport experience but little Mountain experience or new to power sports period? If they are new to everything a day could be spent on throttle and brake control depending on the person.