WHAT NOT TO DO on the mountain

[khaos_]

Ya....i don't really like this thread either. There is way too many teachers, and not enough students around here! Nice try, also I don't really like ratting on people like that, take a picture but let's not get too close. Rather just go say something to them maybe, and keep the pictures for your photo album.

 

[pano-dude]

I thought the point of this thread was to educate other people, oops sorry if someone's feathers got ruffled, all I see are people jumping all over someone while yelling and screaming "stop jumping all over people". It's hypocritical. On the same note, others seem to want to crucify someone for a mistake, pretty safe to say none of us are perfect angels (except me - so kiss my @$$ beotches), so let's not be too hasty with judgement OK?

I think people just need to relax and take the thread at face value. They're just someone's opinions. And opinions are like a$$holes, everyone's got one.

I don't care who it was, the optics of the photo look negative and are undeniable. There is an obvious slide area directly below the rider. Maybe it was 3 weeks old, maybe it was fresh. I can't tell from the photo and neither can anyone else here.

The point of this thread was education. I give credit to the person who took the photo, I give credit to the person who posted the photo, and I give credit to the person who explained the photo.

There have been some great comments brought up, I think that educating other riders at the time is a crucial element of all this. As sledders, we really need to discuss this on the hill, not on the internet, and in a mature and helpful tone, not in a condescending demeanor.

We also need to be open minded about our actions and understand the perception from other sledders. I for one, have no problems telling someone who is doing something unsafe, that I feel there is a better approach to what they are trying and also back it up with an explanation. I also have no problem listening to someone tell me that what they thought I was doing was wrong, and have them back it up with an explanation. It's only when someone can't back up their actions with solid reasoning and knowledge that it becomes an issue IMO.

Sometimes its simply a poor judgement call and you just need to apologize - maybe you came zooming into the parking lot near a group of families out for the day and someone thought you were going a little too fast around their kids (their perception) - maybe you were in complete control of your sled and thought you had slowed enough (your perception). One of the parents comes over and starts beaking at you - REALIZE the perception, ask them to calm down, explain your side and apologize. Likely they will as well. If they don't - oh well, fawk 'em. Don't be an arrogant a$$, people have a right to be concerned about their safety. REALIZE its a perception from their end - and that if they thought you were going fast then, then they should have seen you about 3 km's ago at WFO....LOL.

Same goes for if someone highmarks above you while stuck - get unstuck and go talk to them with a civil tone - if they tell you they know what they were doing and were just being a dick to intentionally try and cut a slide loose above you - then grab a spark plug into your fists and leave them lying in the snow with no teeth. Doubtful you're going to need the second approach - most people do not intentionally put others in harms way and will see your point if explained properly.

This case is a perfect example: if the person who took the photo had approached the guy and they had discussed it in a civil manner, both sides would have learned something.

But what's done is done. Can we all agree that the internet can be a blessing and a curse - all in the same thread?

Sorry about the long post - that's my "outsider looking in" viewpoint.

great post!