When last we left Ira Riklis, he was telling us about his experience of speeding down a ski slope without the all-important “stopping” lesson. Here’s the rest of the story:
“God was watching over me because I was aimed directly at the entrance door to the lodge and there was a canopy over the entrance with supporting columns. Just before I was to hit the door, I grabbed onto one of the columns and was able to bring myself to a stop. It is amazing but I didn’t hit anyone else, I was uninjured, and there was no property damage –go figure.
“After that rather inauspicious start, I went many times on daily and weekend ski trips. I enrolled in classes and learned how to turn and stop. I used some of the money I got from my bar mitzvah to buy myself a comfortable pair of boots without laces (early buckle closures), high quality skis, and STEP IN BINDINGS! “
Ira Riklis continues:
It wasn’t an easy start, and learning to have my technique was not easy, but the thrill of skiing has provided me with one of my greatest pleasures in life. I can tell as I age that my reflexes are slowing. That my body is less forgiving of the stress and strains caused by skiing is a daily reminder. I am beginning to slow down and be more cautious that I not write checks that my body cannot cash.
“I know that one day I will have to give up skiing altogether. When that happens, I will be both sad at the loss, but also warmed by the memories of so many exciting days. I hope that it is many years in the future.”
[...] Ira Riklis says God watched over him when he skied: [...]
[...] Ira Riklis started his favorite hobby skiing with a private skiing lesson from a pro. Take this from his experience: Take skiing lessons. Ski resorts have classes. Expensive? Yes. To defry some of the cost you can join a group. In Utah, the Utah Winter Games has ski clinics and they are mostly free or cost very little. Look for ski organizations and see if they offer clinics like that. [...]
[...] How did Ira Riklis end up? (Part 6) « Skiing Notes from Ira Riklis [...]