Adaptive Technical Director Tom Hodges
December 2020
The passion of returning to snowsports. Despite closUrEs and restrictions, the adaptive community continued to flock to the hills for snowsport in NSW. Even the (very) short season in Victoria saw many adaptive lessons go out. The passion to return to snowsports was clear among the committed, and seasoned adaptive students. It is truly a privilege to have such dedicated students that we see returning to the snow fields year after year.
we could get to a point with the Covid restrictions
With all students, a snow trip can be a fixture in
This continuity of teaching was a fantastic reminder in 2020 for me. The years of working with a single student, seeing progress, a change of attitude, an acceptance of risk, the understanding of conditions, and the growth on the individual was laid out clear. The importance of continuity of student/teacher relationship is vital. Understanding a student’s struggle and being part of the growth is a huge part of progress in the sport. Being able to reminisce about past trips, favorite runs, failures and joys,
the diary for months, and so is the case with many
apsi snowpro
adaptive students. However, often the simple logistics and planning around a far a way snow trip is multiplied by the dozens for adaptive students. They may have carers, special mobility vehicles, limited accessible accommodations etc all booked months in advance. This year, I was on the phone, email and texting almost daily checking in to see if
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where they could still come. The hurdles seemed endless. But sure enough, the regular adaptive students started coming to the snow for their annual trip, then week in week out saw old faces coming back. The struggles leading up the time on snow only made the experience more enjoyable. And here the value of their yearly pilgrimage was made clear. The freedom, and thrill of the snow experience remains unparalleled. The pleasure of being part of that special moment is something that all instructors share, no less for adaptive instructors.
