Sit skiing or skiing or boarding is not just a physical game but a mental one too.
I’ve had times where I struggled. I just wanted to cry and quit.
I was on a Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) camp at Perisher. I was having a great few days until I fell, slid and injured my shoulder. I had ended on a such a high by finishing with another great run. I couldn’t move my shoulder on the last day but still wanted to continue. I cried. I was given some encouragement from my guides and was taken out to enjoy a few more turns.
I returned the following year but this time the camp was held at Thredbo. My fall the previous hear was still on my mind. I was having problems with my wrist. I was determined to be in a mono ski. After trying a few other skis and liking the ski we’d nicknamed ‘lipstick’ for its hot pink colouring and a few encouraging words from instructors and guides, I was back having fun. I could do it. It was fun.
Another time, I was at Whistler and had booked five days of private lessons. I wasn’t enjoying the runs or having fun. I cancelled the last day. My fourth day of skiing ended on a high. I had enjoyed tethering all morning and then bucketed in the afternoon. The last day was instead spend exploring Whistler village and I enjoyed it.
There’s been other times when I wanted to give up. I didn’t feel like I could do it.
I didn’t quit. I listened to the feedback. I re-watched videos and looked at photos to remind me of what I have achieved. I spoke with instructors. I worked out what I didn’t like and changed our game plan. I rested.
Kate Swain 