We’ve all see cartoons or skits where some hapless character is trying to learn a complex skill step by step from some not-so-great teacher or through a set of poorly written instructions. In fact, most of us have had those experiences at some point in our lives (which is what makes them so funny in cartoons). Ira Riklis went through plenty of those moments in his long quest to find the instructor who could help him become an expert skier.
Most instructors take that step-by-step approach when teaching things like how to make a turn. Put your weight on your downhill ski. Lean your hips into the hill. Lean your torso down the hill. Have the uphill ski about three inches ahead of the downhill ski. Keep your shoulders even and pointed down the mountain. Turn your hips. Move your body up. (Say what!?) Un-weight the downhill ski. Re-weight the uphill ski, etc., etc., etc… The thing is, as Ira Riklis finally learned, you can’t think your way step-by-step through a complex activity. You’ve got to learn the basics, practice them until they become second nature, then rely on muscle memory to carry you through.