Getting the most out of a clinic

This is from a series of posts based on my experiences at The Hartford Ski Spectacular/PSIA-ASSI Adaptive National Academy in Breckenridge, CO.

I used to go to PSIA/ASSI clinic and walk away with a nugget or two that would really click.  But at some point I thought I was spending too much money to just get one or two things (while having a good time on the snow and making friends).

Here’s what I do to get more out of a clinic

I carry my cute argyle notebook in my front pocket with a pen to every clinic.  The silhouette looks funny poking out of my jacket, but I’m OK with that. The mechanical act of writing helps me remember.

If the weather is OK, I jot down notes on the chairlift or the side of the hill. Sometimes this means I’m skiing after the group whilst trying to put my gloves and pole straps on.  It would be funny for the group if anyone was around to see it but they are usually gone.

If it’s too cold, snowy or rainy I jot down notes inside.  I will often check with my group to make sure I have everything down.

So what am I writing?  The drill, why we did it, what the outcome was and feedback the leader gave to me or others.  Those little nuggets that help you understand or teach something.

Make sure you understand the what, why, how and when the clinic leader is telling you.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “so and so examiner said” followed by something nutty. 

So now you’re back home with this great stuff.  What are you going to do?

The biggest mistake is to take someone’s shtick and try to use it verbatim.  You have to say it in your voice and use in your teaching. 

I like to write blog posts about it.  If we did a drill that I like, I’ll write a post about how I will use that drill in a progression. Here’s an example.

The last step for me is to teach it and boy do I get fired up to use this great, new material.  Then I look and the group and say nope, not the right thing. When I find the right fit for the drill, I get very excited and my group thinks I’m nuts.

Ski instructors can be very trendy, I can remember seeing everyone do the teapot drill. Just because an examiner or national team member is doing doesn’t make it right for your students.  And the extended hand or spout goes over the inside ski.

Once I’ve seen it, jotted down the notes, blogged about it and taught it.  I own it.  But credit will be given, where it is due.  Thanks trainers and examiners!