Dyspraxic kids skiing?

[hillyhilly]

I have two children who are not diagnosed as Dyspraxic but are definitely on the fringes, they both have co-ordination issues that manifest themselves in different ways.
My 12 yr old is fearful of speed and falling and must be in absolute control at all times - she can ride a bike but does it so slowly it's a miracle she stays upright.
The 9 yr old is much more gung Ho but even less in control of his limbs, regularly falls over absolutely nothing and is all arms and legs, he will however throw himself into anything cheerfully.

Am I mad to take them skiing, any advice or tips to help us learn?
I'm planning on working on their core strength and am trying to find ski lessons currently but can it be done? I'd really love them to love skiing as I do but am a little fearful it'll be an expensive mistake

I am dyspraxic and love skiing. It took me ages to learn and I will never be amazing but I can manage a small slope. I think it may be too much for your 12 year old but sounds like your 9 yr old will love it.

Go to somewhere like xscape for a taster session. The baby slopes are tiny and give you a flavour. You can rent everything in case you never try again!

Erm, are you sure that it is a good idea? I'm a clumsy bugger and wouldn't find a ski holiday at all fun. I love roller coasters so I know I'd like skiing if I could do it, but I don't think I'd be much good and it's a lot of £££ to gamble on a holiday.

Is there anywhere locally you can hire boots or skis from? It could really help if they have had a chance to get used to moving around on skis on the flat first- doesn't have to be on snow. Get them walking around, turning in circles, walking with one or both skis on. It will really give them a head start on the lessons and could help take some if the worry away from your 12yo.

How about trying some grass skiing over the Summer?

I would definitely think skiing is worth a try, but might suggest consciously making it more relaxed than your average skiing holiday tends to be? So rather than expecting them to be having lessons all morning and skiing all afternoon, plan plenty of time for tobogganing, snow shoe walks, snowballs etc. If the kids are worrying a lot, that can be exhausting - so lots of snacks, chocolate etc whilst out and about to tackle any flagging energy levels. Dont worry if it takes them a while to find their balance - just keep it fun whilst they are getting their confidence!

I am mildly dyspraxic but can learn to do things if I am taught well. Not the sort of 'follow me' type of teaching but 'push down with your left knee and lean ..' type.

Cross country skiing was a revelation for me!! I had a great instructor who taught me on flat terrain first and used a technique that really taught me how to position my body and taught me one element at a time so it wasn't too confusing.

There are some lovely places to go where you are away from the mayhem of out of control beginners and speed nuts but still out in mountains enjoying the scenary.

Once I could control my skis and manage gentle slopes, it had a hugely positive impact on my downhill skiing.

I cannot help with skiing but Pilates and horse riding have really helped my corse stability so maybe work on one of those before attempting skiing?

Thanks all for the replies (except maybe the one which said not to take them!).
I am trying to choose the lessons carefully and my DH is coming with us and will not ski so I'm hopeful that he will take them tobogganing or swimming once or twice too.
I'm sure, like riding a bike, or so many other things, that they will be able to do it, eventually - whether or not they'll love it remains to be seen!

Would you consider letting them snowboard instead? I believe that whilst it still requires balance and some coordination legs are less likely to flay in every direction. DS1 is 12, very tall and lean and has dyspraxia and someone at some point recently said that snowboarding might be easier for him if he doesnt want to try skiing.

My eldest is dyspraxic and has surprised me no end with his ability to snow ski (and waterski) to a very good level. We tried when he was three but didn't have good weather so it put him off a bit.
Had another go at eight and went to an indoor ski place (man made snow) just to get him used to boots and skis and a drag lift, which with him turned out to be the biggest hurdle.

I would say that you might be better if teaching him but with a little help (a guide?) for the lifts to begin with perhaps.

By the age of 10, so the 2nd/3rd ski holiday, he was doing small jumps and turning 360 better than me !

Good luck!

• better off teaching him yourself

My very dyspraxic 14 year old skis like a dream. Go for it.

Ds was a great skier! Black runs at 6/7 even though cautious by nature and still can't ride a bike. He did start younger though, and did it regularly for several years. It is great exercise for core strength and balance, and once they master the basics offers a freedom other sports don't provide.

My DS went skiing for the first time this year. He's 9 and quite severely dyspraxic - can't ride a bike or a scooter, can't catch, hypermobile, very poor co-ordination.

I taught him myself for 2 days going up and down a tiny tiny baby slope, then he had a half day private lesson. First hour or so was pretty awful but by the afternoon, he'd got it and after his private lesson he absolutely flew. Snowboarding is much more difficult to learn and getting up requires a lot of muscle strength and coordination.

He really enjoyed it and was tackling quite long blue runs with confidence by the end of the week.

Thanks all, I've booked lessons and warned the instructors, I'll make sure to take them to the snodome more than once to try and give them a head start, I'm really hoping they actually enjoy it!