Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 5:00AM | Amy C The Beginner's Responsibility
Last week I wrote a post about Introducing Friends to the Outdoors. Today, I want to talk about your responsibility as a beginner. While it’s important for the person who’s doing the introducing to keep safety and fun in mind, they’re only one half of the experience. The other half is you, the beginner.
Having been a beginner in many situations, I know that it can be easy to leave all (or a lot of) the planning to your more experienced friends. However, the more information they have from you (what you like, what your expectations are, what your fears are), the better they can plan for the best experience possible.
And if you’re reading this, recalling a litany of your own horror stories, vowing never to go [insert traumatic sporting event here] again, hopefully this will help you, too.
I’ve put together a few key reminders that you can do as a beginner, to help your mentor (and yourself), have an amazing experience in the outdoors.
1. ask questions
Where are we going? How long do you expect us to be out? What should I bring? What can I expect? This not only helps you prepare mentally and gear-wise for an adventure, it helps your friend (or leader, or mentor) to assess your experience, comfort level and general knowledge regarding the upcoming experience.
And a side benefit is open communication. Asking questions starts dialog, and that is always important.
2. participate in the planning
Six simple words that can make a huge difference in your experience: ”What can I do to help?”
Actively participating in the preparations, set-up, etc., can teach you key skills that you might not get by simply observing. Asking to help also lets your friend know you’re interested in learning and being involved.
There will be times when simply observing will be helpful; when there might not be a specific job for you to do, but watching and listening can offer you valuable insight, too.
3. speak up
We understand it can be scary, and we can adjust our instructions if we know how you’re doing—for you (and our) enjoyment, as well as safety. If you’re feeling like you’re in over your head—chances are you probably are. We’d much rather hike down with you early rather than carry you down with a broken ankle. Trust us.
4. don’t assume
The most common assumption I find beginners make is about their friends’ ability ("they're ten times better than me") and/or their friends’ enjoyment ("they’re not having fun because I’m holding them back" or "I’m going too slow").
I’ve been guilty of this, myself, but it’s really important to be aware of. As leaders and friends introducing you to the outdoors, we want you to have fun. And way more often than not, our enjoyment comes from seeing you having fun and simply being outside.
Also remember that suffering is often part of the deal. And that it can be challenging for us, too. Believe us when we say we’re having fun; or that we’re struggling. While it’s true we’re more experienced, it doesn’t mean we’re not in it together.
5. keep an open mind and try again
I didn’t enjoy running until I began to trail run (a few years later). Had I quit running early on, I’d likely be a big couch potato now. But I kept running for different reasons. I’m not saying to force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, but I am inviting you to stay open to the possibility that one experience that you might not love right away, could lead you to another that you absolutely adore.
what do you think?
The beautiful thing about the outdoors is there are so many ways in which to enjoy it and get out there. And when we connect to nature, we often connect more deeply to ourselves.
What are some other words of wisdom y’all have—as a veteran who has introduced many to the outdoors, or as a beginner who has first-person advice as to what helped get you involved and having fun?
Leave a comment, contact me directly, or connect via twitter or facebook. See you on the trails.
Reader Comments (4)
Great post! I'm visiting from blogfrog. I agree that beginners have a responsibily. As a ski patroller and former Outward Bound Instructor I often witness people getting way out of their comfort zones. This is usually a wonderful thing. Sometimes, however, it can go too far, and they make poor decisions. It's almost as if they forget they have a brain and the capacity to make decisions. It's important that when trying a new sport, the participant always keeps her head in the game. She never wants to relinquish the decision making process to someone else. And, as you mentioned, when in doubt always ask questions.
Hi Kim! Welcome. So glad you found my blog. :)
You make a really great point about always keeping your head in the game and trusting yourself to make the best decision for you.
Thanks for the comment and hope to see more of you around here!
_Amy
Great Post! I'm just starting out Rock Climbing, and I'm surrounding myself with experts, or at least with people that have been doing this much longer than me. I'm happy to say that I'm following all the tips you mentioned. Especially the "Ask Questions" part. People may get sick of me after a while because I ask questions down to the minutest detail, but if I'm going to get better, I need to know this stuff. The second thing I learned almost right away was the "Don't assume" bit. On my first outdoor climb, I found myself apologizing a bunch of times to the guy I was climbing with because I couldn't accomplish a route or I was going really slow. He gav me a rash of crap for that! I learned my lesson.
This is all great stuff. Love the blog. Peace.
Thanks Andy!
Welcome to the wonderful world (and community) of rock climbing. Happy to hear you're learning and asking lots and lots of questions. :)
Speaking of saying "I'm Sorry," I actually wrote a post about apologizing in the outdoors... here's a link if you're interested in reading a little more on why NOT to do it.
I'm Sorry: Why Apologies in the Outdoors Can Sabotage Your Progress
Oh! and quick edit to give kudos to your friend! Looks like you've found a great partner and tribe.