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Meet Jai - PGL's Sponsored Skier who tells us his story so far and gives us some top tips!
It helps to start early ...
As a birthday present when I was at primary school, I went to my local dry ski slope at PGL Barton Hall in Torquay to have a ski lesson. My parents planned to go on a ski holiday and didn't want to be dragging around a bored child who couldn't carry his own skis, so I learnt early. I loved it, even with a few falls and tumbles I quickly got the bug. I kept practising and soon progressed to racing.
With my local ski slope being based at Barton Hall, I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time there. Whenever I went to training there would be lots of children and teenagers having a great time doing a huge range of games and activities. I think the energy rubbed off!
I love the feeling of speed that skiing gives you when you are whizzing down the slope, the sense of freedom and being in control - most of the time! What's great about skiing is that you can enjoy it no matter what your level, whether you are just learning as a beginner and having a laugh with your friends, or whether you are more experienced. In the early days I just wanted to copy the best kids at the club and chase them down the slope, doing jumps and showing off. Now things are a little different: it's the rush of linking fast turns with big angles and searching for perfect arcs down a race course.
The idea of taking steps every day towards a bigger goal inspires me to reach my full potential. When hard work pays off, the feeling of performing well in competition is really motivational too. The big stars and idols can be inspirational, but it's great to feel inspired by people and things closer to home. In fact just being in the mountains is inspiring.
I'm lucky enough to say that skiing has taken me all over the world, having skied in New Zealand, Argentina, America, Canada, Chile and most of Europe. To pick a favourite is difficult because I love all the different characteristics of each place - even the dry ski slopes were great fun. As long as I'm sliding, I'm happy!
I have just recovered from a major injury and having qualified for the World Championships just prior to my injury, my short-term aim is to make a full recovery, return to action and continue making progress. My ultimate goal is to represent Great Britain at the Olympic Games in South Korea in 2018.
Most of my time is spent skiing and training but I also love football and cycling, which is lucky as cycling is a key part of my fitness program. I also enjoy wild swimming and playing the guitar, although not at the same time!
To anyone considering booking a PGL Ski holiday I would say, there is nothing like the full PGL winter holiday experience, you are in for a great trip!
by Jai Geyer.
Jai's Top Tips for going on the mountain:
- Always take a few extra layers; as Sir Ranulph Fiennes said, "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes".
- Drink plenty of water and have a few snacks. Oh, and take enough money for an emergency hot chocolate if the weather turns bad.
- Always have sun cream and UV protected lip balm. The alpine environment can be deceptive and no-one looks good with sunburnt lips!
- Take your time getting your equipment fitted. Boots that are too big or small can take away your fun!
- Build confidence on easier slopes. Your technique develops better when you're not chasing down slopes beyond your ability. That comes later.
For more information on Jai and PGL's other Sponsored Athletes, visit our Sponsored Athletes page.
To find out more about school ski trips with PGL visit our Ski home page, alternatively, if you are looking for individual ski holidays, more information can be found here.