I'm a 50-plus, reasonable intermediate skier, but my bad skiing habits cannot be easily cured by occasional lessons. So, my wife and I enrolled in the Delaney Snowboarding Camp at Copper Mountain, December 15th through 17th. We wanted a fresh start in a new sport. We were "never-evers."

Delaney provided wristguards, kneepads, and hockey hip pads. The learning environment was indeed a protective space. They also provided the Delaney Quick Stick. Day One and Day Two were difficult. Falling down and getting up became an overly familiar experience. The Quick Stick was held like a balance bar, and helped the beginner stand in a neutral position facing downhill. Lightly touching the Stick on the ground behind the rear foot initiated a turn towards the side touched. The Stick was also useful in standing up when those turns were less than successful (splat!).

"I'm impressed that I can link my turns. There's a lack of grace and style but the turns are solid. I'm in control...."

It's Day Three. The camp party last night at Farley's Restaurant rekindled my enthusiasm. There were awards and prizes from the coaches to all the students. I won a Delaney T-shirt and video, Thorlo sox, and Bolle sunglasses (which my wife immediately liberated). Two campers won Ralph Lauren jackets and sweaters! The coaches' humorous descriptions of our snowboarding successes were personal and upbeat. We've all tried hard and the coaches have been encouraging. The instruction has been on-target. I'm finally ready to abandon the Stick, but it's been so useful and reassuring that I don't give it up easily.

There's about one foot of fresh snow at Copper today. I crash exiting the lift as usual. My learning curve about lifts is flat. I start down the slope without The Stick. I am free! I practice side-slipping to feel how my edges work in the powder. I'm looking at the horizon so when I stop I'm surprised that my board seems submerged in the snow. I start turning. The Stick has given me the right habits and my turns work! I try successive turns. I'm impressed that I can link my turns. There's a lack of grace and style but the turns are solid. I'm in control.

I'm exhausted. We all are. I rest by practicing side-slipping on my heel-edge. I'm a "regular" with my left foot in the lead. The slope is gentle. I find I can ride with my right foot in front. I'm riding backwards! It's exhilarating. The gentle slope allows me to make a small toe-side turn. I pause momentarily and let my left foot lead again. I've made a controlled one eighty and it's just Day Three!

— Fritz Lott, MountainZone.com Pubster