Survey on "Snowsports Fear" Seeks Your Views
Survey on "Snowsports Fear" Seeks Your Views
Published : 25-Jun-2024 08:47
A snowsports coach and a ski book author have got together to launch as study into the fears that can stop some of us enjoying snowsports to the full, or at all.
Author and Illustrator of 'Ski A to Z' Kimberley Kay returned to skiing after ACL reconstruction surgery, but found she was experienced concerns and fears around the sport not previously felt, and gained an understanding and respect for how such feelings can affect not only enjoyment but involvement in snowsports.
Kimberley put a call out on social media for people to share their fears and received a rush of responses from people eager to share their stories. Whilst visiting The Hill, home of Ski Rossendale in Lancashire, to observe the weekly coached women's ski sessions Kimberley spoke to Snowsport England coach Dr Carol Porter about the need to understand and reduce this barrier to snowsports enjoyment.
Now the two have launched a research project to understand fears and anxieties that skiers and snowboarders experience, which may be barriers to snowsport participation and enjoyment.
As the first part of the project skiers and snowboarders are invited to complete a short survey to 'get under the skin' of what makes make people feel uncomfortable, anxious or fearful when participating in snowsports.
The survey takes just 2 - 3 minutes to complete and can be found here
https://bit.ly/4aJ6NGm
The survey is open to all and the results will be anonymised.
The quantitative survey data will be complemented by qualitative data from case study interviews with the coaching group that Dr Carol Porter runs at The Hill. Results will be presented in the lead up to the 24/25 ski season in order to seek solutions to the key issues that emerge from the research project.
Dr Carol Porter explained: "An initial survey will gain insights into what fears, anxieties and concerns skiers and snowboarders experience. Using this data we will seek solutions and expert interventions to find ways to address these fears."
Jade Gerrard, Head of Sports Development at Snowsport England, said: "Participation and inclusivity are key pillars of the Snowsport England strategy so we are interested to see the data and points raised by the survey and project. We hope to be able to use this information to understand how to aid enjoyment of snowsports."
Kimberley said, "Thanks to everyone who completes the survey, just taking a couple of moments to share their experiences and viewpoint will help the wider snowsports community through this project."
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