NEXT LEVEL SKIING S5, E4 | NADER JAMAL: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SKIING

by Wagner Skis / Jan 30, 2023

S5, E4 – Nader Jamal: Empowerment Through Skiing

Nadar Jamal smiles while taking a moment on skis.

Nader Jamal has spent a decade teaching young skiers on Vail’s development team as well as guiding stand-up paddlers down whitewater on the Colorado River and in Dinosaur National Monument. He’s also a cancer survivor who leads climbing and surfing trips for young adults with life-threatening illnesses through First Descents.

Nader spends a lot of time skiing in the terrain park too. His insights from teaching kids tricks in the park, shepherding them into challenging terrain and ferrying guests downriver on stand-up paddle boards provide unique strategies for improving our confidence on snow. This is a great visit with an inspiring teacher with a lot of passion for the outdoors.

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TOPICS

[3:00] Growing up with Palestinian parents in New York
[4:40] Taking skills from the terrain park into big mountain
[5:50] Learning how to ski switch
[7:30] Relaxing on rails
[10:00] Similarities in stand-up paddling and skiing
[11:40] The role of confidence and recognizing physical cues that can shift confidence
[15:58] Crossover skills between SUP, skiing and park
[19:35] Being loose, playful and vulnerable
[20:20] Don’t fight the fall
[22:55] Nader’s cancer fight at 21 and his introduction to outdoor adventure
[24:25] A whitewater trip to Montana with First Descents after Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis
[27:00] Being the connector for others seeking outdoor adventure and experiences
[28:45] It’s OK to fall. Welcome it.
[30:50] The motivation of learning with a group
[34:10] Developing self-expression in skiing through teamwork