Young jumpers' first flights at SWSA camp

SALISBURY — Some of the area’s most adventurous children convened at the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) annual ski jump camp, which was held Dec. 27 and 28 at Satre Hill. Standing by to teach and assist the kids were SWSA President Ken Barker; jumper Julian Holland of Falls Village, who jumped and competed for many years with the program; and other SWSA members.

The two-day camp was attended by about 26 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13, who represented all levels of experience. Some had jumped before, and some were still learning downhill ski technique.

The first day of the camp was focused on skiing down the landing slope without going off the jump. By the second day, most of the skiers were flying off the jump as if they had been doing it their entire lives.

“Many started off riding the landing hill and crashing every time. By the end of the second day, they were going off the jump,†Barker said.

The children were extremely supportive of each other and shouted encouragement to their friends. And they continually asked the coaches what they had done wrong and how they could improve.

Holland pointed out that many jumpers begin on Alpine skis and later switch to jumping skis. At first, many of them struggle with the new skis and some ask to go back to their old skis. They all, however, end up working through the difficulties.

“It’s really exciting to watch them embrace the jumping skis and progress to a more forward flight,†he said.

This year, SWSA hosts the 2011 Junior Olympics ski jumping competition between Feb. 22 and 26. Roughly two weeks prior to the Junior Olympics will be Salisbury’s own Jumpfest Weekend, Feb. 11 to 13.

Volunteers are needed to help with the competitions; and jumpers will train and compete  throughout the winter.

For more information or to register, contact Barker at 860-806-0471 or by e-mail at kennethsbarker@gmail.com. Visit the SWSA websites at jumpfest.org and teamswsa.blogspot.com.