Yuki Ota, who has launched the NERiNE Snowboard Academy and is energetically active in hosting parent-child snowboarding classes, snow mama circles, and backcountry tours.How does she balance snowboarding and childcare as a rider and mother of two?
— How has your activity as a rider changed before and after your child was born?
(I.e.: My honest impression is that I can't take the time I want and can't slip.When I was active, I slipped every day, attended competitions, and did media activities.From that point of view, it has changed 180 degrees.Activities are also behind the scenes rather than the front.From having fun to having fun, my gliding skills have declined to be honest.As my child reached the age of skiing, I finally increased my number of skis.
— Did your feelings change before and after giving birth?
(I.e.: Until I gave birth, I was enthusiastic about "let's go slipping even if I leave it!" Rather, the feeling of "I want to see the growth of my child on my side. I don't want to leave" became bigger.Since I was a kid, I often take the slopes with me and go home just by playing in the snow without slipping.Therefore, after the birth of a child, it has changed significantly from "snowboarding that only you can enjoy" to "snowboarding that you can enjoy with your child" and "snowboarding that you want your child to say is cool".As my kid's snowboarding improved, I also started to improve my skills, and recently my kid started jumping, so I'm trying to lose and spin (laughs).
-I'm a mother of two children now, but I think it's very difficult to continue both as a rider and a mother, both physically and mentally.What is the hardest thing?
(I.e.: Thanks to having children, the range of activities and ways of thinking has expanded, and I can continue to do what I like, so I don't think it's too difficult, but ... Then is it a balance?I think that not making a child feel lonely and doing things properly at home are the major premise as a mother before being a rider.Therefore, I always think about creating an environment so that the balance will not be lost.When I'm too tired, the balance is likely to get out of order, so it can be difficult to maintain that (laughs). Manufacturers, slopes and families who understand and cooperate with the current environment and activities. Thank you for being there.
— I think there are many “new challenges that can be achieved by having children”.I think kids camp is one of them, but please tell us about the initiatives you started after becoming a mother.
(I.e.: That's exactly what the "parent-child snowboarding class" is!Then "Snow Mom Circle"!Psychology, dietary education, medical care.I became interested in such fields because of the birth of children, such as the current situation of children not attending school, and I was allowed to study by myself and participate in educational seminars.With the birth of a child, my way of thinking changed drastically, and I felt a sense of responsibility for society as a parent, so I became quite aware of the efforts of the part of social contribution.There are few things I can do, but specifically, "Proposals for children's winter outdoor play," "Parent-child relationships," "Mom's stress relief," "Parent-child snowboarding class," "Snow mom circle," etc. , If you can make it through snowboarding ... is one of the new initiatives and goals.
— I think some people say, "I'm giving up going snowboarding because my child is small."Do you have any advice for such a person, such as "You can enjoy it this way!"?
(I.e.: If there are no people around you, going to slip naturally raises the bar.First of all, it is recommended to find friends who can enjoy together.Recently, there are a lot of circles and events for families and moms, so please take the plunge and participate in those places first. There are many people who participate alone, and the topics and environments are similar, so it's easy to get to know each other, and I think it's one of the fun points to be able to share various things such as childcare and housework through snowboarding.If you have a fixed schedule like a circle or an event, you should be able to avoid things like "I was thinking of going, but when I realized it, the season was over".Also, if you find it difficult to meet your schedule or are not good at joining such a community, we recommend going to a ski resort that offers a wide range of family-friendly services.At each ski resort, various ideas have been devised for children to enjoy, such as a kids' park, a free rest area, a rental room, and a daycare center.There are also many facilities that you can enjoy at the amusement park level.When I go there, even with children, the hurdles aren't that high.At first, it feels like "playing with your child at the kids' park", and starting by enjoying the atmosphere of the slopes after a long absence is one of the ways to enjoy it.
— What are the tips for enjoying snowboarding and snowy mountains with small children?
(I.e.: Be a child too! (Laughs) Please wipe out all such things as "this should be".And the point is to prepare carefully at home.Show videos and photos of ski resorts, kids parks, and snowboards, and get them interested in wearing clothing and boots at home.Even with that much preparation, some children say, "I don't want to wear clothes" or "I don't want to get off the snow" when I arrive at the site.When I get angry with "I came here!", I get an unpleasant image, so I feel like "I came for a walk today" and "I came for a preview", so I changed my mind flexibly. Please take a look.My child loves snowboarding now, but at first he was just like the one above, and sometimes he thought, "I came here," but I hate it because he has a strong will. There is, and you can convey it. "You can be happy that it's amazing!I held it that much and took it to the ski resort many times without turning down.And as a last resort, ski resorts are special!I will end up with that.For example, you can give a special feeling by giving sweets and ice cream that you don't usually give (laughs). You might think, "Isn't it a habit?"Of course, please add the fascinating keyword "It's special" ♫ It will make children happy and want to imitate what their parents like and how they look happy.First of all, "Enjoy yourself to the fullest! Please do not forget that. Don't be impatient, "I'll definitely be able to do it someday," and if the child feels like playing, I will play with the child as much as I can.Even if you have an absolute parent, you will be friends when you come to the slopes!There's no reason why kids don't like such a great place.
— What kind of goals do you want to work on in the future?
(I.e.: Do activities that make you a mom who is respected by children, and enjoy all the activities! It may not be possible to say "everything is fun!", But I think it's better to have fun depending on whether it's fun or not.
The goal is to have fun in any situation.From the children's point of view, it's decided that moms who always look happy are better than moms who look painful.Besides, people naturally gather near people who are having fun.I think it's fun but contagious, so I take the initiative in enjoying all the events I host.
[Gear used]
■ Board / [HEAD]SHINE LYT
■ Boots / [HEAD]FOUR BOA FOCUS
■ Binding / [HEAD]NX SIX
[Profile]
Yuki Ota / Born July 1981, 7 in Mie Prefecture.
■ Height / 153cm ■ Stance / 38cm ■ Angle / 18 degrees in front, 3 degrees behind ■ Home Mountain / Fujiten Snow Resort
