Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today I’m talking with Nader Jamal about how to feel empowered while you’re on the powder. Nader’s been through a lot in his life. Today he shares tips on how to be more confident while you’re on the slopes. He also shares some of his story and the lessons he learned while fighting off cancer and teaching the youth of America how to stay upright while on the snow or in the water. 

He also emphasizes the importance of learning how to fall. In real life and while you’re on skis (or on a stand-up paddleboard), sometimes it’s how you take the fall that can teach you the most about confidence and what you’re capable of.

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

[36:30] Conclusion

Resources:

Nader Jamal, First Descents

Nader Jamal, Instagram

Nader Jamal, LinkedIn

Wagner Custom Skis