DOUG MAKI
Age 57
Coleraine, MN
Itasca Ski and Outing Club
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| Doug Maki- smoke 'em if you got 'em. But jumping (eventually) beat smoking! |
It was the late seventies and I was about 23 years old. I had gone to steamboat to ski the K120. This was the first time I was jumping this hill.
I was on top of the inrun getting ready to take my very first ride. My nerves were on high alert. The weather was a little warm that day.
I left the starting gate with a rush. As I was coming through the curve my skis stuck somewhat and I over compensated. There I was, coming off the take-off dragging my hands. I landed on the knoll, bounced about 30 meters and to my surprise I landed on my feet and skied the rest of the way down the landing hill.
As I came to a stop at the end of the outrun I was surprised to still be standing. My heart was beating 90 miles an hour and my knees were rattling. Then, I walked to my car and smoked about a half a pack of cigarettes, one after another. I could not believe that I had made it all the way down without a fall.
It took me about an hour for my nerves to calm down and build the confidence I needed for another ride, but up I went. I had no difficulties on my second run and skied the rest of the weekend without incidence.
I no longer smoke and have not done so for about 15 years now. I am now 57 years old and still jump Wilson Hill, a 40 meter jump in Coleraine named after Gene Wilson and the 46 meter Harrington Hill in St. Paul which is named after Tom Harrington.
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