Perspective is incredibly valuable. For example: I have been fly fishing, inside and around the industry, for over 25 years. I know that there is a lot of gear – a lot of gear – but I’m comfortable picking out what I need and discerning what is necessary. But when I try to pick out a few things for myself as I take my boys skiing? That is completely different story. A humbling one, in fact.
Going from a higher aptitude in one arena to a significantly lower competency in another brings a lot of perspective. On one hand it is humbling. On the other, it is incredibly enlightening if you’re just starting out… or helping someone else start out.
I’ve come to these three conclusions:
- There is a lot of gear out there.
- The quantity of gear out there shouldn’t keep you from having fun.
- True experts encourage beginners.
Whether you’re looking to head downhill or up the river, read what I mean below.
There is a lot of gear out there.
Walking into a brick and mortar store can be intimidating. Anything less than patient, helpful customer service can lead to frustration. The quantity of kinds of things is overwhelming. The choices within each category can paralyze a newbie. And if you happen to start your search online? Forget about it.
Anyone who says to not worry about all the gear has forgotten what it is like to head to the pro shop or fly shop for the first time. New anglers and skiers ought to be validated in their potential gear (and sticker) shock. But thankfully, there is more to the story…
The quantity of gear out there shouldn’t keep you from having fun.
Anyone who says that you need all the gear, the precise gear, or expensive gear doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
Don’t get me wrong: gear is necessary and the right gear is helpful. But plenty of people have fun on the slopes in beat up rental equipment. Plenty of people catch a lot of fish on $100 rod and reel combos.
In fact, there is a lot to be said for the innocent joy of being so focused on the initial immersion of the experience that much of the periphery simply doesn’t matter all that much.
True experts encourage beginners.
Someone with a lot of experience can expound upon the countless options available, commenting on their respective pros and cons. But he can also articulate the least common equipment denominators. Legitimate expertise can cut through the hype, through the wants, and through those things that actually inhibit focus on what matters.
In skiing, it is about getting down the mountain safely. In fly fishing, it is about getting your fly in front of a fish. There is a lot more that goes into both activities, but at the end of the day if you can do those things you have a solid foundation to build upon. Listening to people who prioritize that message is probably the best way to go.
If you’re new to fly fishing, hopefully this brings you some simple comfort. If you’ve put lots of fish in the net, try to remember what it was like to walk into your first fly shop. Maybe the local ski shop can provide that invaluable humbling perspective.