Having been an airgunner literally since I could hold a gun (over 60 years), as regards airgunning I've seen and done it all. That being the case, sometimes the thrill can start fading; whereupon I seek new airgun activities to re-ignite the passion. However it seems my latest airgun thrill found me, without any conscious searching on my part.
In responding to my innumerable posts on this forum, several months ago a relatively new pistol shooter on the other side of the globe solicited feedback on some air pistol specific questions. As I recall, and not unusual when giving advice, my long-winded answers lead to more questions. So in order to not clutter the thread, we moved our discussion to private messaging, then email. Long story short(er), my advice evolved into coaching. VERY SUCCESSFUL coaching.
From the get-go it was obvious my New (Zealand) Friend was not only quite intelligent, but an excellent student. That he absorbed information like a sponge, responded with intelligent questions, and we have much in common despite our vastly different locales and culture kept me interested and motivated to see what might be accomplished through long-distance coaching. Little did I realize...
With regular airgun silhouette and field target competitions at his local shooting club, NZ not only reports consistent progress and ascension up the placings, but in today's email what can best be described as dominance in his most recent match! To say that news thrilled me to the core would be an understatement; the vicarious thrill equaling or exceeding that of if I'd done it myself. And though that's extremely rewarding, not as much so as the friendship that has developed.
I enjoy sharing my airgun knowledge and experience(s); some might say TO A FAULT. That being the case, I've considered ceasing to do so. But as a compromise, I've gone to offering advice and opinions more selectively on the forum; so as to not overstay my welcome by coming across to some as a 'know-it-all'.
Occasional thanks from someone that found advice worthwhile is gratifying. However consistent progress and ascension to the top levels of competitions available to someone that not only appreciates the help but benefits from it is IMMENSELY rewarding.
"The thrill is gone"... NOT!
In responding to my innumerable posts on this forum, several months ago a relatively new pistol shooter on the other side of the globe solicited feedback on some air pistol specific questions. As I recall, and not unusual when giving advice, my long-winded answers lead to more questions. So in order to not clutter the thread, we moved our discussion to private messaging, then email. Long story short(er), my advice evolved into coaching. VERY SUCCESSFUL coaching.
From the get-go it was obvious my New (Zealand) Friend was not only quite intelligent, but an excellent student. That he absorbed information like a sponge, responded with intelligent questions, and we have much in common despite our vastly different locales and culture kept me interested and motivated to see what might be accomplished through long-distance coaching. Little did I realize...
With regular airgun silhouette and field target competitions at his local shooting club, NZ not only reports consistent progress and ascension up the placings, but in today's email what can best be described as dominance in his most recent match! To say that news thrilled me to the core would be an understatement; the vicarious thrill equaling or exceeding that of if I'd done it myself. And though that's extremely rewarding, not as much so as the friendship that has developed.
I enjoy sharing my airgun knowledge and experience(s); some might say TO A FAULT. That being the case, I've considered ceasing to do so. But as a compromise, I've gone to offering advice and opinions more selectively on the forum; so as to not overstay my welcome by coming across to some as a 'know-it-all'.
Occasional thanks from someone that found advice worthwhile is gratifying. However consistent progress and ascension to the top levels of competitions available to someone that not only appreciates the help but benefits from it is IMMENSELY rewarding.
"The thrill is gone"... NOT!
