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Hey i just wanted everyone's opinion on this, my dad is looking for a hobbie of some kind and i suggested that since my twin bro and i have been vaulting for about 6 years now that maybe he could give it a try, he has some sore joints ( elbows and knees mainly ). He wants to eventually go to some masters competitions and maybe clear 13 some day, anyone think its possible?

anything is possible when you set your mind to it. This is all going to depend on whether or not he wants to devote some of his time to the vault and getting into shape. He is also going to have to deal with the frustration that comes along with it because everyone around here knows that when you start off it can be very frustrating. Well heck it is still frustrating after a couple years.

JCvaulter17 wrote:He wants to eventually go to some masters competitions and maybe clear 13 some day, anyone think its possible?

Yes its possible assuming he has the potential to develop the basic traits of a good vaulter. However it does take a lot of work, and as most masters vaulters can attest, you have to be willing to work through some very frustrating muscle strains that inevitably go with the territory. Have him read many of the topics in the Masters section of PVP. There are several of us that can offer opinions or answer questions he might have.

I believe that Ken Ellis, Kyle Ellis's dad started in his 40's and was pretty consistent over 14' at age 47. He's an exceptional athlete though. Those joints could make 12 more likely than 13.

Pole vaulting is great exercise. As long as your coach starts him off on really short runs, he should be fine

Ken Ellis, Kyle's dad, has been kicking my a** since we were in our thirties.

I stand corrected. Though that was what Kyle wrote a couple of years back.

Key thing to remember is that the brain that is attached to that 44 year old body is still 18. Because of that you have to make sure (especially at first) that he only goes at about 60 - 70% effort with everything that he does. 60 - 70% in the ol' man's brain is about 105% on the ol' man's bod. Bubba Sparks told me this formula when I first started my comeback to vaulting. I've tried to keep it in mind, anytime I do something "vaulty" (from work outs to actual jumping). Even with that in mind, I'm probably on my 10th or 11th "hurt" right now and I'm sure there will be more. Good news is that when one "hurt" heals, it's stays in pretty good shape. I.E. my knees were killing me when I first started jumping, now (largely impart due to the supports I wear on them I'm sure) I can jump pain free in the knees. Bad news is when one "hurt" heals another one rears it's ugly head. Focus on technique and fundamentals with him more so than clearing heights. You'll be surprised at how happy he will be the first time he clears 9 feet. Have him set attainable goals for cleared heights. A lot of little achieveable goals reached is waaaaaaaay better than one big goal never attained. My personal example is, after a NH at my first meet in 35 years I set a goal of making 8' at a legit sanctioned meet. I did that. I set my next goal at 9' feet and I did that 2 weeks ago. Hurt myself doing it though but I achieved it. Next goal is 10' by Reno. Hopefully I'll get it. Speaking of "get". Get the book Beginner to Bubka and teach your Dad how to vault exactly as it instructs you in the book. If you do it by the book, your Dad's first goal will be clearing his own body height on the very first day that he has a pole in his hands.He'll learn the right technique and have more fun vaulting. Good luck to both you and him..........Later...................Mike