If you don't think that learning young helps with hand and eye coordination go skiing sometime. I started in the sport in 1967 and still get a little in when I can. I am pretty good, but I marvel at the kids that are skiing well before they even hit 10 years old. This is a sport that is not easy and needs some instruction from someone to do it right. If you don't get it, you WILL crash and burn. Hmmm...sounds familiar. Yes there are plenty of people that learn without instruction, I have to watch out for them every time I go.