The Freestyle Certification is designed for those instructors who want to get more involved with teaching freestyle in and out of the terrain park and halfpipe. The freestyle components take the next step up from those contained in the Level Two snowboard instructor certification, and have a strong focus on park/pipe safety and etiquette. The Certification is split into a 3 day workshop and then a 1 day exam later in the season.
The riding standards for this cert involves elementary straight airs (forwards and switch), varied grabs, frontside and backside 180s and a 360 on small to medium park tables. Halfpipe riding includes dropping in from and popping out onto both walls, pumping transitions, appropriate speed control and edging skills, smooth hop turns at the lip with and without grabs, plus one 360. Jibs consist of 50-50’s, boardslides and nose/tail presses on boxes or basic rails.
Candidates will be trained in basic movement analysis skills on snow and/or via video. Candidates will be assessed on both the riding elements and a brief teaching presentation where they will be expected to introduce freestyle skills using the four-step plan (stationary/simple/complex/freeride), as well as elements of safety, park etiquette and fun.
Summary
3 day workshop and 1 day exam
Pre-requisites: You must be an associate member or full member and have the Snowboard Level One certification or foreign equivalent (see FAQs) You must also complete the 3 day Workshop before you can take the exam.
Why take this certification?: This certificate will not only allow you to teach in terrain parks and halfpipes, it will make you more appealing to employers when looking for employment and supervisors when being allocated lessons. In addition, this course will improve your freestyle riding and understanding of teaching freestyle.
What’s Next: After the freestyle Certification you may choose to move towards Coaching by taking the level One Coach.
Testimonial
Name: Craig Reynolds (‘Renski’)
Course and Resort: Freestyle Level One at Remarkables
Year passed: 2009
“I decided to the Freestyle Level One to improve my own freestyle riding and to gain an extra qualification. When teaching in Japan I can now safely and effectively teach clients in the park, plus have more fun myself. The course was the most fun I have ever had on a course, with a relaxing atmosphere. I had an awesome three days and I learned so much from the Examiners, plus they kill it in the park.”
