Snowboard Level One Certification is the entry-level instructor’s course aimed at people interested in joining the snowsports industry. The five-day course includes modules covering rider improvement, the teaching model, progressions for levels one and two students, guest service elements, teaching children, class handling and safety. Instructors qualified at this level of certification can teach up to making first turns on beginner terrain.
Candidates’ riding is continually assessed during the five days. Candidates must be able to ride all blue groomed terrain with good form and using an efficient blend of movements. Additionally, candidates must perform a tidy skidded turn demonstration on green terrain, both in their normal riding direction and switch. Candidates’ teaching ability is assessed on the final day during a 15-minute lesson. Here the candidate presents a step from the level one or two progression to other members of their group.
Summary
Length: 5 days
Cert resource: The SBINZ Instructor’s Manual is required reading for this course.
Pre-requisites: You must be an associate member or full member and have the ability to snowboard on blue terrain. You must be at least 16 years of age at the start of this course.
Why take this certification: This is the first step for every Snowboard Instructor in New Zealand. Take this cert if you would like to begin on a new career pathway, enjoy a fun sideline job, or just improve your riding/teaching ability.
What’s next: After the Level One cert you may proceed to the Level Two Certification. Alternatively you may take the Children’s Teaching Accreditation or, for those with competition experience, you may choose the coaching route and take your Level One Coach.
Level One demonstrations in action
Click here to watch on Vimeo where you can download this video for playback later.
Testimonials
Name: Grace O’Leary
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level One at Cardrona
“I am a Uni student with a passion for sports and the environment. Taking the Level One course opened my eyes to opportunities within the world of snowboarding which I love so much. The experience has given me not only the opportunity to instruct once I have graduated in 2010, but also insight and ideas toward potential postgraduate research in Physical Education. Furthermore I gained new friends, improved my riding significantly, and discovered a love for teaching others. Big thanks to Marilyn, Andy, and the Alliance for getting me trained up, I look forward to gaining more qualifications through NZSIA.”
Name: Alex Thomas
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level One at Coronet Peak
“This course was very crucial in my development of snowboarding and teaching. It helped me understand how the movements of the body effect the performances of the board, as well as teaching styles, and it generally made me a more confident rider. You can learn this anywhere but I recommend NZ with the SBINZ. The trainers were ace as they really helped me to understand the concepts behind it all. As a result I am a better learner through experimentation and understanding of the mechanics of my body movements.”
Name: Graham Haworth
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level One and Two at Ruapehu
“A bit of a late starter with my first time on snowboard at aged 26 and originating from England where there is no snow, I am very proud to have achieved SBINZ Level One and Two qualifications this year. Going through training, getting to understand the technical aspects of snowboarding, and learning & teaching the progressions detailed in the course material has been an awesome experience. But to sum up the most important element for would be the professional and hugely knowledgeable coaching from my SBINZ Trainer/Examiner. I would recommend to anyone who wants to work in the snow industry or just to improve their own riding immensely to go for it. I am not teaching currently but have aspirations of one day living a lot closer to the mountains and be able to teach the kids.”
