The Snowboard Level Two Certification (previously known as Stage One) is aimed at instructors wanting to progress within the snowsports industry to teaching students at higher levels (SBI levels three and four). The minimum requirement to sit the Level Two Certification is Snowboard Level One, or equivalent foreign qualification or NZSIA Alpine Level Two. Instructors qualified to this level can teach anything up to carving on intermediate terrain and basic freestyle.
The five-day course includes modules covering rider improvement, movement analysis, the teaching model, progressions for level three and four students, class handling and safety on mountain terrain. Candidates’ riding is continually assessed over the five days with key requirements being: Riding all blue groomed and off-piste terrain with good form, tidy skidded and edged demonstrations on piste, tidy demonstrations of level three and four freestyle elements (switch riding, straight airs, ollies, nose rolls and air 180s).
Candidates’ instructing is assessed during a 30-minute teaching presentation to other members of their group, and movement analysis skills are tested during a night session using a video clip. Candidates are to detect a cause and effect relationship and use this to improve the rider on the same run they have just watched. Once this is done, there should be a Developmental focus to progress the rider through a relevant phase of the Performance Options Model.
The format for the Video Analysis is as follows:
DETECT
Profile: Given to the candidate from the examiner. This is to allow the candidate to concentrate on detecting a cause and effect relationship.
Cause and Effect: Candidate must describe a relevant cause and effect relationship (in either order). Need to highlight inefficient body movements (which could be due to incorrect stance positions) and the way the board is or is not performing a certain task as a result of this.
Cause = body movements or stance. This could also include the lack of ability to make a movement or create a board performance due to the riders stance, e.g. unable to Twist the board at initiation due to being aft. If this is the case then the candidate will also need to say what the rider IS doing to initiate the turn.
Effect = how the board is performing or not performing. The Effect can be broader than the board performances, e.g. Trouble initiating toe-side turn.
CORRECT
Create a structured and clear lesson plan to correct the rider, using a logical progression that first corrects any stance issues and then focuses on the cause(s) and effect(s) identified above.
The stance must be corrected first so that the student is then in a position to make any new movements that are going to be introduced. e.g. if a rider is aft they will not be able to twist their board effectively, so they will have to work on becoming centred before introducing twist.
DEVELOP
Suggest future improvements / developments by introducing relevant new movements, board performances, terrain or freestyle options.
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
Answer general questions in a technical discussion regarding analysis. Questions can be used to achieve clarity and to help draw out relevant information.
Please note the exam resit policy: If you do not pass the riding portion of the Level Two exam you must resit the entire exam. If you pass the riding AND either Video Analysis or Teaching, you can resit the one component you did not pass (but it must be within the same season). If you are not successful in passing all the components within the same season you must resit the full Level Two.
Summary
Length: 5 days
Cert resource: The SBINZ Instructor’s Guide
Pre-requisites: You must be an associate member or full member and have Snowboard Level One cert or foreign equivalent (see FAQs)
Why take this certification: This qualification will help you seek employment as an instructor within New Zealand. It is also well recognised internationally, particularly throughout English-speaking countries and can help you secure a position overseas.
What’s next: After achieving the Snowboard Level Two, most people need to gather instructing experience before attempting the Level Three. Whilst the Level Three is an excellent next step, there are a number of other certs to help you progress in the industry. These include Level One or Two Freestyle, the Childrens Cert, Cross-over Course, or the Level One Coach.
Testimonials
Name: Liam Printer
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level Two at Cardrona
Year passed: 2008
“I’m from a small town in the West of Ireland and believe it or not, I’m currently teaching snowboarding full-time in arguably the greatest resort in the world – Whistler, Canada. Ever since my brother in law first got me to trade in my skis for a snowboard eight years ago, I’ve always wanted to be an instructor and after a great season in New Zealand, the dream has come true. The Level Two exam was just as tough as everyone had warned me but I had a great trainer and I worked hard at every bit of feedback I was given. It’s a great qualification that you can take anywhere in the world and I’m just so happy now I have it in the bag. Eventually, I would love to get into being a trainer myself but in the meantime I’m just going to concentrate on getting as many people stoked on snowboarding as I can!”
Name: Stjepan Leko
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level Two at Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu
Year passed: 2007
“After many years of self-taught riding, now at the age of 30, I decided to clean up my riding skills. The Level Two exam and all the training leading up to it taught me more than just that. I can now teach well and have taught riders of every age and gender with average riding abilities to progress with confidence on any terrain and even hitting air 180 spins. I did have some doubts about sitting this qualification but with the professional guidance from my trainer I passed no worries.”
Name: Riona Ni Bhrolchain
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level Two at Cardrona
Year passed: 2008
“I had such a great experience taking this SBINZ course. I knew it was going to be hard work but my Examiner made it a really enjoyable week. I passed feeling confident about my ability to teach both children and adults and was very excited about how my level of riding had improved. I’m from Dublin, Ireland and started snowboarding on dendex (Dryslopes). I fell in love with the sport instantly and I am now teaching in Whistler for the winter. The SBINZ Level Two is highly regarded worldwide and the professionalism and detail that is put into the course ensures that all instructors stand out by a mile”
