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 (SBINZ 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 at this level can teach anything up to carving on intermediate terrain, basic freestyle and an introduction to off-piste riding.
The five-day course includes modules covering rider improvement, movement analysis, progressions for level three and four students, class handling and safety on all-mountain terrain. Candidates’ riding is continually assessed with key requirements being: Riding all groomed and off-piste terrain with good flow and style, forwards and switch skidded turn demonstrations, carving demonstrations, and freestyle demonstrations (straight airs, ollies, nose rolls, 180s, 50-50′s on a box).
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 and a written test.
The videos and the written test are available on-line to help study for this portion of the exam.
Please note the exam resit policy: If you pass only one section of the exam (riding, teaching or analysis) you must resit the entire exam. If you pass two out of three you can resit the third section 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 entire Level Two. You can book the resit online but please also contact the Snowboard Course Manager (snowboard@nzsia.org) to organise a meeting time and place for your resit.
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) and be at least 17 year of age.
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.
Level Two demonstrations in action
Click here to watch on Vimeo where you can download this video for playback later.
Level Two Analysis Video
Click here to watch on Vimeo where you can download this video for playback later.
Testimonials
Name: Liam Printer
Course and Resort: Snowboard Level Two at Cardrona
“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
“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
“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”
