Snowboard instructors teach people of all ages and abilities, often focusing on beginners and intermediates. They may work at a ski resort or offer private tuition. Certification is required, and instructors can specialize in specific types of riding. There is a growing demand for qualified instructors worldwide.
A snowboard instructor teaches snowboarding techniques to people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. He or she may work at a ski resort or snowboard school or provide private and contract tuition. Most instructors offer individual lessons and group courses. Many snowboard instructors work part-time or seasonal hours, using the money earned from classes to supplement their income from other jobs.
Many snowboard instructors focus on teaching beginner and intermediate riders. An instructor can brief a beginners’ class or an individual student on choosing the proper equipment, keeping themselves and others safe, and practicing basic techniques. Fundamental skills such as learning to balance and stop are often taught early in training programs. The instructor usually accompanies new students to help them hone basic skills and build confidence.
Instructors who work with more advanced students are usually very skilled snowboarders who are able to identify problems and opportunities for improvement in a person’s form. An advanced instructor keeps the focus on safety while fine-tuning a rider’s technique and style. He or she can record a snowboard in action and replay the tape to diagnose minor problems. By example and oral instructions, the teacher explains the problem to the student and monitors his progress. Often an advanced snowboard instructor specializes in teaching a specific type of riding such as freestyle, half pipe or downhill.
In order to work as a snowboard instructor, a person generally must be certified by completing training courses and passing exams administered by a nationally accredited institution. In the United States, snowboard instructor training and certification is facilitated by the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Training can last anywhere from four weeks to two years, depending on the level of certification a teacher wants to obtain. Level one certification qualifies a snowboard instructor to teach beginners, level two allows a professional to work with intermediate riders, and level three grants an expert the privilege of training advanced athletes. Many other countries have certification requirements similar to those established by AASI for new instructors.
Due to the growing popularity of the sport, there is a strong need for qualified snowboard instructors across the world. Beginners rely on qualified instructors to provide accurate information on basic techniques and safety. More advanced riders can benefit greatly from the instructors’ tips and advice on form and style. With enough experience, some people choose to lead snowboard instructor training programs where they teach new instructors how to teach snowboarding skills to others.
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