Are all snowboard instructors expert riders? If you’re thinking of becoming an instructor, one of your biggest questions will be, “am I good enough to be a snowboard instructor?”. You might even be a little intimidated when you think of instructors. Most people picture someone effortlessly throwing huge spins in the park, a smashing through deep powder. But the truth is actually far from this.
As long as you are willing to put in the time and effort to focus on your goal of becoming a snowboard instructor, most ability levels can get into the instructing industry. You will need to have some experience of course. But, read below to find out exactly what the basic standards are, so you’ll know if you’re good enough to become a snowboard instructor this winter.
The Base Level of Snowboard Instructor Training
When snowboarding, you’ll want to be comfortable making controlled turns on both your heel and toe side down an intermediate slope. You should feel that the speed control comes from your turn shape and you shouldn’t feel the need to slam on the brakes to control anything. It’s not necessary to be a flawless rider. You might use you back leg to swing around a little or your body might not be fully aligned with your board, but your training will help you to improve this.
If you’re wondering about your park and freestyle ability, you really wont need much to start training. Entry level snowboard instructor exams focus on teaching beginners, so you won’t be expected to do much in the park. At most, you might need to show a small basic jump or ride a flat box 50-50. But, for the entry level, it’s rare to be assessed on park riding at all. As you progress further up the instructing levels, you’ll then need to increase your park riding ability.
Many snowboard instructor organisations offer different levels of qualification, being progressively more difficult as you work your way through them. When starting out, you’ll be looking at the entry level one training and exam. If you’re not familiar with the different levels and how you progress through them, take a look at our guide below.
A Simple Guide to Snowsports Instructor Qualifications
When starting out as a snowboard instructor, it’s not about being the best rider, but about making changes to become one. Just as important as the baseline ability, is the willingness to change your riding habits.
How Good of a Snowboarder are your Really?
So now you know the standard needed to train as a snowboard instructor, but are you sure of your ability level? It’s important to be honest with yourself about how good you are as a snowboarder. Instructor training is an amazing experience so it’s important to go in with the right mindset. It’s not about how fast you are, or which black runs you can get down. When it comes to knowing how good of a rider you are, it’s really about how you handle yourself on the slopes.
Think back to the last time you were snowboarding. Which runs were you most confident on? How did your board react in the snow? Did you feel stable enough to try something different and stay in control? Remember, you don’t need to be a perfect rider. You’ll want to honestly be confident and comfortable at an intermediate level to really get the most out of instructor training.
What if I’m a Low-Intermediate Snowboarder
It’s a common concern to worry if your riding ability is good enough. You might be an intermediate snowboarder but with limited experience. Or you might be comfortable on intermediate slopes at a slower pace. If you feel like you only just make the minimum for how good you need to be, consider a longer training option.
You can train to be an instructor in lots of different ways. From short intensive courses to full winter training. If you only just about make the minimum ability, or you only have a few weeks of experience, a longer course is a better option. Many people have made huge improvements in both ability and confidence on a longer training course. These courses allow for much more time to develop and improve and, you’ll be feeling more than ready when it’s time for your snowboard instructor exams. As long as you focus and put the effort in, you can successfully become an instructor, even if you only have a couple of snow holidays worth of experience,
Snowboard Instructor Exam Levels. How Good Do I Need to Be to Pass Higher Levels?
You might be considering a training course that includes more than the level one instructor exam. Depending on the ski or snowboard certification system, there are usually three or four levels. If you’re not familiar with the different levels and how you can progress through them, take a look at A Simple Guide to Snowsports Instructor Qualifications
Snowboard instructor level two and above will require more advanced techniques and teaching ability. As a very simple guide, you can see below a basic breakdown of the skills required beyond a snowboard instructor level one exam.
Level 2
Level two snowboard instructors will demonstrate refined and efficient movements showing good grip and snow contact throughout the turn on an intermediate slope. At this level we start to see more of a carved turn in general. Some basic freestyle will be needed such as clean jumps of small kickers and basic box slides. Basic switch riding may need to be demonstrated.
Level 3
Level three snowboard instructors will demonstrate advanced and efficient movements in carved turns on intermediate to advanced slopes. They will also show more variety, being examined on bumps and powder/off piste. For the park and freestyle element, the standard is usually spinning off small or medium jumps and intermediate box/rail slides. Intermediate switch riding will need to be demonstrated.
Level 4/Snowboard Trainer Level
Level four snowboard instructors will demonstrate advanced and efficient movements in pure carved turns on advanced slopes. They are able to coach race and park programs. They will show expert level demonstrations in all snow types and will also be expected to demonstrate that they can improve their peer’s ability.
As you work your way up the different levels, the skills you show will become more challenging. This could be with higher speed, steeper slopes or different terrain such as bumps or moguls.
What happens during a snowsports instructor exam?
The truth is, many intermediate snowboarders are good enough to start training and become an instructor. Getting into teaching is progressive, it’s designed to be welcoming to anyone. While it’s certainly challenging to reach the very top of the qualification system, the entry levels are very accessible to many people. So throw out those preconceptions that only expert snowboarders are good enough to become instructors. If you want to train to be a snowboard instructor, there are plenty of options open to you.
If you have any questions about if you’re good enough to be a snowboard instructor, get in touch and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
