A snowboard instructor instructs people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels on how to snowboard. He or she could work at a ski resort or snowboarding school, or he or she could teach lessons privately for a fee. The majority of instructors provide both one-on-one and group training. Many snowboard instructors work part-time or seasonal hours, supplementing their income from other jobs with the money they earn from giving lessons.
Beginner and intermediate snowboarders are the focus of many instructors. An instructor may teach a beginner’s class or a single student about selecting appropriate equipment, maintaining one’s own and others’ safety, and practicing basic techniques. Basic skills like learning to balance and stop are frequently taught at the start of training programs. New students are usually accompanied an instructor who helps them hone basic skills and gain confidence.
Instructors who work with more advanced students are usually experienced snowboarders who can spot flaws in a person’s form and suggest ways to improve it. While fine-tuning a rider’s technique and style, an advanced instructor keeps the focus on safety. He or she might film a snowboarder in action and then play it back to diagnose minor issues. The teacher explains the problem to the student and keeps track of his or her progress through example and oral instruction. An advanced snowboard instructor will frequently specialize in one type of riding, such as freestyle, half pipe, or downhill.
To work as a snowboard instructor, most people must first complete training courses and pass exams administered a nationally accredited institution. The American Association of Snowboard Instructors facilitates snowboard instructor training and certification in the United States (AASI). Depending on the level of certification a teacher seeks, training can last anywhere from four weeks to two years. A snowboard instructor with level one certification is qualified to teach beginners, level two allows a professional to work with intermediate riders, and level three allows an expert to train advanced athletes. Many other countries have certification requirements for new instructors that are similar to the AASI’s.
Because of the sport’s growing popularity, qualified snowboard instructors are in high demand all over the world. Beginners rely on knowledgeable instructors to provide them with accurate information about fundamental techniques and safety precautions. Instructors’ tips and advice on form and style can be extremely beneficial to more advanced riders. Some people choose to lead snowboard instructor training programs, where they teach new instructors how to teach snowboarding skills to others, after gaining enough experience.