CASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor

I’ve always loved and enjoyed sharing my knowledge, my interests and my passion to everyone around me, whether it be strangers or friends — snowboarding was one of them! First time I snowboarded was during primary school field trip and that was ≈20+ years ago. Last couple of years, I influenced a group of friends who never snowboarded to loving it For most, it became their hobby and for one, he became an instructor. Yes He was the one who got me into taking this instructor course in the first place! I think it was a spontaneous thing… ?  

CASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
Course took place at  Mt. St. Louis Moonstone across 3 full days began at 0830 and finished at ≈1600. Evaluation was in 2 parts —  riding and teaching; evaluated across all 3 days. So, it’s possible to pass only either one.

Theory and materials itself are great and effective! Outlined the basic teaching principles and techniques to really just getting a beginner to riding a snowboard.

Riding is easier than the teaching, I would say. This part is more of helping us to improve our riding individually — first by identifying the areas, then being taught different types of techniques that’ll help to improve those areas.

Most difficult part of all was the lack of time in practicing teaching. Skills and concept were taught once and then being asked to teach it on the spot or later on in the same day. Don’t forget, we were being evaluated on as well. It was intense  

As much as I’m used to teaching my friends, felt confident at it as well as being a great communicator, surprisingly I performed poorly on the teaching part. I nearly wanted to give up because I blanked out on day 2. I couldn’t spill out any words and stood there speechless — the worst that could happened, happened

Biggest learning was overcoming my worst performance and having only one night to turn it around. My friend helped that night and for hours I was still unable to spill out any words, ?? I didn’t know where and how to start a sentence… I wanted to do it so perfectly and cautiously using the correct terminology that I ended up not knowing what to say at all. I think at one point, he wanted to throw me out my balcony ? How

Simplicity is key. For each skills and concepts, I wrote out in simple words without using proper terminology of what? how? and why? then, memorised overnight. Instead of “traverse”, I said “riding across the slope”. Simple right? At this point, it wasn’t about passing. It was bringing out your best effort at your worst performance. I taught once on day 3 and got myself to a pass. Still wasn’t the best but did my best to turn it around in just one night.

Few snapshots below or feel free to continue reading.

It’s an intensive course, best to read, watch videos and understand all the theory in teaching prior because there aren’t sufficient time to practice during the course. There were 8 of us and taught 3 times each which we were also evaluated on. It isn’t about nailing it perfectly, more so is about how much hard work they see you putting in and improving across the 3 days. When you put in the hard work and do your best you’ll pass.