Position Overview
A snowboard instructor is hired by resorts and skiing clubs, or on an ad-hoc basis, to provide instruction to guests, or enrolled students, depending on the situation.
People working at this position need to be pros at snowboarding themselves, and possess the ability to impart instruction to both groups, and on a one on one basis.
Position Requirements
Working as a snowboard instructor requires a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, as far as formal education goes. However, one needs to possess a certification in this regard, which is valid in the state where you intend to work.
Physical dexterity is important to possess if this is the work that you want to do, as is the ability to impart instruction, so that students comprehend them properly. Since you will primarily be working with people, your communication and interpersonal skills must be excellent.
Also, it is imperative that you possess exceptional skills in handling emergency situations such as accidents, by administering First Aid and CPR.
If working as a snowboard instructor is what you aspire to do, it is imperative that you know everything there is to know about the work. Simply knowing the sport will not do – you have to make sure that you understand ways of imparting education about it, both in theory and practice.
Snowboard Instructor Duties and Responsibilities
• Engage new students in conversation to determine their specific interests in snowboarding, and correlating levels.
• Provide students / guests with information on available instruction services, and how to avail them.
• Check students / guests to determine their specific levels, whether beginner, intermediary, or advanced.
• Provide information regarding the rules and regulations of the club or facility, concentrating specifically on individual safety.
• Assist students and guests in understanding rules of snowboarding, and the ways in which they need to be followed.
• Assess students’ snowboards to determine the right types and sizes,, specific to their levels of understanding and expertise.
• Demonstrate the correct way of riding snowboards, ensuring that safety is kept in mind.
• Assess students to determine their levels of comprehension of lessons, and provide additional help if required.
• Observe weather conditions, halting lessons in cases of inclement or unsafe conditions.
• Ascertain that all enrollees have access to the right gear and equipment, and ensure that all lent equipment is collected and stored at the end of each shift.