Choosing a snow boarding instructor can be a
very difficult choice, and one that comes down to your judgment
more than anything else, however by following a few basic rules
and asking the correct questions you can be sure that your
choice will make a more informed one. When I first started
learning how to snow board I was only 20 and in fact the sport
was just getting started. Snow boarding began when a man decided
to attach his son’s skis together in order to ensure that his
son’s technique was correct. This has lead to snow boarding
being one of the most popular winter sports even making an
appearance in the Olympics. Despite this, the rules and
regulations that surround other sports are different with snow
boarding and for that reason alone it can be difficult to find
an instructor that you are able to trust.
Does your instructor have any customers that you can speak with?
Ask your instructor if he has any past pupils that you are able
to speak with. If he does then you will be able to ensure that
he at least has some experience, and you can ask those pupils
how they found the training that they were given. This is
something that I consider with all my pupils. I ask them if they
would like to speak with any ex pupils and give them their
telephone numbers. Although most don’t bother calling them up,
it gives them a certain level of confidence in my ability.
What rates or charges will you incur for instruction?
This is an important question and one that should be considered
as a major factor in who you choose. If an instructor is
charging more then it probably reflects on one major issue and
that is his ability. If you are being charged more then this may
be reflected in his service and experience and therefore it may
be worth it. On the other hand, if you are mainly looking for
the ability to master basic skills, then perhaps it is not worth
paying extra. It is also imperative that you ask if the rates
that you are paying reflect every cost element that you will
incur. What do I mean by this? Some instructors may charge you
an hourly rate, but then the course may ask for more in order to
use the facilities or rent equipment. Be sure that you know
about everything that you are paying. Another point for
consideration is that if you intend to train on a better slope
then the costs of tuition will surely be higher. I would say it
is probably worth paying that little extra to learn on snow, and
on a diverse and challenging range of slopes.
How well do you think you will get on with your instructor?
This is something that we must all consider before choosing an
instructor, and although we cannot always tell, meeting them in
person is a great way to get a feel for their personality. Many
instructors choose to make friends with their pupils however
this is something that I refrain from doing. In my opinion
students attain the best results, when they have a relationship
of mutual respect and understanding with their instructor. When
the pupil and instructor become too chatty problems arise.
However, this is just my opinion. If you feel more comfortable
with a chatty instructor then this should be your choice. Think
about what is best for you, and allow this to influence your
choice of instructor.
The times the instructor is available.
If your instructor will only be available between the hours of
9-5 and this is when you will be working then the chances are
that this instructor is not very well suited to you. Stop and
discuss with an instructor when both of you are available and
you be sure to have a better working relationship.
