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The Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) originated in the early 90s -- 1994 to be exact -- with the aim of establishing and maintaining a standard by which snowboard instructors could be trained and subsequently certified. Through this, a consistent level of expertise can be ensured across the country, ensuring quality coaching and, ultimately, enjoyable experiences for newcomers to the sport. At present, CASI has a membership tally of just shy of 10,000; that's a whole lot of CASI snowboarders!
The CASI snowboard instructor training courses run anywhere from a single day to a week in duration. And consist of comprehensive evaluations, instruction, exams and retests. Moreover, the association offers three different programs to maintain and grow interest in the sport among newcomers and to continually update the skills and expertise of its members.
The three courses are:
The first CASI snowboarder program is aimed at teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 interested in becoming certified snowboard instructors. Although not fully certified after the 12-hour program, riders will be prepared to take the first level of certification course after completing the ITP.
The PDP Program, on the other hand, is designed to keep CASI members updated annually with the latest teaching and riding techniques, while doing so in a manner that is more cost-effective than the organization was able to do in the past. As an added benefit, members receive credit from CASI towards their update when taking regular such sessions.
The third tier of the programs is aimed at the students themselves. Participants in the RIP program receive a special RIP card allowing students and instructors alike to better chart and keep track of the student's progress; their skill levels, rider ability, and individual skills and tricks achieved. The organization hopes that this card will increase return lesson sales.
Level 1 instructors must be at least sixteen years of age, while those attending the level 2 course must be eighteen or older. CASI snowboarder membership is beneficial because instructors and coaches receive liability insurance when teaching in Canada. Not only that, but members receive 'pro deals' that allow for up to 50% discounts on many top brands of snowboarding equipment.
Scholarships are available to reduce the cost of having to achieve the various levels of certification (up to level 4). Additionally, CASI snowboarder instructors receive international recognition and job opportunities both in Canada and abroad. CASI even posts job opportunities in its thrice-yearly newsletter and on its website. As an added courtesy, CASI Snowboarder facilitates a swop-shop for its members, allowing them to list items for sale.
You might not have believed it, but becoming a CASI instructor or coach is far more involved than you thought possible. Hopefully though, this article has helped shed some light on the matter.
To learn more about becoming a CASI snowboard member, or to find lessons from CASI instructors in your area, or perhaps you're just looking for snowboarding equipment so you can actually take a CASI-certified lesson, take a gander at the links to the right of this page.
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