Snowboard Instructor Qualifications in New Zealand

In 2006, the SBINZ (Snowboard Instruction of New Zealand) was born as a separate, albeit supportive, arm of the NZSIA - New Zealand Ski Instructors’ Alliance. With a remit to certify all snowboard instructors in New Zealand, SBINZ has quickly developed a global reputation for producing excellent snowboard coaches through a series of challenging snowboard instructor exams. SBINZ has also developed a network of international relationships to allow its members to work as snowboard instructors throughout the world.

SBINZ Level 1 Snowboard Instructor

The four-day SBINZ Level 1 snowboard instructor exam is an entry level snowboard instructor qualification that is a pre-requisite to the SBINZ Level 2 snowboard instructor qualification. Candidates' snowboarding ability is monitored during the entire four-day course and you must be able to snowboard down groomed blue runs in control and with a good blend of movements. Candidates must also perform a tidy, skidded turn on a green run. The snowboard teaching aspect of the program is examined on the fourth day in an individual 15- minute demonstration of a snowboard lesson. A sound understanding of the SBINZ teaching model and analysis of beginner to intermediate snowboarders is required.

SnowSkool SBINZ Level 1 Snowboard Instructor pass rate: 100%
Employment: Yes, in Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the USA

SBINZ Level 2 Snowboard Instructor

The SBINZ Level 2 snowboard instructor exam is a five-day course for those looking to pursue a career as a snowboard instructor. It allows successful candidates to teach snowboarding to advanced-intermediate level. In terms of snowboarding skills, successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to ride all blue groomed and off piste terrain with good form as well as tidy skidded and edged demonstrations on piste. There are also freestyle snowboard elements - switch riding on green terrain, straight air, ollie, nose roll and 180 - that need to be displayed. Candidates' teaching is assessed on the final day during a 30-minute snowboard lesson presented to other members of their group. Examiners will focus on understanding of the SBINZ teaching model and learning progressions, movement analysis and class handling.

SnowSkool SBINZ Level 2 Snowboard Instructor pass rate: approx 94%
Employment: Yes, in many countries worldwide