APUL Adaptive coursebasic and advanced technique of freestyle skiing

APUL Freestyle course is a supplementary course in APUL education. It is a 5 day course. It may be attended by any skier 17 years and older. A successful graduate acquires knowledge and skills to teach clients (beginner to intermediate level) in freestyle parks. Freestyle is recognized as a second tool for issuing ISIA stamp. For members as well as non-members of APUL.

• Technique of jumps, jibbing, riding the halfpipe.
• Methodical process of teaching jumps, jibbing, halfpipe.
• Teaching clients in a specific environment of the snowpark.
• Theory and freestyle terminology.

The course is divided into a practical part on the slope and the theoretical part in the form of lectures. The daily program will be adapted to weather and local snow conditions. The course leader is responsible for editing the course program. Changes in the program are the responsibility of the course leader.

Successful graduate of APUL Freestyle course is:

• mastering the riding techniques in the snowpark (on-piste freestyle, jumping, jibbing, half-pipe)
• capable to coach groups and individuals, both children and adults
• educated in freestyle theory

Exam on teaching technique takes the form of continuous assessment. Ongoing practical exam is a simulated group / private lesson according to the specified topic.

Exam rides are evaluated by one or more examiners (depends on the number of groups of participants).

- Creative ride on the piste - Pisten freestyle (skiing switch, 360 on the snow, 180, sw180, ollie, nollie, noseroll, tailroll, tailroll 360, nosemanual, tailmanual ...)

The graduate has to show skiing switch plus any additional three elements continuously connected to each other during 150 - 200m long ride.
2 attempts.

- Medium size jump (table ± 5m) - at least two different grabs in a straight jump and two different variants of straight jump (Spread Eagle, Cossack, Duffy, Back Scratcher, Shifty). An hour lasting jam session or maximum of 6 attempts (according to the current conditions and occupancy in the snowpark).

- Small jump (table ± 3 m) - 360, sw 180. Maximum of four attempts.

- box - boxslide (slide sideways across the box), active jump and recoil, two attempts.

Theoretical exam takes the form of a written test. A succesful candidate needs to correctly answer 75% of the test questions. In case of unsuccessful completion, the candidate is invited to an oral examination in front of the board of minimum of two lecturers.

• Freestyle skis - twintips
• Ski helmet as part of the basic equipment of each APUL instructor.
• Spine protector (recommended).
• Ski and sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen.
• Money for the ski pass and accommodation.
• Money for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (or self-catering)
• Notepad and pen for making notes and information from workshops and lectures.

The basic source of information is information obtained in various lectures and workshops during the course.

Jiří Volák, Lukas Mikula: Freeskiing - Newschool skiing, Grada 2008

All APUL courses are very intensive educational experience and are held in a mountain area and in all weather conditions. Therefore, they are physically and mentally demanding so it is recommended to dedicate sufficient attention to physical preparation few weeks before the course.

All participants of the APUL course are obliged to comply with the so-called "Ten Rules of conduct on the slopes." If any participant of the course will be systematically violate the rules of conduct on the slopes by his behaviour, threatening other course participants or other skiers, he will be asked to quit and leave the course. 

Since skiing is a risky sport, we recommend arranging the appropriate accident insurance in case of accident or injury. Participation in the course is voluntary and at your own risk. APUL does not bear any consequences for possible injuries. We recommend Alpenverrein insurance for all APUL courses organized outside Czech republic.