SNOWBOARDING course APUL C teaching snowboarding intermediate to moderately advanced riders

Course C is a follow-up 6 day course in APUL snowboarding education. Any snowboard instructor older than 16 years of age who has successfully completed the APUL “D” (or equivalent) snowboard education, is welcome to participate in APUL "C" snowboarding course. The successful graduate of the “C” course becomes an APUL C license holder who is competent to teach intermediate to moderately advanced riders of all age groups.

You will be welcomed by one of the instructors. We are all professionals who want to share their experience. The course is conducted very professionally. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of a winter sports instructor. You will have a program on the slope as well as lectures in biomechanics, snowboarding materials, first aid, didactics of teaching, motion analysis and other essential and interesting issues. The course can be completed in Czech or foreign language (English, German). The language exam will be marked on the license.

Practical workshops both on and off the slopes will emphasize the following key points of the C course:

• APUL Customer service
• Deepening the knowledge of educational and technical concept of APUL.
• APUL methodical procedure of teaching snowboarding (teaching intermediate to moderately advanced riders).
• Introduction to APUL motion analysis.
• Improving personal technique of snowboarding.
• Introduction to freestyle.
• Deepening the knowledge of foreign language terminology in snowboard instruction (English or German).

• Applicant must be at least 16 years old on the opening day of the course.
• Applicant must be a holder of APUL snowboarding D or APUL ski C license.
• Applicant must be a member of APUL (paid membership fee in the given period).
• Previous work experience as an instructor.

The course content is divided into practical part on the slope and the theoretical part in the form of lectures and workshops. The daily program will be adapted to local weather and snow conditions. The course leader is responsible for editing the course program. The last day of the course is reserved for final exams. Participation in all parts of the program is a necessary requirement for successful completion of the course C.

The APUL “C” license entitles its holder to teach intermediate to moderately advanced riders of all age groups.

The test is divided into several parts.

1. Theory test

The theory test takes place on the last evening of the course in a form of a written test. The test questions concern topics from the lectures and will be specified during the course. A motion analysis is also a part of the theory test. 

2. Teaching exam

The exam takes a form of a continuous assessment during the course and includes a written exam of a lesson plan. In case the candidate will not meet the requirements, he/she will be re-examined the last day of the course.

3. Riding exam

Each candidate needs to perform three runs:

1. Basic skidded turn (standard as well as "on switch", with lower testing requirements),
2. Up-unweighted skided turn
3. Carving turn

There are also basics of freestyle on the slope included (360 revert, ollie, nollie, tailpress, nosepress, one 180 of own choice, one trick of own choice). The examiner emphasize on the basic position of the rider, smoothness and distinctness of the movement, speed control and overall impression.

4. Foreign language exam

The whole course and the exam can be completed in the Czech language. On request you can take a foreign language exam (the language will be indicated on the license). Foreign language exam (English, German) will focus on communication skills and ability to conduct a lesson in the chosen language.

• Adequate snowboarding equipment (snowboard with functional bindings and boots).
• We recommend protectors - helmet, spine protector, etc.
• Waterproof and warm clothing. We will spend min. of 5 hours a day outside.
• Goggles and sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen.
• Money for ski pass (a significant discount will be arranged).
• Money for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (or self-catering).
• Notepad and pen for making notes and information from workshops on and off the snow.

The basic source of information on the course C is our Methodology book which you can download. You will also benefit from the lectures during the course. Before entering the course, you can draw from any professional sources about snowboarding, didactics of teaching, first aid, etc.

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 APUL course participants are - when moving on the ski slopes - 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 snowboarding 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.

Our goal is to prepare you for the work of snowboarding instructor, but also to give you some tips on how to develop your skills. To begin with, we recommend:

• Strong muscles protect the skeleton. Keep your body fit and avoid injury.
• Stretch at least few minutes a day to prevent injuries.
• Do sports. It will improve your results in snowboarding.
• Ride with and listen to more experienced riders and instructors, they can really help you.
• Do not overestimate your skills.