2019 Year in Review: Top Stories in Snowboard Instruction
It’s incredible how much fun and learning PSIA-AASI members have packed into 2019 with amazing events like Interski in Pamporovo, Bulgaria and Rider Rally in Big Sky, Montana.
To celebrate the association’s many accomplishments we are counting down the top stories in snowsports instruction, starting Tuesday with a look at adaptive instruction, and yesterday with the free-heel highlight reel. Today, enjoy the top stories in snowboard instruction.
The AASI Highlight Reel from Scott Anfang
- The current AASI Team is thrilled to have brought back Rider Rally, a national event tailored to snowboarders.
- We have continued to focus on people skills, which is one of three parts to the Learning Connection Model.
- AASI has accomplished amazing work with Burton on joint projects, and is not slowing down. We did the “lids videos” a few years back, then the Riglet Park project with Kids Can Snowboard at Interski, and are still going with the Myth Buster projects. The future looks bright for the snowboard team.
Interski 2019
Anfang shared the three main themes he noticed in the Interski presentations. 1) Each country did an overview and explanation of their certification process. 2) There was a much stronger focus on teaching. 3) Instructors paid more attention to the future guest, which includes more snowboarding opportunities for younger kids. He said AASI was right in line with the Riglet ‘Kids can Snowboard’ project, as this approach elevated the concept of the future guest to the next level.
New Learn to Snowboard Video Series
PSIA-AASI teamed up with SNOW Operating to create a free YouTube video series you can use to show beginners how to snowboard, and what they can expect on their first day.
Shaun Cattanach Received PSIA-AASI’s Distinguished Service Award
In recognition of his continued service to PSIA-AASI and helping ski and snowboard instructors advance their snowsports careers, PSIA-AASI awarded its Distinguished Service Award to Shaun Cattanach this October during Team Training 2019 in Breckenridge, Colorado. Cattanach, a former AASI Snowboard Team member (2000-04) who currently works as Burton’s global experience manager, received the award for his dedication to growing participation in snowboarding through instruction and new technologies for beginners.
Eric Rolls Named Snowboard Coach for 2020-24 Team
New Coaches were announced for the 2020-24 PSIA-AASI National Team. These outstanding instructors will aid the current coaching staff in preparation for the PSIA-AASI Team Selection this April in Breckenridge, Colorado. Longtime AASI Snowboard Team member Eric Rolls will coach the 2020-24 Snowboard Team.
