Exam day

Six 8 year olds who have never been snowboarding; five 24 year olds who are beginning to link turns; and an unconfident teenager who can sideslip: The scenarios I am given to demonstrate my CASI level 1 teaching ability. Having successfully shown an aptitude to ride at the required level, the final day of examination rests on how well I can convey the "Quickride" CASI principles to my new group. My group for the examination comprises three boarders from the top group and three who, although not with nonstop, have all snowboarded for at least a season so I often find myself playing catch up. As the group consists of unfamiliar faces it makes the patronising demeanour that I must adopt in the role playing a little easier.

Discussing favourite cartoons with the 8 year olds and lavishing compliments on the unconfident teenager helps me to secure some marks but my lengthy explanations, incorporating fall lines and laws of physics, are deemed 'too technical' leaving the result of my level 1 uncertain. One by one we are called up by our examiner who provides feedback of the three days and gives us our result and my uncertainty increases when the best two riders in our group are each told that they have failed.

"How do you think your riding and teaching went this week Ian?" the examiner asks,

"Well I've certainly improved these past few days after putting into practice the helpful techniques that you suggested Meg!" I brown-nosingly reply,

"I think so too, which is why I'm pleased to tell you that you've successfully achieved the standard required to become a CASI level 1 snowboard instructor"

"...cool"

I'm now about halfway through the nonstop course and couldn't say that my riding has really improved. In fact, if anything, it feels as if it has deteriorated slightly since riding in Colorado with having to concentrate on perfect CASI stance. But with the level 1 examinations now out of the way I have the option of opting out of the level 2 examinations and instead choose a programme which focusses more on rider improvement, so hopefully I should soon be getting some 'sick' (impressive) air and shredding (riding) the fresh 'pow' (new snow). At least I'm getting used to the lingo...