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Freestyle Education and Certification

Takeoff and beyond!

Freestyle Events

Education Clinics & Workshops

Education Clinics:

Basic Freestyle

What: This event emphasizes riding, complemented by some tips and drills used in freestyle coaching.

Why: This event is the perfect opportunity for members to prep for their Freestyle Specialist 1, as well as get into some Freestyle Specialist 2 material.

How:
A two-day clinic, members coming into this event should expect to drastically increase their riding skills on rails, jumps, and other freestyle features as well as learn a few teaching tricks.

Advanced Freestyle

What: This event emphasizes riding, complemented by some tips and drills used in freestyle coaching.

Why & How: This event is is geared toward preparing for Freestyle Special 2 or 3 and/or just to learn new tricks and push your limits.

Freestyle Half-Pipes and Jumps

What: This event emphasizes riding, complemented by some tips and drills used in freestyle coaching.

Why & How:Learn the basics of ATML ((Approach, Takeoff, Maneuver, Landing) and get comfortable, leaving the ground and getting used to transitions on Jumps and in the Half Pipe.

Assessment Descriptions

Freestyle Specialist I, II, III:

What: The Freestyle Specialist assessments are a two-day or three-night “clinic style” event (like a level I assessment). The first day is a clinic and the second day is an assessment. The group will consist of both snowboarders and skiers, as well as all levels of park teaching and riding experience.

Unlike other assessments, the Freestyle Specialist is non-linear. You can choose the level you feel confident pursuing — I, II, III. For example, if you are a very experienced and accomplished park instructor, skip level I and go straight to II or III. Talk with your evaluator to get their feedback on what level they think you should attempt on Day Two. While you may discuss and select your desired level of Specialist, you may not change once you begin the assessment on Day Two. Pick a specialization level within your teaching and riding ability because you may not switch once the assessment has begun.  (Note: Testing Level may be limited by park terrain.)  You may also choose your track:  snowboard or alpine.

Why: To become a well-rounded instructor and rider, capable of confident teaching throughout a variety of man-made and natural mountain terrain

If you think Freestyle is just about “Big Air” and “Rails”, you might miss a whole world of tools for teaching!

Freestyle Specialist helps you explore timing and movement in a whole new way- from the A.T.M.L. model (Approach, Takeoff, Maneuver, Landing) to the 3 skills of Freestyle (Speed, Pop, Spin)- the Freestyle Specialist has the language and exercises that explore range of movement and performance at a whole new level. Get the tools and language of Freestyle with your Freestyle Specialist designation. 

How: 

  • Required PreRequisite: e-learning Freestyle Specialist online course (choose either track: snowboard or alpine)
  • Day 1: Clinic-format: The first day of the Specialist will be a day of introductions, both within the group and to the local resort, and a day to share teaching and riding information. Day One is an open format park & pipe clinic. This is the day to ask questions! Based on the group’s desires and ability level (as well as the terrain and conditions available), the evaluator will cover topics that may be tested on Day Two. Use this time to get and give new ideas for teaching in the park. This is also a time to fine tune any riding issues you may have. By the end of Day One, each member of the group should be thinking about what level of Freestyle Specialist they would like to pursue.
  • Day 2, Assessment Format: Written exam followed by on-snow assessment and feedback. Like traditional assessments, you will be evaluated on three categories: Teaching, Riding and Technical Knowledge. As the specialist level increases, candidates are required to demonstrate skills in all 3 areas. Teaching skills are a high priority for candidate’s of all levels. Lessons should be taught with progression, clarity and safety. As candidates strive for higher Specialist, teaching lessons must focus on creatively improving the ability of class members and teaching more advanced tricks.

Be sure to check other prerequisites and tested capabilities in the Certification Pathways Guide below.

Certification Pathway Requirements

Join as a Registered Member of Central Region – Join Now!

  1. Pay Central Region and National Dues

**Note: Maintain active certification status by paying annual dues and obtaining a minimum of 6 CEU’s every membership year (July 1 – June 30.) Any CEU hours greater than 6 obtained in a membership year will be applied towards the CEU requirement for the following membership year only.

Freestyle Level I, II, and III

Requirements:
  1. 1. Pay Central Division and National Dues
  2. 2. Level 1 PSIA-AASI Certified.
  3. 3. Have read and understood the National Standards for Freestyle Specialist Standards and Performance Guides and Central_Freestyle_Specialist(1) Study Guide.
  4. 4. Willingness to attempt and execute with competency, the Freestyle Specialist standards for FS1, FSII, or FSIII
    (***Note: FS1 is entry-level and requires a willingness to attempt maneuvers.)
  5. 5. Complete and pass the Freestyle Specialist Online Course (Choose either track:  Snowboard or Alpine)
  6. 6. Use the Central Events Calendar to register for and then attend and pass the 2-Day on-snow Certification Event. Certification level dependent on level of standards competency displayed.
  7. 7. Take continuing education every season to maintain certifications and active status. (Find CEU requirements here.) 

Pathway to Education Staff

The Pathway to Education Staff Portal describes the various ways a Central Level 3 Instructor can work his or her way towards becoming a member of the Central Division Education Staff as a Staff Member or as an Examiner.

Prerequisites:
  1. 1. Alpine Level 3 Certified
  2. 2. Have an active trainer role at home resort ski school

Open to anyone meeting the prerequisites.

Education Staff Tryout Process:
  1. 1. Submit a written essay (required)
  2. 2. Submit a Video Portfolio of free-skiing and benchmarks (required)
  3. 3. After vetting/review, receive an invitation to the on-snow 2-day tryout based on materials submitted. (no fee)
  4. 4. Prepare a 5-minute indoor presentation.
  5. 5. Participate in both days of the tryouts.
  6. 6. Upon successful tryout, to be hired immediately.
Requirements:
  1. 1. High degree of professionalism
  2. 2. Outstanding communication skills
  3. 3. Self-starter re: continued professional development in skiing and teaching abilities
  4. 4. Commitment to work when/as needed
  5. 5. Ongoing contributor to the PSIA-AASI Knowledge Base

For more information, contact a Central Discipline Administrator.

Education Resources

National Standards

Freestyle Specialist I, II, III

Technical and teaching standards for Freestyle Levels 1-3

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