Dear Snwbard Freestyle Specialist Candidate, Welcme t the AASI-RM Freestyle Specialist prgram! Freestyle is a defining aspect f ur sprt. As instructrs we see this n a daily basis in ur classes, n the muntain and when riding with friends. Our rle in freestyle snwbarding starts at the beginning when we teach ur students hw t link turns and cntinues as we teach advanced techniques bth in and ut f the terrain park. In an effrt t ensure that ur instructrs are teaching safe, fun, infrmative, and current freestyle lessns, we have made sme changes and enhancements t the freestyle specialist prgram. The certificate prgram has 3 levels: Freestyle Specialist (FS) 1, 2, and 3. Freestyle Specialist 1 (FS1) is fr instructrs wh are teaching intrductry freestyle techniques bth inside and utside f the park and want t expand their caching abilities. Freestyle Specialist 2 (FS2) is designed fr instructrs wh take classes int the terrain park n a regular basis and ride cnfidently and efficiently n a variety f park features. Freestyle Specialist 3 (FS3) recgnizes instructrs wh are dedicated t freestyle in every aspect, riding everywhere in the park and teaching a variety f cncepts t any level student. All levels are evaluated n teaching technique, mvement analysis, and riding skill. Candidates decisin making in these aspects als weighs heavily int the prcess. The key appeal t freestyle snwbarding lies in the individuality and creativity invlved in this aspect f the sprt. AASI des nt expect t see yu cpy a particular style r lands identical tricks as the examiner; but we have defined sme parameters t separate the levels. Please read the guidelines carefully, evaluate what level yu are attempting t achieve and practice thse cncepts. Cme t the event ready t have fun, and expand yur knwledge f freestyle snwbarding. We are lking frward t wrking with yu! Sincerely, AASI-RM Freestyle Educatin Staff PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 1 f 10
FREESTYLE SPECIALIST OVERVIEW The Freestyle Specialist event is a 1 day clinic, fllwed by a 2 day exam. Cme prepared with yur equipment and ready t ride n the first day. The first day will fcus n building yur skills in Freestyle Teaching, Mvement Analysis and Riding. The next tw days will be yur exam day. One day will be fcused n Teaching and Mvement Analysis and the next day will be yur riding assessment exam. Passing T attain any freestyle specialist level, yu must successfully cmplete the nline exam prir t taking the n snw exam. Yu will als need t meet the fllwing standards f Instructin, Mvement Analysis and Riding Skills. Cncepts, skills and ideas frm yur previus experience and certificatins shuld be shwn thrughut the evaluatin prcess regardless f desired level. Instructin Knwledge & Skill Teaching knwledge and experience will be evaluated based n yur presentatins and cnversatins with the evaluatr. Yu must clearly demnstrate that yu have effective and accurate knwledge f freestyle snwbarding and shw the use and understanding f the teaching and learning cncepts when teaching. Evaluatrs will be watching fr grup handling skills and instructr safety when wrking with freestyle lessns. Yu may be asked practical applicatin and knwledge-based questins f teaching, riding, and mvement analysis n the chair lift and/r during yur teach. Similar t riding, creativity is essential. The timeframe will be 15 minutes, with 5 minutes f questining by the evaluatr afterward. Yur Instructin Knwledge & Skill will be evaluated using the fllwing cncepts: Prfessinalism Grup safety & Smart Park cncepts Organizatin (Lessn Mdel) Creativity and riginality f presentatins Cmmunicatin f Ideas and Cncepts Presentatin t Multiple Intelligences Gave Apprpriate Demnstratins Ability t manage fear thrugh use f the fear mdel Use f effective exercises and prgressins Linking f ne learning situatin t the next Created a Psitive Learning Envirnment Use f Mvement Analysis and use f the ATML mdel and the Freestyle building blcks cncepts. Use f Feedback Pace; Talk vs. Actin Understanding/use f Teaching Cncepts Understanding/use f Learning Cncepts Understanding f Equipment Freestyle teaching experience Terminlgy f freestyle snwbarding tricks and features PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 2 f 10
Mvement Analysis Knwledge & Skill During the exam, yu must clearly demnstrate that yu are able t see the mvements f freestyle riders (including the examiner and general public), present an rganized and detailed descriptin, use nn-judgmental terminlgy, and give accurate Cause & Effect. There will als be the pprtunity t discuss freestyle mvement analysis thrughut the specialist prcess. Yur Mvement Analysis Knwledge & Skill will be evaluated using the fllwing cncepts: Student Prfile Surrundings and Envirnment Stance and Alignments Rtary Mvements Pressure Mvements Cause & Effect Style vs. Cleanliness f Outcme The ATML mdel Riding Knwledge & Skill During the event, yu will be asked t ride all types f freestyle terrain features: jumps, bxes, rails, pipes, flatland and natural features and demnstrate creativity in yur individual riding style. Demnstratins f maneuvers r freestyle skills shuld be apprpriate fr the desired specializatin level. The examiner culd be watching yur riding at any time thrughut the prcess. Envirnmental and snw cnditins will be taken int cnsideratin, and three attempts are given fr each task. Yur Riding Knwledge & Skill will be evaluated using the fllwing cncepts: Prfessinalism Safety The fear mdel and fear managment Creativity and riginality in use f terrain and features Stance Rtary Mvements Pressure Cntrl Mvements Blending f the mvements Versatility n a variety f park features Whatever yur riding style r experience level, be prepared t shw the evaluatrs what yu are capable f. Have fun and shw them what yur skills will allw yu t d (safely!). PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 3 f 10
Freestyle Specialist 1 Standards Freestyle Specialist 1 (FS1) is fr instructrs wh are teaching intrductry freestyle techniques bth inside and utside f the park and want t expand their caching abilities. Teaching Ability The candidate will be able t demnstrate a thrugh knwledge f the cncepts required t lead a safe and fun intrductry terrain park lessn. The instructr shuld be able t apply the fllwing principles t a freestyle lessn: Park Etiquette and Safety Respnsibility Cde The fear mdel and fear managment Terrain Park Safety (Park Smart) Freestyle Specialist 1 Prgressins Skill develpment beginning utside f the park Knwledge f basic park features Ability t teach beginner park lessn with cnfidence Using ATML and the freestyle building blcks Understanding f Reference Alignment cncepts and hw they apply t beginner park lessns Use f cause and effect t create and deliver effective lessns Mvement Analysis The candidate shuld be able t recgnize, interpret and cmmunicate riding cncepts and apply them t simple freestyle techniques. The candidate shuld demnstrate knwledge and applicatin f the fllwing cncepts: Ability t recgnize cause and effect relatinships with bard, bdy and features Effectively tie cause and effect relatinships back t reference alignments Riding Prficiency The basic freestyle candidate shuld be able t ride safely in a terrain park envirnment and demnstrate a variety f fundamental maneuvers n several park features including jumps, rails, bxes, halfpipes, and flatgrund. Halfpipe abilities Shw a full run frm drp in t finish with flw PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 4 f 10
Cnsistent amplitude at the tp f the transitin zne with aerial edge change Alley-p n ne wall Rll in n bth sides f pipe Versatility task: air t fakie Jump/Air skills Cnfidently clearing small jumps Straight airs Basic grab/shifty Basic rtatinal tricks (180 s - frntside and backside) starting in frward stance Straight air n medium jump(s) Versatility task: Straight air n medium jump w/ grab Bx/Rail riding Riding cnfidently and effectively thrugh all f the A.T.M.L. znes n small bxes Bardslide: frntside r backside Nse press r tail press/ 5.O Versatility task: small rail Flatland Shwing the ability t manage bth pressure and rtatin tgether Shwing the ability t manage bth the upper and lwer bdy fr balance Sliding n the nse and tail f the snwbard whilst creating sme pivt PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 5 f 10
Freestyle Specialist 2 Standards Freestyle Specialist 2 (FS2) is designed fr instructrs wh take classes int the terrain park n a regular basis and ride cnfidently and efficiently n a variety f park features. Teaching Ability The candidate will use prgressins and mvement analysis t teach/cach the skills necessary fr a rider t pass the Freestyle Specialist 1 riding requirements. Park etiquette and safety Respnsibility Cde The fear mdel and fear managment Terrain Park Safety (Park Smart) Freestyle Specialist 2 prgressins Skill develpment inside the park In depth knwledge f all park features Ability t teach the riding requirements utlined fr the Freestyle Specialist 1 Creative strategies fr helping a rider develp their wn style Understanding f Reference Alignment cncepts and hw they apply t intermediate park lessns Use f cause and effect t create and deliver effective lessns Mvement Analysis The candidate shuld be able t recgnize, interpret and cmmunicate riding cncepts and apply them t intermediate freestyle techniques. The candidate shuld demnstrate knwledge and applicatin f the fllwing cncepts: Ability t recgnize cause and effect relatinships with bard, bdy and features Effectively tie cause and effect relatinships back t reference alignments Recgnize and develp skills necessary t advance a fundamental level rider int intermediate riding tasks. Riding Prficiency The Specialist 2 candidate shuld be able t ride safely in a terrain park envirnment and demnstrate a variety f basic tricks n several park features including jumps, rails/bxes, halfpipes and flatgrund. Halfpipe abilities Shw a full run frm drp in t finish with flw and variety f tricks PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 6 f 10
Cnsistent air at r abve the lip f the pipe A variety f grabs n bth walls Basic spins (360s) n bth walls with grabs Demnstrate ability t begin r finish tricks riding switch stance Mid-pipe entrances and exits n bth walls (drpping in/rlling ut) Versatility task: handplant r lip-trick Jump/Air skills Demnstrating versatility/air awareness with a grab r shifty, while clearing medium jumps Rtatinal tricks (180 s and 360 s) with grabs n medium features Switch takeffs and/r landings n medium jumps Versatility task: straight air ver large jump Bx/Rail riding Blending pivt and pressure tricks n medium bx/rail features (gap/urban/dwn) Shwing creativity n a variety f these features Versatility task: cmb (ft t ft with rtatin) Flatland Shwing the ability t manage bth pressure and ratin with the additin f pp. Shwing the ability t changing the directin f rtatin thrughut a trick Shwing the ability t manage balance whilst a trick is stalled ut. PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 7 f 10
Freestyle Specialist 3 Standards Freestyle Specialist 3 (FS3) recgnizes instructrs wh are dedicated t freestyle in every aspect, riding everywhere in the park and teaching a variety f cncepts t any level student. Teaching Ability The candidate will use prgressins and mvement analysis t teach/cach the skills necessary fr a rider t pass the Freestyle Specialist 2 riding requirements. Park etiquette and safety Respnsibility Cde The fear mdel and fear managment Terrain Park Safety (Park Smart) Freestyle Specialist 3 prgressins Skill develpment in all areas f the park, integrating cnfidence-building/fear management In depth knwledge f all park features and variety f tactics in their use. Ability t teach the riding requirements utlined fr the Freestyle Specialist 2 Understanding f reference alignment cncepts and hw they apply t advanced park lessns Use f cause and effect t create and deliver effective lessns Mving utside reference fr a variety f freestyle applicatins Mvement Analysis The candidate shuld be able t recgnize, interpret and cmmunicate riding cncepts and apply this t understanding mre difficult tricks. The candidate shuld demnstrate knwledge and applicatin f the fllwing cncepts: Ability t recgnize cause and effect relatinships with bard, bdy and features Effectively tie cause and effect relatinships back t reference alignments Recgnize and develp skills necessary t allw a rider t achieve mre challenging tricks in higher cnsequence settings. Riding Prficiency The Freestyle Specialist 3 candidate shuld be able t ride safely in a terrain park envirnment and demnstrate a variety f cmplex maneuvers n all park features including jumps, rails/bxes, halfpipes and flatgrund. Halfpipe abilities PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 8 f 10
Shw a full run frm drp in t finish with flw and variety f directin, tricks and difficulty Cnsistent air well abve the lip f the pipe (3ft) A variety f grabs with tweaks n bth walls Rtatinal mvements 360+ n bth walls with grabs, including switch takeffs/landings Mid-pipe entrances and exits n bth walls (drpping in/rlling ut) Cmplete switch runs at r abve the lip f the pipe Jump/Air skills Cnfidently clearing large jumps with a variety f grabs Variety f Rtatinal tricks (180 s, 360 s, 540 s and beynd) with grabs n medium and large jumps, including switch takeffs/landings Off-axis/inverted trick Rail riding Blending pivt and pressure tricks n large bx/rail features (kinks, curves, clseuts) Shwing creativity n a variety f these features, switch ptins, spinning n/ff Flatland Shwing the ability t apprpriately blend ratin, pressure, and pp with flair and creativity. Shwing the ability t use these same skills t envirnmental features like stumps, rllers. Shwing the ability t change axis whilst perfrming flatland tricks like hand drags. PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 9 f 10
Definitin f Features Please recgnize that all parks are different and these are generalizatins Bxes/Rails Rails can have a variety f these specificatins; judgments n size will be determined by examiner Jumps Small Rails Ride On- Simple, Straight 6 t 12 in length 0 t 24 in height Medium Rails Gap n 1 t 3 - Urban, Dwn, etc. 8 t 20 in length 1 t 4 in height Large Rails Gap t rail ver 3 - Kinked, Curved, Clseut, etc. 12 t 30 in length 3 r mre in height Distances are frm lip t knuckle; examiner will assess relative size depending n takeff/landing angles Small Jumps 5 t 10 in length Medium Jumps 10 t 30 in length Large 25 r mre in length PSIA - Rcky Muntain - AASI P: 970.879.8335 F: 970.879.6760 www.psia-rm.rg Page 10 f 10