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Posted on Sunday May 10th at 2:36 p.m.
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NZSIA, ISIA, NZOC, SSNZ, NZSU, ASSNZ, FSANZ, SRNZ, NZCCSA, NZSSC, SAANZ, NZSIF, NZMSC, SPEEDSNZ, and the list goes on.
Recently, up at Hutt I attended the NZSIA (New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance) ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association) refresher course and learned about the new terminology for describing the dynamics of the ski movements in an advanced turn, primarily, how the COG (Centre of Gravity) works in conjunction with the BOS (Base of Support). There's a lot more to it but I think I have used too many acronyms already.
A brilliant spring day with great all mountain riding. The perfect classroom.
The reason for my excursion, other than it being a great excuse to get out of the office was to do what is commonly known as ‘polish my badge'. The background being that once you teach for what is usually a minimum of three years and pass the required exams* you get internationally qualified, or ISIA Certified. Once certified, every ISIA certified instructor must attend clinics with the National Examiners every season to retain their qualification... to polish their badge.
*CSI (Certificate Ski Instructions course), Stage One, Stage Two, Elementary Coaches, Avalanche and, First Aid.
The start of the lesson would be familiar to any member of the public who had attended an intermediate or advanced ski or snowboard lesson. After a quick introduction and outline of the plan for the lesson we headed up the hill.
The 'line up'. There is SO much more to it than 'BEND ZEE KNEEZ'
Mt Hutt turned on every possible snow condition from boiler plate ice through to deep elephant snot spring snow, which kept us on our toes... well centred over the BOS anyway. The warm up runs were on the boiler plate, the video session was next with a couple of runs on the ‘Taranaki Ice' and then dreamy spring ego snow, to check out the difference no doubt then inside for a classroom session and self skier analysis.
The goal in our high performance model is to maximize our control of how the ski reacts against the snow. The role of the C.O.G in skiing requires it to move forward with the skis and to one side or other of the B.O.S. Understand?
The afternoon was a clinic session with critique on our style. Absolutely brilliant! With 2 simple movement adjustments, and one timing adjustment I turned the skis into a roller coaster ride, exploding out of each turn. This really reinforced my view that everybody should get a lesson from time to time to work out the bugs that creep in to your riding.
Remember BZK and keep your COG in balance with your BOS.
If you're saying, "Dude, I don't want to carve groomed." Then think again because the focus has changed with parks & pipes progressions and switch riding taught to instructors as a matter of course these days.
So if you're struggling with the acronyms, or you're riding, chill, get up the hill and take a lesson, whatever your ability.
The parting shot. Wooohooo!
Thanks to Marilyn, Stephanie, Rob and the NZSIA for a fun and informative day.
Background
The NZSIA - ‘Lifelong Learning in the Mountains'
The NZSIA was established in 1971 to train, examine and certify instructors and coaches to an internationally recognised level.
Recognised by the NZ snow industry and the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), New Zealand trained instructors have developed a global reputation for a high standard of professionalism over the last three decades.
The addition of Telemark and Snowboarding divisions and a strong working relationship with Disabled Snowsports NZ now means the organisation can provide a complete service to people wishing to become instructors.
Through the NZSIA instructors are able to train and gain internationally recognised qualifications in the snowsports industry.
It places value on leadership, vision, partnerships, respect, and the outdoors environment.
The ISIA Update Clinic
ISIA update clinic is a one day on snow clinic which is open to all NZSIA members.
The ISIA Update Clinic is required for Stage 2 members to maintain their ISIA status it is free of charge to Stage 2 members.
The specific purpose of this clinic is two fold:
- To update individual members understanding of modern ski technique and teaching methodology
- To update individual members ski technique, using individual feedback to improve personal performance
While open to any members this clinic is specifically designed to qualify Fully Certified members to maintain their ISIA status.
The ISIA update clinic is to develop members awareness there will not be an evaluation, though some indication of member's abilities may be given.