Scotty Dagg went along to the Australian indoor lecture and on-snow clinic. Here’s the low down…
Clinic title: APSI pathway using the four levels
Clinic synopsis: The Aussie indoor lecture was about introducing us to the four levels that they use, and what’s involved at each level.
Our summary: Andrew started with some interesting stats for example: Instructor longevity in Australia is only about 3 years. Andrew sets the client scene; he said that an instructor is like a mechanic. The people only take their car to the mechanic when they feel something’s wrong. All they want to do is have a go and get mobile.
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Our summary: Starting by outlining the three levels of instructor qualifications, the Netherlands’ Examiners explained how the start of their system is governed by a complete lack of mountains and snow. The first level of qualification is therefore done completely on dry-slope/indoors and is used mainly by instructors teaching in Holland on the same surface. Moving on to the upper levels the qualification exams are run in the European Alps and are designed for instructors that will be taking clients to the Alps from the Netherlands. The Level Three qualification has just been introduced and is focused not only on teaching and riding techniques but also other aspects of taking clients on a riding tour around Europe.
Our summary: The indoor presentation by the Italians was excellent. It was well prepared and very professional. 
Our summary: This was an interesting clinic that looked at how to motivate students in a group situation. The main motivating tool demonstrated was that of social interaction. The approach was to use a variety of drills (usually performed with skis off) which encourage the group to work in pairs or threes. The drills used simulated ski technique but created a fun element to the lesson.
Our summary: The workshop started indoors with Ben Kinear (Technical Director of Snowboard and Vice President of BASI) delivering a brief outline of the day’s workshop on Synergetic Strength. He described Synergetic Strength as dynamic stability and that it allows you to be always ready rather than having to constantly reset. There are five major elements to this focus: