Teaching Beyond the Slopes: Lessons from Snowboarding for Any Instructor

As someone who's worked as a kayak instructor, river raft guide, hockey and lacrosse coach, substitute teacher and yoga teacher, I've had my fair share of adventures. A few years back, I took a snowboard instructor course with the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI), and I was very impressed. Not because my technical skills improved seven-fold, but because their teaching framework is gold. It’s a masterclass in how to connect with students, adapt to their learning styles, and make the experience enjoyable—no matter the discipline.

Let’s break it down and see how some of these principles can make you better at people skills or teaching anything—whether it’s yoga, rafting, or just helping someone pick up something new.

Understanding Different Learning Styles

CASI emphasizes recognizing that people learn differently. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Cognitive Learners (Thinkers):

• Love concepts, theories, and understanding the "why."

• Want clear explanations and structured learning.

Instructional Approach: Keep it simple and logical. Explain concepts step-by-step and ask questions to check for understanding. Say, “Here’s the theory behind this technique,” or “Does this approach make sense to you?”

Experiential/Kinesthetic Learners (Doers):

• Learn best by doing, experimenting, and physically engaging with tasks.

• Prefer hands-on activities and repetition.

Instructional Approach: Get them moving! Say, “Let’s try it together,” or “Feel how this works in your body.” Encourage practice and offer adjustments in real time.

Visual/Observational Learners (Watchers):

• Absorb information by seeing others demonstrate.

• Need to visualize the process before attempting it themselves.

Instructional Approach: Demonstrate clearly and repeatedly. Use phrases like, “Watch how I do this,” or “Let’s break it down visually.”

Communication: Keep It Clear

When explaining anything, CASI’s advice is simple: be clear, concise, and respectful.

• Verbally: Use plain language and avoid technical jargon. Instead of “Load your edge,” say, “Shift your weight here.” Always check for understanding: “Does this make sense?”

• Non-verbally: Maintain open body language. Make eye contact, keep your posture relaxed, and avoid negative facial expressions.

The P.T.T. Framework: Positive… To… Try

This gem from CASI’s toolkit keeps feedback constructive:

• Positive: Start with what they’re doing well.

• To: Suggest what they could improve.

• Try: End with encouragement: “Try this to build on what you’re already doing.”

Avoid words like “but” (e.g., “That was good, but…”), which negate the positive. Also, steer clear of “should” or “I want you to.” Instead, say, “Let’s try…” to keep the tone collaborative and pressure-free.

The S.P.I.T. Formula: Smile, Plan, Inquire, Talk

This approach is pure genius—and it’s not just for snowboarding!

• Smile: Greet students warmly. Be approachable and attentive.

• Plan: Engage them right away with a fun warm-up or conversation. Ask about their goals and set expectations for the session.

• Inquire: Keep a genuine interest in their progress. Ask open-ended questions to keep the dialogue flowing.

• Talk: Maintain open communication throughout the lesson. Check in frequently: “How’s this feeling for you?”

Attitude: Confidence Without Ego

CASI reminded me that as an instructor, you may be the expert in your domain, but your students are likely experts in theirs. Be humble, curious, and respectful. You’re here to guide, not to impress. Enthusiasm and mutual respect go a long way.

Wrapping It Up with S.P.I.N.

The lesson isn’t over until you’ve celebrated your students’ progress. CASI’s S.P.I.N. formula is the perfect way to end on a high note:

• Skills: Highlight what they’ve accomplished.

• Personal: Show you’ve been paying attention to their individual journey.

• Improvements: Share specific suggestions for continued growth.

• Next: Give them something to look forward to. “Next time, we’ll tackle this together!”

And don’t forget to thank them for their effort and trust. It’s the cherry on top of a great lesson.

Why It Works

Whether you’re helping someone navigate a river rapid or nail their first yoga pose, the CASI framework creates an environment where learning feels safe, fun, and collaborative. By focusing on individual needs, clear communication, and fostering meaningful connections, you’re not only setting your students up for success but also building rapport—a key ingredient for retaining and gaining loyal clients. When students feel understood and valued, they’re more likely to trust you, return for future lessons, and recommend your services to others. Isn’t that the ultimate goal? Modern teaching research highlights the importance of building relationships through social-emotional learning (SEL), which encourages empathy, trust, and rapport between instructors and students. Additionally, adaptability—embracing flexibility and tailoring lessons to diverse needs—has been shown to significantly enhance learning outcomes.

So, next time you’re teaching, take a page out of CASI’s book. Smile, plan, inquire, talk, and most importantly, remember: it’s not just about what you want them to do—it’s about creating a connection, staying adaptable, and helping them discover what they can do. By meeting students where they are and building a supportive learning environment, you’ll empower them to grow with confidence.