Fully qualified in the UK

How many British Snowboarders can say they're legally qualified to teach on the mountain having done all their qualifications on 'home soil'? Well I know of 9, me being one of them. If you'd read the notes on me, you'd have noted that I qualified as an instructor with an ASBI qualification back in May 2006 at Milton Keynes Xscape under Snowsports Scotland. I converted to the BASI system back at Tamworth Snowdome in November 2007 and I've just returned from 2 weeks in Aviemore where I have successfully passed my BASI Level 2.

The first two levels were achieved under the guidance of Ash Newnes of Snowboardcoach fame. My BASI Level 2 was achieved with the aid of Mark Bishop who runs Pro Snowboarding in Val d'Isere. I would like to thank both for their help and guidance in achieving my qualifications. They are both excellent trainers with vast amounts of knowledge.

My wife Claire has been a rock over the last 2 weeks. She not only pushed me to do the course, but came up to Aviemore with me and looked after our children whilst I was doing he course. She didn't see much of me, but her support was very much appreciated and I did come home to smiley faces (well sort of) after a hard day of riding and lectures.

It's now back to work at both PF and the Snowdome. I have plenty of things to think about as I ponder my snowboarding career.