Last Updated31 May 2022

Teaching Children explores how lessons will change when teaching children, as one of the major groups of people we teach in snowboarding. We may have different ideas on how to interact with children, because at one time we were all kids ourselves. This chapter presents specific tools, tactics and considerations for teaching and interacting with children.

Equipment for Kids

Equipment is essential when teaching children. Here we will consider the necessary personal equipment, such as boards and bindings, as well as external and manipulative equipment.

Boards

This is where we tend to see big and heavy snowboards on smaller children. There are some great options these days with reverse-camber, softer boards that children can flex easily. Be aware of boards that are too long and stiff, as these can be tricky for children to use. This is particularly relevant for children going through growth spurts with long limbs and limited muscle mass. Also, be aware of boards that are too wide or too narrow.

Boots

If the boots are too small most children will let you know right away. However, if they are too big or too loose children won’t usually say anything as they feel comfortable. Check that the children’s boots have been done up tightly, just like you would with adults. Also, check to see if their inner laces are drawn tight. As most children play a sport they will understand that their boots should have a similar tight fit to their other sports shoes.

Bindings

For smaller children, ensure they have bindings that are easy to use, as they don’t have the strength and coordination to use the more elaborate bindings. For teenagers, make sure that the straps are extended long enough to fit their larger boots. Bindings should be centred on the board with the boot having equal distance over the edges. Utilise some forward lean to encourage flex in the ankles and knees. Be sure to check angles and stance width.

Helmets

Most snowsports schools make it compulsory for children to wear helmets in lessons. This should also be encouraged by the instructor. Snowboarding is considered an action sport and it doesn’t take much to catch an edge and hit your head. Helmets should be snug and fitted with the strap done up under the chin at all times.

Eyewear

Eye protection is always necessary in snowy mountain environments, whether it be goggles or sunglasses. The UV rays are intensified from the reflection on the snow which can cause long-term damage to unprotected eyes. Parents often forget this when preparing their children for their first snowboarding lesson. Ensure that any children you teach have some form of eye protection, even if it means obtaining some from your resort’s lost property box.

Wrist Guards

There are various types of wrist guards, including styles that are worn over the top of gloves, lower-profile models worn under gloves and even ones that are built into the gloves directly. Either way, you need to check that they are fitted correctly and are on the correct hand. It is important to note that some wrist guards are very bulky, making it difficult for children to do up their bindings. Children with or without wrist guards should all be encouraged to lightly close their hands into fists when falling and remain as relaxed as possible.

Apparel

Children frequently turn up to lessons wearing inappropriate clothing. This includes both outerwear such as jackets and gloves, as well as the layers underneath. For example, children dressed in jeans, wearing only a t-shirt under their jacket on a cold day, or simply forgetting their gloves. Needless to say, their clothing needs to be appropriate for the environment. Ask if they are feeling hot or cold several times throughout the day. Removing a layer or going inside to warm up are always available options. Search the lost property box for gloves, scarves, beanies or hire from the resort rental shop.

External Equipment

These are items of equipment we find around the mountain. They include lift towers, snow guns, signs, fences, ropes, poles, snow mobiles and grooming machines, terrain park features, these are generally man-made and can be different at each resort.

It is important that instructors make children aware of these and explain the reason that they are on the mountain, as well as ways to stay safe when we are around them. External equipment can also be used to aid lessons. For example, a lift tower or snow gun could be used as a focal point to ride towards or as a stopping point when the visibility is limited.

Manipulative Equipment

This is equipment that can be used by the instructor to create fun games and challenge new skills that the students have learned. Examples of manipulative equipment are cones, poles, foam noodles, hula hoops, brushes, and coloured liquid to leave marks in the snow. Really, anything that is safe can be used.

The instructor’s choice is limited only by what is available in the snowsports school and their imagination. For example, a pole can be buried in the snow for the children to see if they can ride a flat board over the top of it. This will help build skills required for a 50-50 on a box and give the sensation of sliding on a man-made feature.

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