Dropping Next

Join us as Cody Ratcliffe shares his international snowboarding journey, working in China and beyond, and offers insights into teaching across cultures, adapting communication, and balancing global and domestic seasons. Geneviève Pilotto also shares from her vast experience in teaching overseas as well as hitting on many of the logistical elements of training staff and managing the oversight of the program as a whole.Chapters -00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting00:15 - Cody's Snowboarding Journey05:59 - International Course Providers and CASI's Role10:52 - Experiences in China and International Teaching13:55 - Travel Plans and Logistics13:55 - Technical Difficulties and Solutions16:33 - Balancing Domestic and International Work18:33 - Resorts and Travel Experiences20:56 - Snowboarding Adventures and Unique Experiences21:38 - Palate Cleanser26:43 - A Day in the Life of Teaching in the Dome29:44 - Navigating Environmental Challenges32:53 - The Art of Communication with Translators35:40 - Cultural Exchange in Snowboarding39:15 - Advice for Evaluators Considering International Teaching41:28 - Qualities of a Successful International Evaluator46:36 - Personal Experiences and Connections in Snowboarding50:41 - Balancing Travel and Personal Life58:22 - Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Reflections

Pour notre tout premier épisode en français, l’animatrice Geneviève Pilotto reçoit Luc Bélanger et Manuela Olibera-Dorn ! Ils abordent les défis et les opportunités liés à l’enseignement et à la formation dans une deuxième langue, en mettant l’accent sur la communication, le langage corporel et les stratégies pratiques pour un enseignement efficace dans des contextes multilingues.--Host, Geneviève Pilotto is joined by Luc Bélanger and Manuela Olibera-Dorn in our very first French episode! They explore the challenges and opportunities of teaching and training in a second language, focusing on communication, body language, and practical strategies for effective teaching in multilingual contexts.While this episode is in French, we encourage English speaking members to tune in as the content is quite relevant and often directed at non-Francophones, encouraging people to get out of their comfort zones to try new things.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michelle Clifford, a high-level snowboarding and skiing professional, outdoor sports enthusiast, and dedicated mother. Discover her journey through certifications, balancing parenthood with athletic pursuits, and her insights on training, mentorship, and community involvement.CHAPTERS -00:15 - Intro2:32 - 4x4 Certification: How I got there5:57 - How does one feed the other (Skiing/Snowboarding)9:57 - How do you maintain such a high riding and skiing standard?14:25 - Words of advice to Dual Certified members (aka Duallies!)18:03 - History of Mount Pakenham24:37 - How to approach progression at a small hill29:55 - Skabbard30:45 - How to balance high performance in sport and being a good parent34:13 - Challenges with having babies and maintaining training38:36 - How having babies impacted career trajectory44:11 - Palette Cleanser!47:36 - Experiences on the Technical Team52:05 - Inspiring Women in Snow Sports58:40 - Finding Your Path01:00:35 - Summer Adventures: Rafting and Guiding01:06:58 - Crossover Skills: Snow and Water Sports

In this episode, hosts Rob Whelan and Jeff Chandler interview Andy MacLean, an OG CASI member, Hall of Famer and Operations Manager at Martock in Nova Scotia. They discuss Andy's extensive experience in the snowboarding industry, the vibrant community at small resorts, and the evolution of snowboarding techniques and equipment. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for snowboarders and the role of grassroots initiatives in promoting the sport. Andy shares insights on the current state of snowboarding, a career built at Martock, and the future of snowboarding.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introductions01:43 - A typical day at Martock03:11 - Andy's Journey in Snowboarding07:03 - Community and Operations at Small Resorts10:30 - The Importance of Riglet Parks13:34 - Influence of Early Snowboarding Experiences18:30 - Evolution of Snowboarding Instruction22:41 - Interski and Global Snowboarding Standards26:11 - The Evolution of Snowboarding Equipment28:11 - Personal Experiences with Snowboards29:42 - Teaching and Influences in Snowboarding31:48 - The Importance of SWAG in Snowboarding Culture33:56 - Snowboarding in the Maritimes: A Unique Perspective36:17 - The State of Snowboarding Today39:35 - Community and Inclusivity in Snowboarding43:53 - The Future of Snowboarding and Its Appeal

Jamie Forbes, member of the National Technical Team joins hosts Gen, Jeff & Rob to discuss the upcoming Interski Congress, an international gathering of snow sports instructors. They explore the significance of Interski, the community aspect and the value it brings to CASI members. The conversation also includes fun segments and insights into the planning and preparation for the event which will take place in April of 2027.Chapters:00:15 - Welcome01:47 - Understanding Interski: An Overview04:13 - The Significance of Interski06:53 - Sharing Best Practices at Interski11:26 - Learning from Global Perspectives12:08 - Global Alignment in Snowboarding Techniques13:53 - Cultural Exchange at Interski16:01 - The Balance of Fun and Technical Demos19:08 - Value of Interski for CASI Members22:21 - Community Over Competition6:58 - Non-Performance Aspects of Presentations27:40 - Planning for Interski 2027

In this episode, Rob Whelan interviews James Hyland, a passionate snowboard instructor and CASI's Program Manager for Ontario/Manitoba/Saskatchewan. They discuss the importance of enjoying the learning process, the value of learning from failure, and effective goal-setting strategies for personal and professional growth. James shares his experiences and insights on how to navigate challenges in the pursuit of certification and the significance of having a clear 'why' behind one's goals. The conversation emphasizes the journey of learning and the importance of community support in achieving success.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:28 Enjoying the Process of Learning05:30 The Value of Learning from Failure07:55 Goal Setting and Personal Objectives13:10 Strategies for Effective Goal Setting16:19 Handling Goal Setting Challenges20:11 Tips for Certification Success

In this episode, hosts Rob Whelan, Jeff Chandler, and Luc Bélanger discuss the recent changes in the minimum age for Level 1 snowboarding certification, now set at 14. They explore the implications of this change, including the benefits of allowing younger individuals to enter the teaching profession earlier. The conversation evolves into the challenges and rewards of building a career in snowboarding, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, community support, and the long-term commitment required to succeed in this field. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring instructors, highlighting the significance of mentorship and the value of experience in teaching snowboarding.

In this conversation, Jeff Chandler, Gen Pilotto & Rob Whelan discuss the evolution of communication within the organization, emphasizing the importance of connecting with members through a new podcast initiative. They highlight the quality of course content and the need for transparency in decision-making processes, aiming to create a more direct line of communication with snowboard instructors worldwide.Takeaways -The quality of our communications is strong.This podcast is the next evolution of our outreach.Excited about connecting with members through this project.This podcast offers a chance for less polished communication.We have many personalities to tap into for resources.The goal is to help snowboard instructors globally.Feedback from members is crucial for improvement.