Riders Snowboard Programs

ABOUT RIDERS – GENERAL INFO

The Riders Program is focused on skill development for snowboarders of all ages and abilities. We offer 3 programs to encompass the needs of varying abilities:

Groms Program: for those who are brand new to snowboarding.
Riders Program: for those wanting to improve their skills and work on freestyle tricks.
Riders Establishment/Provincial Team: for the ultra competitive wanting to enter speed and style competitions.

Participants will work with their coach and teammates to improve their riding and learn intermediate to expert level freestyle skills. Most programs run on weekends with session times and dates dependant on program participation.

All programs run from the beginning of December until the end of the snow season (usually middle to end of March). Groms Programs is typically on Saturdays from 10:00 am-12:00 pm or 1:00-3:00 pm. Riders Programs meet on Saturday or Sunday (varies with resort) with instruction from 10:00am-12:00pm and again from 1:00- 3:00pm. Riders programs at Little Red and Optimist Hill may have a slightly different schedule to take advantage of the resorts being open on weeknights. Schedule and session times are communicated prior to the season by coaches and organizers and vary with location. The Riders Establishment/Provincial Team schedule consists of 2-3 day training cycles at western mountain resorts as well as resorts in the province of Saskatchewan.

RIDERS SNOWBOARD CLUB: RIDERS PROGRAM

All Programs are focused on skills development for riders ages 10 and up. Participants will work with their coach and teammates to improve their riding and learn intermediate to expert level freestyle skills.

Program fees: range from $225 – $1500 depending on which program fits you best. Check out our registration page for more details on the specific programs, what they offer, and how they can help you with your snowboarding pursuits.

Program Requirements

Resort Lift Tickets or Season Pass
SK SBD competitive membership
Helmet (use of helmet is a mandatory for all programs)

Additional costs you may incur include: equipment, travel, entry fees, provincial membership, food and facility costs. We will do our best to share these additional costs ahead of time.

Programs are designed to promote fun and progression in all aspects of snowboarding in a team oriented and friendly environment. All athletes in our programs get to explore the risk and limits of snowboarding in a safe managed environment with a professionally certified and experienced coaches. The program instills basic ethics of snowboarding, while promoting team bonding and learning. There is no specific specialization into a snowboard discipline; all aspects of snowboarding and snowboard competition will be focused on. The riders will be encouraged to register in local rail and jump events that are suitable to their abilities throughout the season.

RIDERS PROGRAMS

Groms

Snowboarding instruction for athletes from the beginner to developing snowboarder, the focus is on overall riding ability with guidance in basic movement, balance, edge control, turning, and an introduction to the terrain park. Whether snowboarding for the first time or just wanting to get better, Groms has something to offer all first timers and novice/ intermediate snowboarders. The Groms program is a 10 week program with curriculum developed from the Canada Snowboard Riders concept and with input from Canada Snowboard, Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors, and our Sask Snowboard technical development team. The program is a 10 week program with set skill development for each week and measurable goals to be achieved. The Groms program is separated into a “Beginner” lesson structure for those who are new to the sport and an “Advanced” set of lessons for those who have already acquired the beginner fundamentals such as speed and direction control but still are not solid with edge changes. Groms members will receive a “report card” which will assess their progress during the season and what skills still needed to be worked on. This report card can act as an indicator of the athletes readiness to progress to further Riderz programs. Riderz coordinators will be responsible for notifying participants of program schedules, meeting places, and any updates or changes. The first day of lessons will begin in early December, starting at 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm and will run until mid March. Programs at Little Red and Optimist Hill may have a slightly different schedule to take advantage of the resorts being open on weeknights. On the first day coaches will assess boarders and put them into groups for the season. At the discretion of the coach, athletes may be moved to another Riderz program in order to facilitate development more beneficial to the athlete.

Riders

Snowboarding instruction for athletes who have succeeded in the “Groms” program and have been recommended to move on, or if new to the program and meet a coach assessed standard. The skills needed for this program are: ability to be able to control speed and direction on most terrain, be able to change edges without difficulty, have control on both toe and heel edges, be able to ride on their snowboard on a flat base, and be comfortable on their snowboard with a dynamic range of motion. Previous freestyle skills and ability are not necessary. This is an intermediate to advanced freestyle program for snowboarders looking to progress in groups of similar ability athletes. Snowboarders will continue to work on overall riding skills and competency as well as individual specialization in jumps, rails, switch riding, as well as incorporating skills needed for speed events. Riders is the program for snowboarders that are looking to be comfortable hitting park features and have the passion to learn more. Athletes in this division can also be a part of the Riders Establishment and will have the opportunity to be selected to the SK SBD provincial team. Riders Club Coordinators will be responsible for notifying participants of program schedules, meeting places, and any updates or changes. The first day of lessons will begin in early December for a full day starting at 10am to noon and again at 1pm to 3pm and will run until mid March. Programs at Little Red and Optimist Hill may have a slightly different schedule to take advantage of the resorts being open on weeknights. Coaches may group athletes differently during the season depending on the athletes’ ability and interests. At the discretion of the coach, athletes may be moved to another Riders program in order to facilitate development more beneficial to the athlete.

Riders Establishment/Provincial Team

Advanced riders who want to progress their skill in the area of competitive freestyle snowboarding should consider the Riders Establishment/Provincial Team. The team spends time travelling to different locations, getting to train on Alberta and British Columbia mountains, as well as have organized trips to provincial resorts and competitions. This travelling team will have 3 scheduled trips to the mountains, each for 3 days, as well as 3 2-day trips to competitions within Saskatchewan. All accommodations, coaching, competition entries, and lift tickets are included. Athletes will have a heavy focus on freestyle competitions competing in the SK SBD Provincial Series. As well as freestyle development coaches will work with athletes on mental preparation, competition format, and developing competition tricks and runs. Athletes who participate in the Riders Establishment will also train with SK SBD Provincial Team members and coaches and will have the opportunity to be selected to represent Team Saskatchewan in Canada Winter Games years. All athletes who also sign up for a Riders Program at their local resort to train with their club and coaches will receive a $200 discount off of the second program registration. Riders Club Coordinators will be responsible for notifying participants of program schedules, meeting places, and any updates or changes. The program will begin in late November and run until mid-March. Coaches may group athletes differently during the season depending on the athletes ability and interests. At the discretion of the coach, athletes may be moved to another Riders program in order to facilitate development more beneficial to the athlete.

RIDERS COACHING STAFF

Riders Snowboard Club is proud of our mature coaching staff that love to ride and coach! Our hiring process includes unanimous approval by the coaching and volunteer staff for each time we bring someone new on. All coaching staff are professionally trained and active members through the Canadian Snowboard Coaching program (CSCP) and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). All coaches recognize the Canadian Coaching Code of Ethics as the foundation for their programs.