NZ Outdoor Instructors Association assessment day .

A small group of us responded to a request to act as “volunteer students” for Instructors who were being assessed as part of their Alpine 1 qualification. To be fair, we didn’t know what to expect but it sounded interesting and there was always the chance we’d learn something. Besides, a day in the mountains can’t be bad!

So,at 0730 am last Sunday, Greg Steer, Wendy Hughes, John Couch-Lewis and myself headed up at the crack of a grey dawn (yes, it was daylight saving so it really was the crack of dawn). However, as often is the case, once over Porters, we were in fine weather, apart from a small patch of fog.

We were met at the bottom of the Broken River ski field road by the four instructors being assessed and their two assessors. There were some other volunteers there also and we were sorted into various groups and assigned to an instructor (Matt, a High school science teacher from Queenstown in our case.) The instructors had already spent two days at Broken River doing theory and practical and were all high school teachers who have to do this course (Alpine 1) before they can take pupils near snow.

We quickly got sorted and bounced up the ski field road to the top carpark before setting off on foot to the valley on the right of the ski field, where we got started on a good snowy slope. Matt proved to be an excellent instructor and went through all aspects of walking in snow, ice axe usage, including step cutting, crampon usage and the correct techniques (in terms of the modern thinking) on using our equipment. It was very useful and informative and I certainly learned from it, as did the others.

We then traversed up the snowy slopes, scorning the road, and continued to above the clubhouse for lunch, on a ridge overlooking the surprisingly quiet ski field. After lunch we searched out some deep, soft snow to practice climbing and descending in such conditions before heading back to the carpark, in now deteriorating weather.
Not surprisingly Matt passed his assessment with flying colours as he was very good at imparting his knowledge.
So, an interesting day, enjoyed by all, and we all came away feeling we had gained from it
.
The NZOIA ( a non-profit organization) are often looking for volunteer students for such assessments. I have attached a list of upcoming assessments that they require students for. Note that, for courses up to and including Level 1, you don’t have to have any experience, but you definitely will gain from the day. If you’re interested in participating, please contact NZOIA direct using the email address on the copied email below.
Cheers Paul K

Hi there,

 

I am the New Zealand Outdoor Instructor Association (NZOIA) (www.nzoia.org.nz  ) assessment and training co-ordinator. Part of these assessments are model student days when candidates demonstrate their instructional skills. In order for this to happen we require volunteers to act as model students. The benefit is that volunteer students receive a day where they can learn skills in such areas as tramping, mountaineering, kayaking, caving, canoeing, rock climbing, and sea kayaking at no cost. All level 1 and leader assessments are for beginners within that discipline.  

 

What I was wondering is if you or anyone part of your group would be interested in participating in any of the following assessments as model students:

 

Oct. 19
 Bush 1
 CSI
 
Nov. 1
 Kayak Leader
 Christchurch
 
Nov.3
 Bush 1
 CSI
 
Nov 8
 Kayak 1
 Chch
 
Nov 8
 Rock 1
 Chch
 
Nov 8
 Rock Climbing Leader
 Christchurch
 
Nov. 15
 Rock 1
 Chch
 
Nov. 21
 Sea kayak 1
 Nelson
 
Nov 28-29
 Bush 2
 CSI
 
Nov 29
 Bush Walker Leader
 Christchurch
 
Nov 29
 Canoe 1
 Chch
 
Nov. 29
 Sea Kayak Guide
 Chch
 

 

(CSI is central South Island)

 

If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call. I will follow up with a call next week.

 

Cheers,

 

Jess

 

 

 

Jessica Lemieux
 
Client Services Administrator
 
Phone:
 (04) 916 4441
 
Fax:
 (04) 385 7024
 
Mobile:
 
Email:
 jess@skillsactive.org.nz
 
 PO Box 2183, Wellington