PRE-REQUISITES

PMBI Ride Guide course an asset, but not mandatory

• Confident riding at trail speed on technical, intermediate terrain, including Whistler-grade green, blue and “light” black trails. Level 1 instructors must be comfortable riding any blue trails in the world, regardless of the blue trails in their home location.The PMBI Level 1 Instructor is an industry-wide certification standard, so instructors should be able to guide and teach on any trails, anywhere, within their certification level.

• Completed Level 1 Worksheet (available upon registration)

• A minimum of 36 months mountain biking experience.

• 40hr Wilderness First Aid Certification, or equivalent, strongly recommended (but not required to take the course)

• The minimum age for the Level 1 is 15 years old. However, the PMBIA does recommend Level 1 instructors younger than 17, work with an assistant coach of age to help deal with any personal, first aid or emergency situations, should they arise.

READING MATERIALS & WORKSHEET: 2 – 3 HRS

The pre-course workshop is essential to prepare for the Level 1 course, so you can get the most out of your PMBIA Training. It involves reading the PMBIA Reference Guide and completing the Level 1 Worksheet. Please note the reading and worksheet takes approximately 2 – 3 hrs to complete.

LEVEL 1 WORKSHEET: Candidates must complete the Level 1 Worksheet (at the back of the course booklet), prior to the course commencing.

This worksheet acts as your “written assessment” portion of the course. Please print or copy (handwritten or word doc. is fine) this worksheet, along with your answers and submit to the course conductor on the morning of DAY ONE of the course. Alternatively, you can email your worksheet to the course conductor, when you meet them on the morning of day 1. Please allow plenty of time to read the materials and complete the worksheet.

• Questions 1 – 26 to be completed prior to the course and submitted on morning of day one.

• Questions 27 – 34 can be completed either before or during the course.

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LEVEL 1 COURSE BOOKLET: This provides an outline of the three-day course, including the agenda and summary of the key information and workshops presented during the course.

PMBIA REFERENCE GUIDE: This is the complete, detailed Instructor Reference Guide to be used for course preparation before the course, during the course and for continued learning after the course.

Prior to the course and in order to complete the Level 1 worksheet, candidates should read the following sections, as a minimum:

• Guiding Skills

• Teaching Skills

• Riding Skills

• Level 1: Beginner to Intermediate (yellow section)

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To view these items, log into the Members Area (after you have registered for the course), go to ‘My Courses’ and click on the relevant course.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION, IF I’M TRAVELLING?
PMBI courses require minimum numbers to run and while most courses do run, some do not. It is therefore very important you do not make any travel arrangements, until the course is confirmed to be happening. Simply registering for a course is not a confirmation that the course will ultimately run.

WEATHER
Be ready to ride, regardless of weather; be sure to dress appropriately for conditions and bring spare clothes as required. The course will not be cancelled due to rain or hot/cold weather. Only severe weather conditions such as heavy rain (which damages the trails), heavy snow, lightning storms or extreme heat waves, may result in a course being rescheduled.

To view our Booking & Cancellation Policy, please click here: PMBIA Policies

TIMING
Please be punctual and arrive ready to listen, learn and ride! Plan your journey to the course location and if in doubt, take extra time to avoid being late. We will take up to an hour for lunch each day, between approximately 12pm – 1pm. Please bring food or money for food, depending on course location. Days typically finish between 4-5pm.

To be eligible for a PMBIA certification, you must attend the complete course for the full three days, totalling 27hrs training (including pre-course reading and worksheet).

EQUIPMENT
For Level 1 Courses in lift-accessed, downhill bike parks (lift up, ride down):
Ideally, the PMBIA recommends a good working, modern “Trail” or “Enduro” bike with 5-6 inches of suspension front and rear, quality disc brakes (180 or 200mm rotors) with downhill or enduro casing tires (to avoid pinch flats associated with harder terrain and higher speeds in bike parks). Although not ideal, due to cadence and climbing exercises when practice teaching, downhill bikes can also be used on a Level 1 course in a lift-accessed, downhill bike park.
A modern helmet that fits correctly and knee pads, are mandatory. Gloves and elbow pads are strongly recommended, but at the discretion of the individual. Full face helmets can be worn, but are not mandatory.

For Level 1 Courses in cross country trail networks (no lifts, ride up and down): 
A modern, good working cross country, trail or enduro bike. Downhill bikes will NOT be suitable for Level 1 courses held in cross country trail networks.
A modern helmet that fits correctly, is mandatory. Knee pads, gloves, and elbow pads are strongly recommended, but at the discretion of the individual.

OTHER EQUIPMENT?
You will need to bring the following things…

• working phone

• pen and paper

• small backpack or hip-pack to carry these things…

  • spare tubes and patches/tubeless puncture kit

  • tire levers and pump

  • multi-tool and chain tool

  • first aid kit

  • rain jacket/spare clothes based on weather

  • water & snacks

  • lunch, or money for lunch

WHAT RIDING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

For the Level 1 course, you should be comfortable on technical green, blue and single black diamond trails. Be aware that these trail ratings are based off technical, B.C. trails that are often more challenging when compared to other riding destinations. For example, a Whistler – grade blue trail, may be more similar to a black trail, somewhere else.

Riders should be comfortable climbing and descending intermediate, rough terrain, with roots and rocks, cornering with speed and performing basic maneuvers such as front and rear wheel lifts, pedalling wheel lifts and small roll-down style drop-offs. For more details, check out the Riding & Teaching Standards, below.

RIDING & TEACHING STANDARD

Below are some of the main examples of the riding and teaching skills required on the PMBI Level 1 course. Candidates should be able to guide students safely, while effectively teaching using the PMBI Skill System, teaching models and terminology.

• Consistent Position & Balance skills through the ‘Climbing”, “Neutral” and “Ready” Positions, combined with a good range of movement.

• Consistently maintains an efficient cadence and straight chain line

• Can brake without skidding on loose terrain, using both brakes.

• Consistent trail scanning for smooth, efficient riding.

• Can begin to show bike-body separation through some angulation and rotation skills.

• Climbing and descending on technical, single track (strong intermediate) terrain

• Banked and flat corners on various terrain surfaces

• Maintain chosen line in technical (rooty/rocky/uneven) terrain

• Front & rear wheel lifts – standing

• Seated front wheel lift, using a pedal stroke (very basic wheelie)

• Switchbacks – slow, tight turns

• Basic ladder bridges/raised trails

• Prioritizes safety and guiding over teaching, at all times.

• Consistent use of Lesson Format & Training Wheel for well structured, safe and effective lessons.

• Clearly Explain & Demonstrate techniques

• Choose safe, appropriate terrain for student Practice

• Assess students and provide positive, simple feedback to continue learning

• Can begin to use the “I.D.E.A Progression” to improve organization and delivery to lessons.

• Basic mechanics: adjusting a bike to fit, suspension sag and rebound set-up, flat tires, broken chains, replacing brake pads, adjusting headsets, correct cleaning and maintenance.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

In order for candidates to successfully gain a PMBI Level 1 certification, they must pass both a riding and teaching evaluation during the course. Candidates must be comfortable riding all day long on intermediate single track, terrain, while providing safe, effective lessons on green and blue trails.

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TEACHING ASSESSMENT: Candidates must plan and execute safe lessons, guiding students on appropriate terrain, managing the class safely, while showing a clear understanding and use of all aspects of the Training Wheel. Candidates will get four or more chances to practice teach and must show the standard of teaching in at least three of the 10 – 20 minute practice sessions. The specific teaching competencies are outlined in more detail in the Level 1 Course Booklet.

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RIDING COMPETENCIES: Candidates must show consistent, comfortable and correct riding technique on green and blue technical trails, to effectively demonstrate the Six Skills of Mountain Biking. The specific riding competencies are outlined in more detail in the Level 1 Course Booklet.

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WRITTEN ASSESSMENT: Candidates must read the PMBIA Reference Guide, Level 1 Course Booklet and complete the Level 1 Worksheet, prior to the course commencing. The reading and worksheet takes approximately 2 – 3hrs and acts as the written portion of the candidates assessment.

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JUDGING FORMAT: The PMBIA works hard to ensure consistent training and assessment standards are maintained from course to course, location to location and from one Course Conductor to another. The PMBIA makes this possible through regular Course Conductor training, constantly refined and updated Course Conductor materials, plus extensive and detailed riding and teaching competencies, for each course. Every PMBIA Course Conductor has the full confidence of the PMBIA to consistently and accurately assess candidates on any course, at any location.

However, like with any human interactions and practical, performance-based assessments, there will always be the “human factor”. Candidates should therefore understand and fully accept that at the end of the day, their riding and teaching performances are ultimately being judged by another person. Given the significant difference in riding, teaching and instructor training experience between candidates and Course Conductors, try to also remember that a candidate’s impression of their own or a fellow candidates’ riding or teaching skills, may often differ to that of the Course Conductors.

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All course assessments are final and should be respected, given the extensive and ongoing, professional training and experience held by each and every PMBIA Course Conductor.

For more information on course logistics, re-certifying, re-tests and crossing over from other certifications, please see our Level 1 FAQ page here.

Please read through the details below for information on common questions, before emailing us:

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GENERAL QUESTIONS: age, first aid requirements, rain, never taught before, etc.
RE-TESTS: if a candidate fails a portion of the course.
RE-CERTIFICATION & MEMBERSHIP:  how to re-certify, what’s included in the membership
CROSSING OVER: from other certifications
INJURIES: before a course

GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE COURSE?
The minimum age for the Level 1 is 15 years old. However, certain risk management and assessment decisions will always benefit from a more experienced, older instructor or guide. This is why the PMBIA strongly recommends Level 1 instructors younger than 17, should only work as an assistant coach or tail guide.

DO I NEED MY FIRST AID CERTIFICATE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSE?
No. While the PMBIA strongly recommends all instructors be a minimum 40hr Wilderness/Outdoor First Aid certified before working as an instructor or guide, you do not need a first-aid certificate, prior to participating in the course.

WILL THE COURSE RUN IF IT’S RAINING?
Yes, the course runs rain or shine. Mountain bike instructors and guides work in the outdoors. If clients want to ride in the rain or heat, within reason, the instructor or guide has to. With the exceptions of extreme weather and/or lightning, the course runs so make sure you have dressed appropriately and have spare clothes if required. Spare socks and gloves go a long way on rainy, cold days.

WHAT RIDING SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?
For the Level 1 course, you should be comfortable on technical green, blue and single black diamond trails. Be aware that these trail ratings are based on technical, B.C. trails that are often more challenging when compared to other riding destinations. For example, a Whistler – grade blue trail, may be more similar to a black trail, somewhere else.

Riders should be comfortable climbing and descending intermediate, rough terrain, with roots and rocks, cornering with speed and performing basic manoeuvres such as front and rear wheel lifts, pedalling wheel lifts and small roll-down style drop-offs. For more details, check out the Riding & Teaching Standards, here.

​I’VE NEVER TAUGHT BEFORE, IS THAT OKAY?
The Level 1 course is designed to train people who have never taught before, all the way to coaches who have been teaching biking for years. Some people pick up teaching straight away, teaching more clearly and simply than others who have taught for years. It all depends on the individual, their life experiences and their willingness to learn new skills.

CAN I TAKE THE LEVEL 1 AND 2 IN THE SAME YEAR?
The PMBIA recommends teaching for at least a season, between passing the Level 1 and signing up for the Level 2. This helps consolidate all the teaching and guiding skills that are presented on Level 1. Level 2 also requires more advanced riding skills, which may take some Level 1 instructors one, two or even three years to learn.

However, an experienced instructor (for example, they are a Level 2 or 3 Snowboard Instructor) who is also a strong, experienced mountain biker, might be able to successfully pass both courses in the same season. Technically, once you have the Level 1 you can sign up for the Level 2 straight away… just be sure you are ready and you take into account the PMBIA’s recommendations.

RE-TESTS

IF I FAIL THE RIDING OR TEACHING PORTION OF THE COURSE, HOW DO I RE-TEST?

Re-testing is always an opportunity to learn and continue to improve. As much as we never like to see someone not completing a course, we strongly urge them to finish the training process and return for a re-test.

• Riding re-tests can return for only the second day of the Level 1 course and involve candidates riding for the day with the group while being assessed by the PMBIA Course Conductor. Or you can submit a video of your riding for review. Please email info@pmbia.org for details.

• Teaching re-tests must return for only the second day of the Level 1 course and involve candidates teaching one manoeuvre-based lesson and one skills-based lesson. Please see your PMBIA Course Conductor first thing in the morning with any questions or concerns you may have.

• Level 1 Recertification Course: This is a one day course that reviews the Level 1 materials and provides an opportunity to practice teach and be reassessed. Candidates can choose to use this course, as a means to retest either their riding or teaching.

• Price for members: All Level 1 re-tests, whether attending one day of the three day Level 1 course or attending the one-day Level 1 Recertification Course, cost $125 +tax.

• Timeline: Level 1 re-tests have one calendar year to complete the re-test. Failure to complete the re-test within the deadline will require the candidate to take the full Level 1 course again.

• Successful re-tests will receive a certificate dating from the time they first took the full, Level 1 Course and not the date of the re-test.

Please make sure you have taken the appropriate time and practice to genuinely improve your riding or teaching, before signing up for a re-test. Not taking enough time and/or not being aware enough of your own progress, are by far the most common reasons why re-tests are not successful.

TO REGISTER for a re-test, please email info@pmbia.org with the subject “RE-TEST: insert course level, insert course dates”.

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RE-CERTIFICATION & MEMBERSHIP

HOW LONG DOES MY PMBI CERTIFICATION LAST? DO I NEED TO RE-CERTIFY?

The PMBIA certification is valid for three years. If you wish to remain up to date you must either take a development module, the next level of certification course, or a Re-certification course, before your certification becomes older than three years and expires. This ensures our members maintain a minimum level of competency and skill, to ensure the PMBIA upholds a professional standard within the industry.

HOW DO I RE-CERTIFY?
The only reason you would need to take a Re-certification course, is if you take no other PMBIA training course, within three years. So, your best bet is try the next level of certification or take a development module, like the Kids Teaching Module or an L2 AIR module.

However, if you are unable or choose not to, you will, therefore, need to take a Level 1 Re-certification course, to maintain your Level 1 status. Simply sign up for a one-day re-certification course and brush up those skills! For more details, check out the course page here.

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I TOOK MY PMBI COURSE MORE THAN THREE YEARS AGO, WHAT COURSE SHOULD I TAKE?

Any Level 1 instructor that took a course more than three years ago, will need to sign up for the three-day PMBI Level 1, at a discounted rate. Please email info@pmbia.org before registering for the course, to claim the discount.
Three years is a long time and this is a perfect opportunity to refresh your knowledge, brush up your teaching skills and make sure you can be the best instructor or guide, possible.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
To be a member, you must have a current PMBI certification (see above) and pay for a yearly membership. Annual PMBIA membership will allow you to enjoy its many benefits including access to all the latest teaching materials, pro-deals, newsletters, training tools, and more.

The memberships fees also help genuinely support the PMBIA. These fees go directly towards paying for the administration of the association, developing new course materials, website and resource improvements, researching new locations, building new industry partnerships, and a whole lot more!

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CROSSING OVER FROM OTHER CERTIFICATIONS

WHY DO I NEED TO START WITH PMBI LEVEL 1, IF I’M ALREADY IMBA/ICP CERTIFIED?

In a nutshell, the PMBI Level 1 course is more akin to the IMBA/ICP Level 2 course. This is also the same for some other certifications out there. The PMBIA have had many course participants over the years and have consistently found that even Level 2’s from other certifications (often from their own feedback), still benefit most from the taking the PMBI Level 1, first. Teaching mountain biking is inherently dangerous so the PMBI expects more from our Level 1 instructors, to ensure any future beginner and intermediate students are looked after accordingly.

The other thing to consider is not just Level 1, but also Level 2. PMBI Level 2 is a truly advanced instructor course and requires instructors to be knowledgeable and consistent with the teaching methodologies and materials from the PMBI Level 1 course, specifically. It builds directly from the PMBI Level 1, so without that prior knowledge, people struggle to benefit properly from the PMBI Level 2.

The continuation of knowledge from Level 1 to 2 is paramount to candidates gaining the most from the PMBIA training. We want anyone crossing over to PMBIA to gain the most from their training with us and it’s with this logic and our previous experience, that these recommendations have been formed.

The PMBIA has always worked hard to raise the standards for mountain bike instructor and guide training, and this still drives us today.

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INJURIES

I HAVE HAD AN INJURY OR CONCUSSION THAT IS STILL AFFECTING ME. SHOULD I DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AND SHOULD I STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSE?

The PMBIA strongly recommends not registering or attending a course if you are not 100% physically and mentally capable; this is especially important if you have recently suffered a concussion.

Please let us know if you have any prior injuries, before registering for the course.

You will be riding and thinking (a lot) for multiple days. The PMBI courses are physically and mentally demanding. Please consult your physician for a professional opinion on your physical condition, should you have any concerns.

I HURT MYSELF RIDING AFTER I REGISTERED (BUT BEFORE THE COURSE) AND CAN NO LONGER ATTEND THE COURSE. WILL I GET A REFUND?
This sounds like an obvious thing to say, but if you’ve paid your money and signed up for a PMBI course, you should be taking it easy and making smart decisions so you don’t get hurt riding, before the course. It is your responsibility to make sure you are healthy and ready to participate.

For any injury related cancellations, a doctor’s note will be required and you will be offered a 50% refund, or space on another course. Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you will not be able to attend due to injury at info@pmbia.org

PMBI courses require minimum numbers to run. They also require many logistics, including trail permits for specific dates, detailed scheduling, travel and accommodation of course staff, and are confirmed two weeks prior to the start date. It is for these reasons this refund-injury policy exists to ensure the not-for-profit PMBIA and it’s course participants, do not suffer from last minute cancellations.

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