Modules

PMBIA Development Modules

The development modules are here to provide instructors the opportnity to continue their professional development in the PMBIA system.

They can also be used as pre-training before taking a certification course, e.g. taking the Air or Tech module (2 days)  before taking the Air or Tech full certification course (4 days).

The Level 1 is a mandatory pre-requisite before taking any modules.

For an overview on all the modules, please click Certification Overview below.

PMBIA Certification Overview
PMBIA Main Page

2023 Course Schedule

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Translated Course Info

  • Outdoor-Enjoyer has worked with the PMBIA to set up translated courses in both Japanese and Chinese.
  • We use a PMBIA certified and experienced Native speaking translator during courses.
  • Translated courses are 4 days long to ensure the same standard is delivered to students.
  • Translated copies of Level 1 materials have been created. The Level 2 is currently only available in English.

Modules available in Japan

 

Click below for more info

Kids Module
Air Module

Kids Module

DESCRIPTION

1 – DAY KIDS TEACHING MODULE

The 1-day Kids Module is a professional training module to further the skills and knowledge of PMBIA instructors.

The 1-day module is packed with value as instructors learn a multitude of tools to develop their teaching, including but not limited to; how to adapt their lessons for children of different age groups, kids-specific bike and equipment set up, risk management and concussion protocols, more strategies for guiding children safely on technical terrain, as well as explore techniques to help manage the behaviour and expectations of children.

While the Kids Module is a great way for Level 1 Instructors to learn more about teaching kids mountain bike programs, it also introduces some new teaching concepts, acting as great preparation for the Level 2 and 3 certifications.

The Kids Module also provides access to the latest PMBIA Reference Guide, Kids Module Booklet (complete with course-specific content), and the Kids Module Worksheet.

​

WHY TAKE THIS MODULE?

  • Learn more about teaching kids. If you’re a Level 1 or 2 instructor and plan to teach kids programs a lot, this training module is ideal.
  • Improve the safety of your lessons. Learn more about guiding kids on suitable terrain, given their age, size and physical capabilities.
  • Make your lessons more fun! There’s lots more to teaching kids than simply “playing games”. If they are riding bikes and improving, they’ll be having fun. Learn to deliver the best lessons in the optimal way for each age group, so your kids keep coming back for more!
  • Develop your teaching skills for all types of riders! The 1-day module provides continued training and development to help instructors refine the delivery of any lesson, regardless of the student type.
  • Prepare for the Level 2 or complete your Level 3 Certification: The Kids module introduces some new concepts featured in the Level 2 Certification and acts as a mandatory component of the modular Level 3 Certification. Instructors can take this module at any point following their Level 1 Certification.

PRE-REQUISITES

  • PMBIA Level 1 Certification is mandatory
  • Completed Kids Module Worksheet
  • Confident riding at trail speed on technical, intermediate terrain, including green, blue and “light” black trails.
  • 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 L1 Kids Teaching Module is 15 years old. However, the PMBIA does recommend 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.

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

GENERAL QUESTIONS

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.

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.

Please download from your PMBIA member profile

Air Module

DESCRIPTION

2-DAY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MODULE

​The two-day AIR MODULE is a professional training course that can be used in a variety of ways, by PMBIA instructors beyond the Level 1 Certification.

This module includes two days of on-bike training, rider improvement, teaching practice, assessment and feedback, plus access to the PMBIA Reference Guide & AIR Module Booklet.

The first day focuses on skill-based teaching, reviewing the intermediate to advanced skill development ideas on the AIR Instructor Course; including concepts such as skill blending, what/why/how/when/how-much, plus example lesson presentations and practice teaching. Common example lessons reviewed in the AIR Module include bermed corners, flat corners, descending, steeps/rocks rolls and pumping.

Day two will see instructors review the maneuver component of the ‘Air’ Instructor Course, as instructors learn about and practice-teach “intro to jumps and drops” lessons, to intermediate riders. Additional workshops including the AIR MODULE worksheet (to be completed before the course), goal setting and suspension set-up, will also be included.

The module will provide a detailed look into the riding and teaching standards of the full Air Instructor course as they relate to the Level 2 and 3 standards, while providing an opportunity for instructors to calibrate their own performance and skill level against these standards.

WHY TAKE THIS MODULE?

  • To develop overall riding skills, including jumping, drops and cornering skills
  • To learn about how to teach more advanced riders, including introducing students to jumps and drops. PLEASE NOTE: Simply taking this module will NOT certify candidates to teach advanced riders, including jumps and drops. To be certified, you must complete the four-day Air Instructor Course.
  • To PREPARE for the full, four-day Air Instructor Course, as part of the Level 2 or 3 Certifications.
  • To RETEST to complete the Air Instructor Course, as part of the Level 2 or 3 Certifications.
  • To RECERTIFY the Level 2 or 3 Certification.

 

PRE_REQUISITES

  • PMBIA Level 1 Certification is mandatory
  • 2+ seasons of teaching experience is highly recommended but not mandatory
  • Completion of the Kids Module is an asset but not mandatory
  • Completion of the AIR MODULE Worksheet
  • Confident riding at speed with consistent form and technique on intermediate to advanced terrain, including green, blue, and black trails
  • 40hr Wilderness First Aid (or equivalent) is expected but not mandatory as per the Level 1 recommendation

 

COURSE CONTEXT

WHO IS THIS MODULE FOR? AM I READY?

  • Confident, intermediate mountain bikers who are passionate about teaching and keen to develop their riding and teaching skills to teach intermediate to advanced students.
  • Instructors with experience teaching beginner to intermediate students, in a variety of terrain.
  • Participants on the AIR MODULE should therefore, as a minimum, be aware of the Level 2 Riding Standards and be comfortable riding at speed on technical blue and single-black diamond trails, while learning or consolidating maneuvers such as jump and drops.
  • Riders who are comfortable riding with and leading groups in an outdoor environment, in challenging terrain in all conditions, while being responsible for the welfare of other adults and children.

PRE COURSE READING & WORKSHEET: 1-2 HOURS

The pre-course workshop is crucial for preparing for the AIR MODULE and getting the most out of your PMBIA Training. It involves reading the comprehensive PMBIA Reference Guide and appropriate Course Booklet and completing the course worksheet. The reading and worksheet take approximately 1 – 2 hrs to complete. They will be provided in your member profile after registration.

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.

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

GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE COURSE?
The minimum age for Level 2 courses is 17 years old. Guiding and teaching mountain biking is inherently dangerous, especially at the intermediate to advanced level of riding. Because the instructor is legally responsible for other adults and children, this warrants a higher, minimum age for Level 2 certified instructors.

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.

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.

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.

Please download from your PMBIA member profile