MTB Coaches Camp 2016: Getting to know our new trainees
MTB Coaches Camp Trainees grab a classic snap on the famous Whistler Train Wreck
The MTB Coaches Camp 2016 kicks off with the arrival of 12 lively trainees from all over the globe; UK, Singapore, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and America. Some of our trainees snuck a few days riding in before the course started and got acquainted with the legendary Whistler vibe. The rest arrived safe and sound, with a quick tour around our awesome chalet. The trainees were also welcomed in by our chef Richard, who had freshly baked bread and snacks ready for our hungry guests. Nothing like a full belly to set the tone for the rest of the 5 weeks training.
Mountain Leaders
The first few days are hectic with arrivals, welcome brief and orientation. The week kicked off with the CTC Trail Leader Qualification, a great introduction to guiding around Whistler’s famous Zappa Trails around Lost Lake and sets the trainees up for success for IDP Level 1 & 2. The trainee’s muscle into the 2 day CTC- Cycling UK Mountain Bike Leader course, which enables you to lead groups on gentle terrain – less than 600m above sea level and without the need for riders to steer a path around obstacles. The course includes tuition for your own off-road skills, and assessment of your new-found skills.
Dahj introduces the group to the Bike Park on a scorching hot day
We also introduced the group to our two lead Whistler Mountain Bike Park Instructors, Dahj and Dave, who joined us for dinner and talked the group through the course structure over the next 5 weeks. We also covered some basics with cornering, drops and jumps in the Bike Park, giving the trainees some time to flex their skills and work on some rider progression.
MTB Coaches Camp trainee Finn already giving it some steaze on the first few days of the course with a mean lean on classic B Line berm, picture courtesy of Coast Mountain Photography, the official photography company of Whistler Blackcomb for over 20 years. Coast set up on various favourite Whistler Bike Park trails, with updates on Instagram on their location daily.
MTB Coaches Camp trainee Finn practicing cornering on Bline
Dave takes his group up into to ‘Mistical’ Garbanzo Zone for some skinnie practice on Factrobat, off Blue Velvet. The wood was wet, but Dave went through speed, line choice, balance and breaking to rail the feature with confidence, whilst also demonstrating the kind of coaching you would give a client.
MTB Coaches Camp trainee Jack bossing the Factrobat skinnie
Hiking the Train Wreck
It wouldn’t be a Peak Leaders course without a visit to the famous Whistler Train Wreck, and the waterfalls did not disappoint! We headed towards Function Junction and did a cheeky wee visit to the Chromag store. The trainees splashed some cash and bought a few treats – handlebars, socks, hoodies and had a good old chinwag with the awesome Chromag crew, who were happy to talk bikes and local Whistler trails with us. We also had a 2014 Peak Leaders graduate, Jobbo, join us with his drone to film some footie of the course, so keep your eyes peeled for a few instabangers over the next few weeks.
2014 Peak Leaders graduate Jobbo getting some Drone footie
MTB Coaches Camp trainees line up for a few drone shots
The MTB Coaches Camp trainees also got to give the brand spanking new suspension bridge a bounce. The bridge now connects to Cheakamus, and extends the hiking options a little further, whilst scoping out the new Whistler BMX track.
MTB Coaches Camp trainees, Finn and Shendo explore the containers
Penny and Shendo take in the epic Whistler waterfalls at Cheakmus River
Compliments to the Chef from our MTB Coaches Camp Trainees
We couldn’t possibly finish the blog without a big shout out to our Chef, Richard Feroze, from our MTB Coaches Camp trainees. Richard is dishing out the best food in Whistler right in our chalet, with a tremendous smile and a winning attitude! The trainee’s mouths are perpetually watering and the food endorphins are real. Fresh baked bread every day is making us feel very spoiled, so huge thanks from all of us Richard!
Next week we cover IDP Level 1, trail building and Crankworx! See you then.
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Become a Qualified Whistler Mountain Bike Guide
Coaches Camp, Whistler (5-week course) 27th Jul – 31 Aug @ £3950.00
Call us on +44 (0) 1337 860 079 or message here for a chat about Peak Leaders mountain bike courses, ski instructor courses, or snowboard instructor courses
