As someone who provides some MTB coaching and having attended various PMBI courses, I have to cringe at some of the experiences people have had! The ability to pro-bro-shred does not equal the ability to teach anything. MTB skills coaching is fundamentally about teaching, not showing off your self perceived pro riding skills. I've had to really work and practice to improve aspects of my riding and I think that helps my teaching.
Teaching means you understand the fundamentals, know how skills build and progress, and are able to combine that theoretical knowledge with the ability to observe people's movements, understand what they are doing and finally be able to communicate all this to them in a way that they can understand and relate to.
I can imagine its hard to find a "good" coach but I do think the PMBI certifications provide a pretty solid framework and foundation. And for what its worth, I think cornering is actually the hardest MTB skill to master and/or teach - there is just so much going on, variables to deal with and options to use.
Nov. 20, 2018, 3:30 p.m. - LWK
As someone who provides some MTB coaching and having attended various PMBI courses, I have to cringe at some of the experiences people have had! The ability to pro-bro-shred does not equal the ability to teach anything. MTB skills coaching is fundamentally about teaching, not showing off your self perceived pro riding skills. I've had to really work and practice to improve aspects of my riding and I think that helps my teaching. Teaching means you understand the fundamentals, know how skills build and progress, and are able to combine that theoretical knowledge with the ability to observe people's movements, understand what they are doing and finally be able to communicate all this to them in a way that they can understand and relate to. I can imagine its hard to find a "good" coach but I do think the PMBI certifications provide a pretty solid framework and foundation. And for what its worth, I think cornering is actually the hardest MTB skill to master and/or teach - there is just so much going on, variables to deal with and options to use.