ADVANCED COACH - TECH
LEVEL 2 & 3 MTB CERTIFICATION
The Advanced Coach Course is the perfect progression for coaches to gain more advanced riding and coaching skills in natural, technical terrain, while working towards their GSMBC Level 2 or 3 Coaching Certifications.
4-DAY CERTIFICATION COURSE
DEVELOP your coaching skills for intermediate to advanced riders.
Learn to safely teach TECHNICAL WHEEL LIFTS, CLIMBING, DESCENDING & MORE.
Essential training for LEVEL 2 & 3 certifications
COURSE OVERVIEW
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Coaches comfortable riding intermediate to advanced trails with features such as rock rolls, natural drops, steeps, roots and rocks.
Coaches looking to teach technical climbing, descending, and cornering while introducing students to technical tricks and wheel lifts, such as nose pivots or basic bunnyhops.
Level 1 coaches seeking to elevate their mountain bike programs.
Coaches aiming to refine their skills and earn an advanced certification.
Passionate coaches dedicated to inspiring and mentoring others through mountain biking.
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The Advanced Coach TECH Course is designed to elevate coaches on the Level 2 and 3 certification pathways. This course trains coaches to teach intermediate to advanced riders in technical climbing, pedaling techniques, and descending through challenging terrain like roots, rock rolls, and steeps. It also covers teaching essential technical tricks such as nose pivots, endos, basic bunnyhops, manuals, and wheelies. Key student goals include:
Mastering technical climbing and pedaling efficiency for greater control and power
Enhancing confidence and precision on steep, rocky, and root-laden descents
Building foundational skills for technical maneuvers, including pivots, bunnyhops, and wheelies
Over four days, coaches will focus on developing the core coaching components: Social, Risk Management, Teaching, and Technical. They'll learn to further connect with riders and adapt their lessons using the industry leading GSMBC methodologies and coaching tools. Continuous feedback and mentoring throughout the course will ensure effective learning, growth, and progression!
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4-day course plus 2-3 hours of pre-course reading and online workshop.
Total of 35 hours, including both riding and coaching assessments
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GSMBC Level 1 Certification (or equivalent) is required. PMBIA & BICP Certified? Get your free crossover certs here
2+ seasons of coaching experience recommended, but not mandatory
Comfortable riding at speed on technically challenging intermediate to advanced terrain, including green, blue, and black trails
40hr Wilderness First Aid (or equivalent) is recommended, but not required
Minimum age requirement of 17. Coaching advanced riders involves greater inherent risks, requiring higher levels of skill and accountability from coaches who bear legal responsibility for their students.
ADVANCED COACH TECH: TECH TRICKS, TECHNICAL CLIMBING, DESCENDING, CORNERING & MORE!
ADVANCED COACH TECH: TECH TRICKS, TECHNICAL CLIMBING, DESCENDING, CORNERING & MORE!
Develop the skills to design personalized, skill-based lessons for advanced students.
Learn how to confidently introduce riders to natural technical terrain, technical wheel lifts, natural drops, and more, using trusted, effective progressions.
Enhance your own riding technique and sharpen your eye for analyzing and improving student performance.
Strengthen your passion for coaching and fostering meaningful connections through the joy of biking!
Personal video analysis on every coursE WITH THE Sportsense coaching app!
COURSE INSIGHT VIDEO
Take a look at this video to see a few of the common terrain and riding skill examples from the Advanced Coach - TECH Course.
Note: Level 2 candidates only need to perform 2 of the 3 technical maneuvers, while Level 3 candidates must perform all 5 maneuvers.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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BIKE: We recommend a modern, well maintained trail or enduro bike with 5 - 6 inches (125-150mm) of front and rear suspension with good quality disc brakes and tires, is ideal for this course. It doesn’t need to be the latest and greatest, just well maintained and appropriate for riding advanced, technical terrain. Click here to view an example.
A good quality, well fitted mountain bike helmet.
Gloves and knee pads are recommend.
Food, water, tools, spare tube and clothing to suit the conditions that day… we ride rain or shine!
First aid kit not essential, but recommended.
Well maintained, modern mountain bike ideally with suspension and disc brakes
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Every GSMBC course aims to finish between 4 - 4.30pm, depending on the conditions that day and the specific course location.
Coaches are required to attend the course in full to be eligible for GSMBC Coach Certifications.
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The minimum age requirement for this course is 17 years old. With a higher degree of inherent risk associated with riding with and coaching advanced mountain bikers, requires an increase age minimum compared to the Intermediate Coach Course.
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The Advanced Coach - TECH course takes place in trail centres without lift access. Technical climbing and pedalling technique are key components to this course. Be prepared to ride for 4 full days. However, the GSMBC Mentor will adapt the terrain and pace to best suit the conditions and students in the course.
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Yes! Your GSMBC Mentor will work with you to develop your bike set up and technical riding skills throughout the course.
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During the Advanced Coaching TECH Course, coaches will have several opportunities to practice teach, lead groups, and demonstrate their riding skills.
Coaches seeking their Level 2 Certification, will need to meet the minimum standards in the riding and coaching assessments for either this course, or the Advanced Coach FLOW course.
Coaches seeking their Level 3 Certification will need to meet the minimum standards in the riding and coaching assessments for this course and the Advanced Coach FLOW course. More details on the Level 2 and 3 Certification requirements can be found here
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Our goal is to create a fun, friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere, so coaches can learn and progress at ease. The coaching and riding skill assessments continue throughout the 4 day course as an overall impression, avoiding a ‘final exam’ senario. This human centric approach reduces stress and lets coaches explore, learn, and grow through experience.
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Coaches are assessed using the PECAM Marking System that we have adapted from the Coaches of Canada Skill Development Model.
Processing | Emerging | Consolidating | Autonomous | Mastery
Level 2 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Consolidating’ stage of skill development in both the coaching and riding skill assessments.
Level 3 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Autonomous’ stage of skill development in both the coaching and riding skill assessments.
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Level 2 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Consolidating’ stage of skill development when riding at trail speed on green, blue and single black (advanced) terrain.
Level 3 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Autonomous’ stage of skill development when riding at trail speed on green, blue and single black (advanced) terrain.
Some technical examples include:
Dynamic Position: Demonstrates advanced body positioning, maintaining control and agility during steep descents, high-speed trails, and technical features such as jumps and drops.
Technical Climbing: Demonstrates proper, smooth pedalling technique and cadence, while maintaining balance and grip on steep and/or technical climbs.
Speed Control: Applies precise braking techniques to manage speed on loose, steep, or technical terrain, including controlled approaches to rock rolls or steep sections.
Flow: Scans and anticipates varied terrain, choosing optimal lines to maintain speed, efficiency, and smooth transitions, particularly when navigating roots, rocks and tight technical sections.
Cornering: Applies advanced cornering techniques, including high-speed skills, proper bike-body separation, and smooth transitions through diverse and challenging corners.
Bumps and Rollers: Uses body mechanics to absorb or pump through bumps and rollers, maintaining speed and control in technical terrain.
TECHNICAL MANUEVERS: Coaches demonstrate proper technique and application when performing technical maneuvers:
Basic versions of Wheelies and Manuals: 2-3 bike lengths.
Endos & Bunnyhops: 15-30 cm high
Nose Pivots: 45’ in one or both directions.
PLEASE NOTE: Level 2 candidates only need to perform 2 of the 3 technical maneuvers , while Level 3 candidates must perform all 5 maneuvers. See below for more information.
More details are available in the Course Booklet, following registration.
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Coaches must establish strong connections with students to effectively plan, adapt, and deliver engaging, relevant, and safe lessons.
Level 2 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Consolidating’ stage of skill development when coaching during the Advanced Coach TECH course.
Level 3 Coaches are required to be at the ‘Autonomous’ stage of skill development when coaching during the Advanced Coach TECH course.
Core Certification Standards for advanced-level coaching include:
Applying GSMBC Coaching Models to deliver precise, impactful lessons that inspire growth and elevate student control and performance.
Building rapport with students to foster a socially safe and productive learning environment.
Demonstrating advanced risk management and safety prioritization on challenging mountain bike terrain.
Confidently leading groups in dynamic, intermediate to advanced terrain.
Developing progression plans tailored to student goals, ensuring concise and precise communication.
Utilizing varied demonstration techniques to effectively model proper riding and technical skills.
Assessing individual student abilities and adapting lessons to meet varying skill levels and learning styles.
Providing clear, constructive feedback to guide improvement while maintaining student confidence.
Course Includes GSMBC Coach Reference Guide, Course Booklet & Online Workshop
Don’t forget to grab yourself some GSMBC Merch from our custom store!
COURSE REQUESTS?
If you or your team, friends or community are looking to book a course at a new location or during a time that is currently offered, please reach out to us via our course request form, available here: