PHILOSOPHY | MEET THE STAFF
ZEPtechniques' MANDATE
1. To provide the highest standard in the coaching of mountain bike riders so people can safely learn to ride with more skill, confidence and fun; bringing new riders into the sport whilst ensuring current riders keep progressing.
PHILOSOPHY
At ZEP', Mountain Biking is not just a sport that we do... it's something that's part of our lives, we're passionate about riding and love it more than anything else. To be able to share this passion, sport and lifestyle with other like-minded people, in the most amazing place in the world to ride a bike; that's what we're all about. We have three principles that are the cornerstone of what we do:
1. THE BEST COACHES... are ones that are equally passionate and good at biking and teaching. The best coaches in any sport are those who can analyze peoples' technique and effectively and safely teach them to improve their skills. We're not pro riders... we're pro coaches and are very proud at being the best at what we do: teaching people how to ride better and training instructors how to teach.
2. EFFECTIVE TEACHING... The three goals of teaching are i) keep riders safe, ii) progress their skills and iii) show them an awesome time! Our clients' safety and expectations on our programs are our responsibility and we take that very seriously at ZEP. Get them home in one piece, teach them something new and give them a biking memory to keep forever.
3. GIVE BACK... The mountain bike industry is incredibly important to us on many different levels, so any company goal or aspiration we have must first be for the good of the sport and only then, secondly for ZEP. Our mandate to provide the highest standards in mountain bike coaching and instructor training puts us in an important and unique position within the MTB industry - one we take very seriously and hope to maintain for many years to come, as we continue to grow.
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THE STAFF
ZEP's team of mountain bike coaches is unique because we only use instructors with the
highest levels of certification and teaching experience in not just the mountain bike industry, but
also the snowsports industry. All our coaches are Level 4 certified in the winter (representing the
top 1% off all ski and snowboard instructors) and are a minimum of PMBI Level 2 certified in the
summer... currently the most extensive, and challenging MTB Instructor Certification course in
the world.
Professional, passionate about mountain biking and teaching, and all focused on making your
ZEP experience the ultimate, biking memory. These guys will show you a great time and know
the Whistler Valley and Bike Park Trails like the back of their gloves!
Paul Howard
Owner - Director
Paul started teaching mountain biking back in 1998, in Australia. Originally from the UK, he has
continually developed his trade to become one of the industries most highly skilled and
respected instructors. As multiple mtb program developer, Paul has pioneered his experience
and knowledge into the industries most sought after and respected mtb instructor certification
courses, the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor (PMBI) Program. Today, Paul still loves to
ride, coach and race (when time permits!) as much as ever and is stoked to help anyone ride
better from never-evers, to world cup athletes.
PMBI Program Director
PMBI Level 1, 2 and 3 Course Conductor
ZEP MTB Camps Head Coach
OTC Advanced Skill Instructor
IDP Level 2 (Whistler Bike Park Training Course)
Past Crankworx Garbanzo Masters top 20
CASI National Evaluator Training Team Member
CASI Level 4
CASI Level 3 Course Conductor
CASI Park & CASI Race Instructor
Whistler Blackcomb Head Snowboard Trainer
Wilderness First Responder
B.Sc. Genetics (U.C.L)
Ken Doraty
Professional Instructor
Ken is one of the longest standing, most respected and certified coaches in the industry. This,
along with his personable nature and superior teaching skills, is why he's on the ZEP team. A
major force in the MTB teaching world, we are lucky to have him.
PMBI Level 2
PMBI Level 1 Course Conductor
ZEP MTB Camps Coach
CMIC & IDP Level 2 (Whistler Bike Park Training Course)
Whistler Bike Park Coach and Staff Trainer
Wilderness First Responder
NCCP Level 2
CSIA Level 4 Ski Instructor
CSIA Course Conductor
David Gagnon
Professional Instructor
David is another exceptionally experienced and highly certified instructor. As one of only a
handful of CASI Level 4 Examiners in the world, they don't get much more knowledgeable than
David. A a past World-Cup XC athlete, David brings to the table some serious skills, personality
and fitness… the boy likes pedaling!
PMBI Level 2
PMBI Level 1 Course Conductor
ZEP MTB Clinics Coach
CCA Coach
CASI National Evaluator Training Team Member
CASI Level 4 Instructor
CASI Level 4 Course Conductor
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