Graduate Interview: Dave Weeks

It's always good to hear about one of our graduates making their way in the MTB industry. Dave Weeks took our Hiring Camp in May of 2013 and has since stayed in Whistler guiding and instructing, now training to become a lead instructor with Terra Method. We caught up with Dave to see how he is getting on!

When did you do the Peak Leaders course?
I took the three week hiring camp in May of 2013, and thought it was a great setup all around. The accommodation was within cycling distance of the park (on a DH bike), the food was great, and the coaches were awesome. I think one of the best moments on the course for me was learning to corner properly, it completely changed my riding and the way I look at trails.


What happened next, how did you end up staying?
Straight out of the Peak Leaders course I was hired as a guide for Whistler Bike Park. This in itself was a great 'intro' to the bike industry, as many of the longer term guides already know a lot of the local company reps, as do all the guys in the shops around town! Through my first season I also got part time work at Garbanzo Bike and Bean, the main shop at the base of the lifts. Through both these jobs and talking to companies, I have been fortunate to get sponsorship from Knolly Bikes, Spank Industries, Marzocchi Suspension, Flare Rider Co, Spy Optics and ReplayXD cameras for the 2015 season!


What aspects of teaching and guiding do you most enjoy?
I love trying to help people enjoy their first experience in the sport, the only way the sport will grow is getting more and more people interested and having a great first experience is definitely a part of that. The other aspect I find really rewarding is when a client knows of a particular weakness in their riding, and you can help them improve what they couldn't work out on their own (usually jump or cornering technique).

You are now training to become an instructor for potential guides, how have you found it so far?
It's definitely different, there is so much extra detail needed in any of the explanations as it's not just not just explaining the technique, but breaking it down even further into why we teach things certain ways, and even getting into the science behind it. That being said, I find it fascinating and love the opportunity to share what I can.


Favourite part of living in whistler?
The community, any day I want to ride be it park laps, trail riding, or go shuttling in Pemberton or Squamish there is always someone up for it!

Favourite trail?
Dirt Merchant, Samurai Pizza Cat, Afternoon Delight, Lower Canadian Open has to be my favourite set, mixing jumps with tech.



Any plans to come back to the UK?
Hoping to pop back for a holiday in Feb, maybe bring the bike too, no long term plans to head home though.

Plans for the future?
I am currently waiting to hear on my residence application which if successful would allow me to stay in Whistler, and keep working with both TerraMethod and Whistler Bike Park for the future.

Ski, Snowboard & Mountain Bike Instructor Courses & Camps
www.peakleaders.com | Tel: +44 (0) 1337 860 079
Join us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter @PeakLeaders| Add us on Instagram @peakleaders