Mike Ma

Went to Harvard to teach snowboarding (and found ShredBetter)

theonlysky.com/mike/

Mike Ma

Went to Harvard to teach snowboarding (and found ShredBetter)


Teaches: Snowboard - General, Adaptive, Freestyle
Home Mountain: Mount Snow, West Dover, VT
Gender: Male
Certifications: AASI Snowboard (Level III)
AASI Snowboard (Level III)
PSIA-AASI Freestyle Accreditation (Level I)
PSIA-AASI Adaptive (Level II)
PSIA-AASI Children Specialists (Level II)
PSIA-AASI-Eastern Division - Adaptive Education Staff
Years Teaching: 17.1
Years at Mount Snow: 17.1
Certifications: AASI Snowboard (Level III)
AASI Snowboard (Level III)
PSIA-AASI Freestyle Accreditation (Level I)
PSIA-AASI Adaptive (Level II)
PSIA-AASI Children Specialists (Level II)
PSIA-AASI-Eastern Division - Adaptive Education Staff
Years Teaching: 17.1
Years at Mount Snow: 17.1

About

Thank you for visiting my page. Teaching snowboarding is one of my passions. In particular, I love teaching beginners and adaptive snowboarders. I would absolutely be honored if I were able to spend time with you. I believe in designing my lessons all around you. I still consider myself a beginner at heart since I learned to ride at age 30.  Since then, I rose through the ranks at Mount Snow's Ski and Snowboard School and teach all ages from beginners to ripping trees and bumps to helping freestyle riders step up their game.  I am also one of the staff trainers, and enjoy helping other instructors with their teaching and personal riding. I also received my Level III certification from AASI, which was a very big achievement for me, as a part-timer, and have recently joined the Education Staff as a member of the Adaptive Development Team.

When I am not on snow, I am usually chasing after my three kids (ages 12, 10, and 8) and have had a long career in marketing, advertising and startups in New York.  Also, much to the surprise of many, I have a degree in Philosophy from Harvard -- my parents are proud of the fact that neither my day jobs nor my weekend job uses the all that education!   

I founded ShredBetter in 2013 as a project of passion.  Guests pay a lot.  Pros work hard, but sometimes the match between them doesn't always work.  I wanted to build a site where that connection can work better for everyone with a little technology.   In fact, I love thinking about the intersection of business and snowsports.

Here is a small talk I gave once about how they may intersect: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhcJGHUNQp8&feature=youtu.be

I am so glad you are here, whether you book with me or any one of the pros here.  Please hit the contact me button too if you have any ideas about the site.


Reviews

Terrence
November 28, 2015
Advanced - Another Program

Mike did a great job making sure that we got through the park and went through all the progressions that made me both stylish and safe. I would recommend him anytime for anyone. He also worked on my flat riding and I realized that they are all connected -- if I am a better flat rider, I am a better park rider. Super fun!


Alecka
January 07, 2015
Beginner - Another Program

I warned Mike that I am a frustrated perfectionist & I would be his instructing disaster of the day. He accepted the challenge with enthusiasm! Within one minute he had added value to my snowboarding experience already (I was riding the board backwards, who knew!?) Mike was extremely knowledgeable & provided feedback & instruction that immediately improved my skill level. I had a great time & will be back for another lesson in the future!


Marissa
December 30, 2014
Advanced - Another Program

Mike is awesome! Down to earth, knowledgeable and fun! After an hour of riding with him in a lesson I went out on my own and everything clicked. I was doing some serious shredding! Thanks Mike!


Rich
February 18, 2014
Beginner - Another Program

He is the best teacher. He gets into everything in great depth, and you are able to cover many topics within one lesson.


Scott
January 22, 2014
Intermediate - Another Program

My wife and I had a great experience with Mike despite being at modestly different levels. He was able to give both of us practical feedback and suggestions on how we could improve our riding despite a short lesson and provided technical input in a way we could comfortably process and understand. We'd definitely take another lesson with him again!


Sam
December 26, 2013
Beginner - Another Program

As a long time skiier, Mike helped me confidently transition to snowboarding. I had a great time and would definitely take another lesson with him!


Peter
December 12, 2013
Intermediate - Another Program

I have Mike to blame or thank for my Snowboarding obsession. I was an avid Skiier when Mike encouraged me to try riding. I was able to get started pretty quickly due to Mike's coaching. He was patient and gave me confidence with those first front side turns. His passion and enthusiasm for riding make it pleasure each time I go out on the Mountain with him. His coaching is thoughtful and well placed that gives me new goals to reach.


Peter
December 12, 2013
Intermediate - Another Program

I have Mike to blame or thank for my Snowboarding obsession. I was an avid Skiier when Mike encouraged me to try riding. I was able to get started pretty quickly due to Mike's coaching. He was patient and gave me confidence with those first front side turns. His passion and enthusiasm for riding make it pleasure each time I go out on the Mountain with him. His coaching is thoughtful and well placed that gives me new goals to reach.



About

Thank you for visiting my page. Teaching snowboarding is one of my passions. In particular, I love teaching beginners and adaptive snowboarders. I would absolutely be honored if I were able to spend time with you. I believe in designing my lessons all around you. I still consider myself a beginner at heart since I learned to ride at age 30.  Since then, I rose through the ranks at Mount Snow's Ski and Snowboard School and teach all ages from beginners to ripping trees and bumps to helping freestyle riders step up their game.  I am also one of the staff trainers, and enjoy helping other instructors with their teaching and personal riding. I also received my Level III certification from AASI, which was a very big achievement for me, as a part-timer, and have recently joined the Education Staff as a member of the Adaptive Development Team.

When I am not on snow, I am usually chasing after my three kids (ages 12, 10, and 8) and have had a long career in marketing, advertising and startups in New York.  Also, much to the surprise of many, I have a degree in Philosophy from Harvard -- my parents are proud of the fact that neither my day jobs nor my weekend job uses the all that education!   

I founded ShredBetter in 2013 as a project of passion.  Guests pay a lot.  Pros work hard, but sometimes the match between them doesn't always work.  I wanted to build a site where that connection can work better for everyone with a little technology.   In fact, I love thinking about the intersection of business and snowsports.

Here is a small talk I gave once about how they may intersect: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhcJGHUNQp8&feature=youtu.be

I am so glad you are here, whether you book with me or any one of the pros here.  Please hit the contact me button too if you have any ideas about the site.


Reviews

Terrence
November 28, 2015
Advanced - Another Program

Mike did a great job making sure that we got through the park and went through all the progressions that made me both stylish and safe. I would recommend him anytime for anyone. He also worked on my flat riding and I realized that they are all connected -- if I am a better flat rider, I am a better park rider. Super fun!


Alecka
January 07, 2015
Beginner - Another Program

I warned Mike that I am a frustrated perfectionist & I would be his instructing disaster of the day. He accepted the challenge with enthusiasm! Within one minute he had added value to my snowboarding experience already (I was riding the board backwards, who knew!?) Mike was extremely knowledgeable & provided feedback & instruction that immediately improved my skill level. I had a great time & will be back for another lesson in the future!


Marissa
December 30, 2014
Advanced - Another Program

Mike is awesome! Down to earth, knowledgeable and fun! After an hour of riding with him in a lesson I went out on my own and everything clicked. I was doing some serious shredding! Thanks Mike!


Rich
February 18, 2014
Beginner - Another Program

He is the best teacher. He gets into everything in great depth, and you are able to cover many topics within one lesson.


Scott
January 22, 2014
Intermediate - Another Program

My wife and I had a great experience with Mike despite being at modestly different levels. He was able to give both of us practical feedback and suggestions on how we could improve our riding despite a short lesson and provided technical input in a way we could comfortably process and understand. We'd definitely take another lesson with him again!


Sam
December 26, 2013
Beginner - Another Program

As a long time skiier, Mike helped me confidently transition to snowboarding. I had a great time and would definitely take another lesson with him!


Peter
December 12, 2013
Intermediate - Another Program

I have Mike to blame or thank for my Snowboarding obsession. I was an avid Skiier when Mike encouraged me to try riding. I was able to get started pretty quickly due to Mike's coaching. He was patient and gave me confidence with those first front side turns. His passion and enthusiasm for riding make it pleasure each time I go out on the Mountain with him. His coaching is thoughtful and well placed that gives me new goals to reach.


Peter
December 12, 2013
Intermediate - Another Program

I have Mike to blame or thank for my Snowboarding obsession. I was an avid Skiier when Mike encouraged me to try riding. I was able to get started pretty quickly due to Mike's coaching. He was patient and gave me confidence with those first front side turns. His passion and enthusiasm for riding make it pleasure each time I go out on the Mountain with him. His coaching is thoughtful and well placed that gives me new goals to reach.


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