Cross Stepping

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Cross stepping is a fundamental surfing technique where a surfer walks up and down their longboard while riding a wave. This skill is essential for longboard surfing and is often used to adjust the board's speed and position on the wave. When recruiters see this term in resumes, it indicates that the instructor has advanced longboarding skills and can teach traditional surfing techniques. It's similar to "nose riding" or "board walking" and is considered a classic surfing move that many traditional surfers want to learn.

Examples in Resumes

Specialized in teaching Cross Stepping techniques to intermediate and advanced longboard students

Developed a progressive training program for Cross Step maneuvers on longboards

Led group classes focused on Cross Stepping and traditional longboard techniques

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Longboard Surf Instructor Traditional Surfing Coach Surf School Instructor Surfing Teacher Watersports Instructor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a progression plan for teaching cross stepping to beginners?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss safety considerations, starting with beach demonstrations, moving to stationary board practice, and gradually progressing to small waves. They should mention student assessment methods and adaptation strategies for different skill levels.

Q: What safety protocols do you implement when teaching advanced maneuvers like cross stepping?

Expected Answer: Should explain water safety procedures, student skill assessment, weather and wave condition evaluation, and emergency response plans. Should also discuss proper equipment selection and student-to-instructor ratios.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you correct common mistakes in cross stepping technique?

Expected Answer: Should be able to identify typical beginner mistakes like poor foot placement, incorrect timing, and balance issues, and explain various teaching methods to address these problems.

Q: What board types do you recommend for learning cross stepping?

Expected Answer: Should discuss longboard characteristics ideal for learning (length, stability, width), and explain how different board types affect the learning process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you demonstrate the basic steps of cross stepping on land?

Expected Answer: Should be able to show proper foot placement, weight distribution, and movement pattern while explaining the basics of the technique.

Q: What are the essential safety points to cover before teaching cross stepping?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic water safety, checking wave conditions, proper board control, and the importance of starting in appropriate wave conditions.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic surf instruction techniques
  • Fundamental cross stepping demonstration
  • Basic water safety knowledge
  • Group lesson management

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced longboard techniques
  • Customized teaching methods
  • Wave condition assessment
  • Emergency response procedures

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development
  • Advanced technique instruction
  • Instructor training capability
  • Risk management expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal surf instruction certification
  • Limited knowledge of water safety procedures
  • Inability to demonstrate the technique personally
  • No experience with different skill level instruction