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Method

Small-Drop Assessment Record

Recording lip shape, vertical separation, horizontal clearance, intended landing surface, surface condition, visibility, exit and bypass for a small drop.

HOW TO DO IT

Small-Drop Assessment Record

Small-drop assessment describes a drop's actual demands rather than treating the word small as proof of suitability. It is an observation tool, not independent permission to attempt it.

Preparation and setting

A visible inspected feature and a coach-selected learning context.

How to understand / apply it

  1. Describe lip and vertical separation.
  2. Check horizontal clearance and intended landing.
  3. Record surface, visibility and traffic.
  4. Identify runout and bypass.
  5. Record unknowns and decide whether the task can be assessed.
  6. Use a suitable actual teaching pathway if proceeding.

How to learn / practise

Practise inspection on familiar terrain. Compare geometric description with the rider's perception of size.

Errors and corrections

Height alone omits obstacles and runout. A snowball test is not proof that a landing is free of hazards.

Observable checks

The assessment describes the full route and explicitly records uncertainty.

SOURCE-BACKED DETAIL

Characteristics

Record type
editorial tool
Evidence type
SBSweet editorial proposal (not a quoted source)

01

editorial review notes

Unknowns are recorded explicitly; 'small' is contextual, not proof of a low-consequence landing.