[stomachmonkey]

While properly sized and maintained equipment is important IMHO it always takes a back seat to skill.

Skill is what allows you to ski a wet noodle in any conditions while the guy with the best gear and no skill is holding yard sales.

IMHO focusing on equipment is a mental crutch that hinders progression of skill.

Also not all instructors are created equally.

Your beginner group instructors are tasked with the teaching the basics to a varied group of people.

I personally hated giving group lessons because they do not allow enough time for individual focus on a particular student.

Private Intermediate lessons may be what he needs. The instructor has more time to focus on the students mechanics and really work on the problem areas.

If the school videotapes and reviews after runs even better.

It's always a revelation to people when they can see their form for themselves.