Surf coaches are fast becoming the norm at New Zealands most popular surfing beaches.  Long gone are the days when you grabbed the dunga from under the bach and simply 'gave it a whirl'.  Using the services of a surf coach can speed up the learning process so that you start having fun much quicker.

Surfing New Zealand delivers a ISA Level One coaching course to teach people the basics of coaching beginers.  The course is accredited by the International Surfing Association and recognised throughout the world.  This is the minimum requirement to teach surfing on all New Zealand beaches as a registered SNZ Surf Coach

Morning tea and lunch is provided. Accommodation is not provided but can be arranged.

2.  The course has been designed in conjunction with Surfing Australia. It is internationally recognised as a level 1 surf coaching course by the International Surfing Association (ISA) - the World Governing Body of Surfing

3.  There is only about 2 hours water time. The course can be held in any location. Having some fun little waves is ideal but not essential for a successful course. 

4.  Attendees sitting the course need a basic level of surfing ability (e.g. can take off, trim, paddle and cut back). If anyone attending can't do this we will have a chat to them during the course and work out a way for them to up-skill - as surfing ability in an important part of the course.

5. A Surf Lifesaving Community Award is now part of the NZ course so it is not necessary for you to achieve your Bronze Medallion Beach Lifegaurd Award (although if you have this already and it is still valid then you wont need to take this part of the course) The Community Surf Lifesaving Award involves a 200m run/swim/run (not timed) and a board rescue, as well as a presentation on general beach safety. 

6.  Once you have attended the 2 day course you will need to log 20 hours of work experience with an Approved SNZ Surf School and record these hours in your ISA Practical Assessment Workbook. You will also have to undertake a 1st Aid at work/CPR certificate. A number of companies deliver these courses eg. St Johns. Completed workbooks are then sent to the Surfing New Zealand Development Officer, along with a photocopy of your 1st Aid certificate. A SNZ I.D. card is then issued as proof of attaining the Level 1 ISA Coaching Qualification. Your official ISA Level 1 Coaching Certificate will be sent to you direct from ISA Headquarters in California.

The course costs $550 (gst inc.) per person based on a minimum of 10 people. Please make cheques payable to Elite Surf Coaching Ltd and send to SNZ Development Officer, 47 Olympus Grove, Papamoa Beach, 3118. If you prefer using internet banking the ASB account is 12-3217-0100073-00.  Please reference your full name if using internet banking. The SNZ Level 1 qualification is valid for 3 years from the date of the course. 

If you have attended a SNZ Level 1 Coaching Course in the past you will need to refresh your qualification by updating to the new ISA Level 1 qualification. You do not have to sit the course again although it is highly recommended that you do. You may use recognised prior learning (RPL) to fill in your Practical Assessment Workbooks if you have been actively teaching surfing in the last 5 years. The refresher course fee is $300.

Course Dates 2010  

Fri 31st March               Mount Maunganui   -  Half Day First Aid / CPR Course for surf coaches cost $95 based on10 people
1st -2nd May                  Mount Maunganui  - Level 1 Course including Community Surf Lifesaving certificate
End of May                     Date & venue TBC     Level 2 course - Please register your interest by email 

For Level 2 you must have held a Level 1 Surf Coaching Certificate for a minimum of 6 months and be a competent surfer ie. be able to perform re-entries and floaters etc.          

More dates to be added depending on demand                            

For more information on obtaining your Level 1 Coaching qualification or to book your place on one of the above course dates contact lee.ryan@surfingnz.co.nz  or 02 111 601 60. If you haven't had an email reply within two days please call the mobile number.