15 surfers with Maori ancestry completed the ISA Level 1 Surfing Instructors course held at Poihakena Marae in Raglan. The ISA Surfing Instructors Level 1 qualification is recognised worldwide as the benchmark for teaching beginner surfers. Once accredited whanau are able to travel the globe and gain employment at surf schools in locations such as Australia, Europe and Hawaii.

5 years ago the "trial and error method" was the standard practise available for people wanting to learn how to catch and ride waves said Surfing NZ Maori Projects Manager Steve Ria (Ngati Ruapani / Rongowhakaata). Today’s generation of novice wave riders have the comforts of having a qualified surf instructor to call on. This eliminates the frustrations that are associated with trying to teach yourself how to surf but with the correct instructions beginners spend more time enjoying catching and riding the waves rather than becoming discouraged and giving up.

Whanau who have completed the course now have the qualifications, knowledge and skills to teach the correct techniques and safety aspects to their family, friends and the wider community said Surfing NZ Development Officer Lee Ryan. The SLSNZ Community Lifesaving Award for surf coaches plus 1st aid and working under the guidance of a recognised Surfing NZ approved surf school is a prerequisite that instructors need to acquire before becoming fully qualified. Once they have achieved this and become a qualified instructor then they are an asset to the community.

Surfing icon Daniel Kereopa (Tainui) was a welcome member of the group. Although self taught and skilled in the art of surfing he wanted to learn the skills that would allow him to pass on his knowledge and experience to all levels of surfers. Surfing is a lifestyle choice for me not just a sport commented Kereopa. I have learnt so much on this course that will provide me with the tools to teach surfers the art of competition surfing to the benefits of surfing as a past time. I am shy by nature but what I have learnt will help me in my endeavours to help those who have the same desires that attracted me to surfing.              

The course was supported by Te Puni Kokiri who have been in partnership with Surfing NZ since 1995. The partnership revolves around a whanau approach to surfing related activities and employment related opportunities.

For more information contact Maori Project Manager Steve Ria by email on steve.ria@surfingnz.co.nz or visit  www.surfingnz.co.nz