COURSES » LEVEL 1 SURF INSTRUCTOR

LEVEL 1 SURF INSTRUCTOR

The Irish Surfing Association Level 1 Surf Instructor works with the novice surfer in white water teaching basic surfing skills including introduction to equipment, beach safety, paddling catching waves, popping up, riding white water and traversing white water. These skills are learned on soft boards in white water conditions on beach breaks.

This course is aimed at individuals with surfing experience who wish to teach basic surfing techniques to the novice.

LevelParticipantEnvironmentBoardRatio
1NoviceWhitewaterSoft1:8

Surfer Definition

Novice: Learning to paddling, catching waves, standing up, ride white water waves and traverse white water.

Aim

The course aims to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge required to introduce the novice to surfing in a safe and supportive environment.

Student Ratio

The Level 1 Instructor will operate a 1:8 instructor/ student ratio when in the water with surfers, however it is recommended that groups are split with a maximum of 4 in the water at any given time when observing and working from land. It is not possible for an instructor to accurately observe a group of eight surfing together

Course Prerequisites:
Age

The candidate must be eighteen years or older.

Surf Proficiency

The candidate must have at least two years surfing experience. They must demonstrate an ability to paddle “out back” in a reasonable time, take-off and surf right and left on an unbroken wave.

First Aid/ Lifesaving

The candidate must hold a Surf Instructor Beach Award or Beach Lifeguard Award. 

Child Protection

The candidate must complete the ISC 4hr Basic Awareness Workshop on Code of Ethics And Good Practice in Children's Sport

Course Duration

The Level 1 Surf Instructor Course is run over two days and involves practical and theory modules along with a three part assessment (five minute presentation, surfing ability and novice surf lesson).

To complete certification a candidate must:
  • Successfully complete Level 1 Surf Coach Course
  • Complete a log of 30 hours practical instructing to be verified by a currently qualified Level 1 Surf Coach and forward to the ISA.
  • Forward a copy of a valid beach lifeguard certificate/ Code of Ethics Cert and two passport size photos.

The Level 1 Award is valid for 3 years OR until candidate’s beach lifeguard certificate expires. On completion a candidate will received a Level 1 Surf Instructor card and certificate.