Surfing South Australia

Surf Coaching Courses

Surfing SA presents multiple Level 1 Surf Coaching  Accreditation Courses each year. The 2-day course is a part of the Australian Sports Commission's National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and both cover the necessary theory components of the NCAS and the sports specific practical requirements of Surfing Australia.

NCAS approved courses are recognized nationally and is the standard qualification requirement for employment in any one of Surfing Australia'sLicenced Surf Schools. There are currently in excess of 70 Licenced surfschools around the country.

Level 1 Surf Coaching Accreditation Pre-requisites

To gain full accredititation, there are several qualifications and practical requirements that are required to be completed by the candidate in addition to sitting the accreditation course but do not need to have them before doing the two day course. They will need to be finalised  within the following 12 months. (Surfing SA can assit directing you in all areas). Candidates must:

- Hold a current Surf Rescue Certificate gained through Surf Life Saving SA.

- Hold a current Advanced Resuscitation Certificate

- Complete a Working with Children Check form

- Complete 20 Hours of Practical Coaching with a Surfing SA Licensed Surf School

- Hold a current Surfing SA Membership (Initial 1 year membership is included in $420 Course fee but must be renewed with annual fee payment thereafter)

- Be aged 18 years or over (people under 18 can complete the Course, however cannot coach independently until they turn 18)

Coaching Re-Accreditation

Level One Surf Coaching Accreditation is valid for two years from date of initial accreditation. To gain re-accreditation, you must re-submit copies of the above documentation to Surfing SA, renew your Surfing SA Membership ($55.00 per year) and pay a $55.00 re-accreditation fee to Surfing SA.

Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation

To obtain the Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation, you need to haveheld the Level 1 Surf Coaching Accreditation for at least 6 months.Courses are conducted by the National Branch several times a year.Course dates will be listed on this page and application forms can befound under the "Documents" tab.

Becoming a Level 2 Coach takes the coach from learn to surf through agreater understanding of competitive surfing. By gaining your Level 2accreditation it also opens up greater opporunities to become involvedin coaching at a State and High Performance level. To obtain this awardan individual must adhere to the following accreditation requirements:

1. Attendance at two day Surfing Australia Level Two Coaching Course
2. 40 hours of face to face coaching practice at Novice or developing surfer level
3. Maintain practical coaching diary
4. Completion of online exam
5. Surfing Australia membership
6. Working With Children Check
7. Hold any one of the following awards:
Bronze proficiency: Surf Lifesaving Association (SLSA)
Surf Rescue Certificate: SLSA Community award
Ocean Rescue Award: Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS)
OSSCA Award Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA)

Surfing SA will be looking to host a Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation Courses each year. Please contact Tina Atkinson for more information on 8384 1126 or tina@surfingsouthaustralia.com.au

Stand Up Paddleboard Specialist Coaching Module

The module is designed to be utilised as an extension of the current Level 1 & Level 2 Surf Coaching Courses, up skilling accredited coaches by demonstrating the competencies required to effectively teachthe beginner skills of Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Within the modulecandidates have the option of completing an enclosed flat wateraccreditation or a beginner surf SUP accreditation, so they have the flexibility to operate in either environment depending on theircircumstances.

To obtain this award an individual must adhere to the following accreditation requirements:

1. Attend a SUP Specialist Course
2. Complete your practical coaching hours, this includes session records signed off by a supervisor coach covering:
a. 5hrs of enclosed flat water coaching (for enclosed flat water accreditation only)
b. An additional 5hrs of beginner SUP surf coaching (for SUP surf coach accreditation)
3. Hold a current Surfing Australia Surf Coaching Accreditation (or Surfing Australia approved equivalent)
4. Complete SUP Specialist Module Workbook and return to State Branch with payment

On completion of these requirements your Surfing Australia SurfCoaching accreditation will be endorsed for either enclosed flat wateror SUP surf on the SA database and a new coaching card will be issued.

Course Registration

To register for a course, simply select the course that suits you from the menu on the left and register online. Course numbers are strictly limited.

For further information about Level 1 and 2 Surf Coaching Courses, please contact the Surfing SA office on (08) 8384 1126 email Tina Atkinson on tina@surfingsouthaustralia.com.au

International Surf Judging Courses

Surfing SA regularly hosts International Judging and Officiating Courses inconjunction with Surfing Australia at a variety of venues.

Surfing Australia Judging development courses are recognised as the only endorsed Judging Accreditation course by the Australian Sports Commission and the International Surfing Association.

The International Judging and Officiating Course is the first step in becoming a professional surfing Judge and Official and Surfing SA and Surfing Australia are committed to providing a clear development pathway for our aspiring and, dedicated experienced officials.

The cost of The International Judging and Officiatingcourse is $190 per person. The course takes approximately 7 hours with participants receiving: The International Judging manual, current rule book, ID accreditation card and informative judging DVD.

Course participants are accredited on the day of the course as a “Level 1 club Judge”.

A higher level accreditation pre-requisite is that course participants must complete 20 hours of judging experience, 10 hours at a club level and 10 hours at a regional/state level.The hours must be documented and signed off by a Surfing Australia accredited Head Judge and a club President.  

There are currently three (3) registration levels availablefor Australian Judges and Officials.

1. Level 1 Club Judge (No judging hours or experience neccessary)

2. Level 2 State Judge

3. Level 3 International Judge

Aside from the scheduled courses which are shown on the Upcoming Courses menu to the left, Surfing SA can also run courses for clubs, schools or community groups wishing to register a group (min 12 people required) of candidates.

For more infiormation, or to enquire about a group booking, please contact the Surfing SA office on 08 8384 1126 or email Tina Atkinson on tina@surfingsouthaustralia.cvom.au

To Register for a course, simply select the course that suits you on the Upcoming Courses menu and register online.