Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the world governing authority for the sport of surfing, the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program creates the proper development pathway for surf / SUP coaches and instructors and the international industry standard.
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of Surfing. The ISA has certified over 15,000 coaches and instructors in more than 80 countries. ISA Courses are delivered by our global network of passionate, professional, knowledgeable, and experienced ISA Course Presenters and the program is offered as a development and economic opportunity to our 119+ Member Federations.
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Click below to learn more about each of the ISA Coaching and Instructing courses:
Introduction:
The ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is designed to introduce surfers to the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, quality learn-to-surf lessons for beginners and early intermediate level surfers. The course can be completed online at any time and is the first step on the pathway to achieving an ISA Surf Level 1 Certification. Enroll today to begin your surf instructor education journey through the ISA’s globally recognized Coaching and Instructing Program.
Who Should Register:
Anyone with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of Surfing. This course can be taken at any time and from any location! There is no surf skill level requirement for enrolling in this course. Internet connection is required.
This course is the first step to becoming an ISA Certified Instructor. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing all eight modules. Finishing this course alone does not qualify the participant as an ISA Certified Instructor. After completing this course, participants must participate in an ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor Course with an ISA Course Presenter to become certified (see more information about the ISA Surf Level 1 Course below).
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $100 USD
Length of Course: Approximately 8-10 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Outline:
Module 1: Instructor Attributes
Module 2: Safety Guidelines
Module 3: Risk Management
Module 4: Equipment for Beginner Surfers
Module 5: Coaching Methods
Module 6: Skill Development
Module 7: Program Planning
Module 8: ISA Coaching and Instructing Pathway
Introduction:
The ISA Surf Level 1 Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality surf schools around the world. This course is designed for instructors delivering lessons to beginner and early intermediate surfers.
Benefits of Attending:
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program (CIP) is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of Surfing. This is also the most popular ISA Course with the broadest international appeal and recognition.
For the individual, the CIP aims to:
• Increase confidence and competence in coaching ability
• Promote an ongoing progressive improvement of knowledge and expertise
• Incorporate the basics of sports science, enabling a more in-depth approach to coaching
• Promote the use of safe and correct techniques
• Provide a structure to improve communication skills
• Encourage the development of innovative coaching techniques
• Provide quality controlled learning in all training programs
• Increase the enjoyment of sport for coaches and athletes
Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of Surfing.
The ISA Surf Level 1 Course is designed for surf instructors that will be teaching learn-to-surf lessons for beginners and early intermediate level surfers.
Prerequisites: ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course
Requirements:
• Completion of the ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course
• Participation in the Surf Level 1 Certification Course
• Demonstration of a basic level of surfing ability, including the ability to traverse left and right on green waves and exit a wave with control
• Completion of 20 practical hours logged and supervised by an ISA Instructor
• Obtain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct
Outline:
Module 1: Role of the Instructor
Module 2: Safety of the Surfer in Your Care
Module 3: Equipment for the Beginner Surfer
Module 4: Coaching Methods
Module 5: Skill Development
Module 6: Program Planning
Introduction:
This course is designed for surf coaches that are working with intermediate to early advanced surfers and coaching surf skills progression and development. The course also touches on athlete development, sport psychology, and surf contest preparation. All ISA Surf Level 2 Coaches MUST have completed and passed an ISA Surf Level 1 Course prior to approval as a Surf Level 2 Coach.
Benefits of Attending:
The ISA Surf Level 2 Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality surf schools around the world. This course will equip you to coach athletes though skill progression.
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of Surfing.
For the individual, the Surf Level 2 Course aims to:
• Increase confidence and competence in coaching ability
• Promote an ongoing progressive improvement of knowledge and expertise
• Incorporate the basics of sports science, enabling a more in-depth approach to coaching
• Promote the use of safe and correct techniques
• Provide a structure to improve communication skills
• Encourage the development of innovative coaching techniques
• Provide quality controlled learning in all training programs
• Increase the enjoyment of sport for coaches and athletes
Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of surfing. This course is for surf coaches that are working with intermediate to early advanced surfers and coaching surf skills progression and development.
All ISA Surf Level 2 Coaches MUST have completed and passed an ISA Surf Level 1 Course prior to approval as a Surf Level 2 Coach. Please be sure your ISA Surf Level 1 is current prior to enrollment.
Requirements:
• Previous certification as an ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor
• Demonstration of surfing skills above an intermediate level
• Completion of 40 practical hours recorded in workbook
• Maintain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct
Outline:
Module One: Essence of Coaching
Module Two: Planning and Preparation
Module Three: Coaching Process
Module Four: Skill Acquisition
Module Five: Surfing Fundamentals
Module Six: Physical Demands of Surfing
Module Seven: Performance Psychology for Progression Surf Coaches
Introduction:
The ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course is designed to introduce paddlers to the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, quality learn-to-SUP lessons for beginners and early intermediate level paddlers. The course can be completed online at any time and is the first step on the pathway to achieving an ISA Flat Water SUP Certification. Enroll today to begin your SUP instructor education journey through the ISA’s globally recognized Coaching and Instructing Program.
Who Should Register:
Anyone with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of SUP. This course can be taken at any time and from any location! There is no SUP skill level requirement for enrolling in this course. Internet connection is required.
This course is the first step to becoming an ISA Certified Instructor. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing all eight modules. Finishing this course alone does not qualify the participant as an ISA Certified Instructor. After completing this course, participants must participate in an ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course with an ISA Course Presenter to become certified (see more information about the ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course below).
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $100 USD
Length of Course: Approximately 8-10 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)
Languages Available: English, Spanish
Outline:
Module 1: Instructor Attributes
Module 2: Safety Guidelines
Module 3: Risk Management
Module 4: Equipment for Beginner Paddlers
Module 5: Coaching Methods
Module 6: Skill Development
Module 7: Program Planning
Module 8: ISA Coaching and Instructing Pathway
Introduction:
The ISA Flat Water Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor Course is designed for introductory SUP instructors that are teaching the sport in the flat water environment (lakes, bays, lagoons and all flat water settings).
Benefits of Attending:
The ISA Flat Water SUP Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality SUP schools around the world. This is also the most popular ISA SUP Course with the broadest international appeal and recognition.
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of SUP.
Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of SUP.
Prerequisites: ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course
Requirements:
• Participation in the Flat Water SUP Certification Course
• Demonstration of a basic level of Stand Up Paddling ability
• Completion of 20 practical hours logged and supervised by an ISA Instructor
• Obtain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct
Outline:
Module 1: Role of the Instructor
Module 2: Safety of the Paddler in Your Care
Module 3: Equipment for the Beginning Sup Student
Module 4: Coaching Methods
Module 5: Skill Development
Module 6: Program Planning
Introduction:
The ISA Surf SUP Course is geared for instructors and coaches that will be teaching SUP in the surf environment. The course focuses on riding waves on a SUP along with a broad range of technique applications and safety procedures. The ISA Flat Water SUP or Surf Level 1 Certification is a prerequisite for this course.
Benefits of Attending:
The Surf SUP Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality SUP schools around the world.
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of SUP.
Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of SUP.
The ISA Flat Water SUP and/or ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor award is a prerequisite to the Open Water SUP course. Please be sure your ISA Flat Water SUP or Surf Level 1 certificate is current prior to enrollment.
Outline:
Module 1: Safety of the Student in your Care
Module 2: Equipment
Module 3: Skill Development
Module 4: Intermediate SUP Surf Skills
Module 5: Program Planning
Requirements:
• Previous certification as an ISA Flat Water SUP or ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor
• Demonstration of SUP surfing skills above an intermediate level
• Completion of 10 practical hours logged and supervised by an ISA Instructor
• Maintain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct
Introduction:
The ISA Open Water SUP Course focuses on teaching SUP in an Open Water environment. The course covers SUP Racing, Technical, and Downwind Paddling successfully. The ISA Flat Water SUP Certification is a prerequisite for this course.
Benefits of Attending:
The ISA Open Water SUP Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality SUP schools around the world.
The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of SUP.
Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of SUP.
The ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor award is a prerequisite to the Open Water SUP course. Please be sure your ISA Flat Water SUP certificate is current prior to enrollment.
Requirements:
• Previous certification as an ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor
• Demonstration of intermediate Open Water SUP skills
• Completion of 10 practical hours logged and supervised by an ISA Instructor
• Maintain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct
Outline:
Module 1: Safety of the Student in Your Care
Module 2: Equipment
Module 3: Skill Development
Module 4: Open Water Racing and Down Wind Paddling
Module 5: Program Planning
The role of an ISA Supervisor Instructor is to supervise the practical hours of instructors in training and ensure the ISA competencies are applied correctly. Supervisor Instructors will be listed in a directory on the ISA Website to enable course participants to search for suitably qualified ISA Supervisor Instructors in their region.
Prerequisites:
• ISA certified for at least two (2) years
• Surf school manager or head coach preferred
• Desire to supervise and mentor new ISA coaches and instructors and ensure they achieve the ISA competencies
Introduction:
The ISA Bodyboard Instructor Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for bodyboard instructors around the world. This course is designed for instructors delivering lessons to beginner and early intermediate bodyboarders.
Bodyboard Instructor Certification Courses are available upon request. For information about organizing a course for your group, contact us at the link below.
The ISA Judging and Officiating Program is the world’s most comprehensive educational program to develop and certify quality surf judges.
Whether you’re looking to start your surf judging career or you’re a fan of surfing seeking to better understand the criteria, the ISA Judging and Officiating pathway has resources to help develop your knowledge.
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Click below to learn about each step in the ISA Judging Pathway
Want to learn how surf competitions are judged? The ISA E-Learning Judging course is for SURFERS, FANS, PARENTS, ASPIRING SURF JUDGES, and anyone else with an interest in competitive surfing. This course will cover the rules and criteria for surfing competitions and the basics of surf judging. This course can be taken at any time and at your own pace. All participants will receive a certification of completion to start them on their judging journey along with knowledge to become a better competitor or educated fan, coach, or parent.
Prerequisites: None
Level of Judging:
After completing this course, you will have a foundational surf judging knowledge that is sufficient for judging local/club-level events or shadow judging at a higher level. This is the first step on the pathway to becoming an ISA certified judge.
Cost: $60 USD
Length of Course: Approximately 4-6 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Indonesian, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese
To enroll, please click the link above and make a free account or log in to ISA Source.
After completing the E-Learning Judging course, you can enroll in a live Judging Certification Course. This course is delivered by an ISA Course Presenter who is an expert in surf judging. The course is designed to dive deeper into judging principles and theory. You will practice comparing waves and throwing scores to prepare you to sit on a judging panel. This course can be taken in-person or online via Zoom. After participating in a Judging Certification Course, you will be awarded with an ISA Level 1 Judging certification.
Prerequisites: Completion of the ISA Judging E-Learning Course
Level of Judging: An ISA Level 1 Judge has knowledge suitable for judging club and regional events and/or shadow judging competitions.
Cost: Varies per organizer.
ESPAÑOL: Curso de Certificación de Juzgamiento ISA:
– 18-20 de junio de 2026
– desde las 6 a las 9 PM hora del Chile, todas las sesiones
– Disponible en español
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Interested in organizing an ISA Judging course for your organization or group? Bulk discount pricing is available for national federations and/or groups of 25 or more. Contact us for more information.
Want to be notified the next time an international judging course is scheduled? Send us a note that you’re interested and we’ll add you to our mailing list.
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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD JUDGING HOURS LOG
*To apply for Level 2 or 3, please upload your completed judging log to your ISA Source Account in the “Qualifications” section.
The ISA Longboard Judging E-Learning course offers an overview of how international judges analyze and score longboard surfing. Learn about the longboard judging criteria, how judges differentiate between good noseriding and poor noseriding, as well as information on equipment requirements and maneuvers that are deemed tricks and not rewarded.
This course is recommended for all judges wishing to gain the skills and knowledge to be able to understand and reward the intricacies of longboard surfing. It is designed to be completed after you have completed the ISA Online Judging Course and have a general understanding of surf judging.
ISA E-Learning Courses can be completed online at any time at your own pace.
Cost: $50 USD
The International Surfing Association (ISA) and the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) have entered into a key strategic partnership to establish a universally recognized, global standard water safety course and certification for surfing and stand-up paddle (SUP) coaches and instructors.
The ISA/ILS International Surf and SUP Instructor Aquatic Rescue and Safety Course is specific for the surf instructing environment and available for all ISA and ILS Members to access. The course can be presented by ILS Member Organizations and those with formal endorsed trainer/assessor qualification.
Click below to learn more about the course.
Through this course, the ISA and ILS have established a global minimum standard for Surf/SUP instructors water safety certification, as water safety requirements vary from country to country on a national level. This collaboration has resulted in a standard safety accreditation that benefits traveling coaches.
The course is designed to complement the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program Courses that currently require all ISA accredited instructors to hold a valid, recognized water safety accreditation. The course helps the ISA build a better world through surfing by promoting water safety world-wide.
Course Details:
The course is run over two days. It contains theory, practical components, and group activities. Assessment is competency based and successful completion is based upon the following:
• Full attendance of the training course and all practical assessments
• Basic Surf Fitness Test
• Competency in each of the Practical Assessments
• Completion of course participant workbook
Basic Surf Fitness Test: Run-swim-run to demonstrate surf skill competency, based on small to moderate surf conditions and to be completed within a 5-minute timeframe: Minimum of 100m run, negotiation of the inner surf zone with a swim of at least 100m through the surf and impact zone, 100m run. Course presenters may extend the Basic Surf Fitness Test depending on conditions and adjust the time-frame accordingly.
Practical Assessments: Unconscious board rescue, basic first aid techniques in various scenarios, and provision of basic emergency care, including CPR.
All participants who successfully demonstrate the competencies will receive an ISA/ILS Water Safety Accreditation that is valid for two years. This accreditation fulfills the minimum water safety requirement for the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program and includes international ILS-endorsement and recognition
Renewal: The ISA/ILS Water Safety Accreditation must be refreshed every two years
Please Note: ***Requirements of individual member nations internal requirements in relation to CPR and fitness recertification must also be considered.
The ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Certification Course ensures those who are engaged in Adaptive Surf Instruction and Therapy are adequately trained and have the necessary knowledge and skillset to improve the skills of the Adaptive Surfers that they are instructing.
This award enables surf schools to employ certified adaptive surf instructors and offer surf lessons to surfers with physical, mental, cognitive, and behavioral health disabilities.
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Click below to learn more about the course.
Recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as the International Federation for Para Surfing, also known as Adaptive Surfing, the ISA has taken an active role in the worldwide development, promotion and structure of the sport. This program is part of the ISA’s ongoing effort to create a global platform for universal access to the sport and enable Para Surfers to achieve sporting excellence and inspire others. While the competitive element of Para Surfing is a rapidly growing aspect of the sport, the Adaptive Surf Instructor Program focuses on broader inclusion and grassroots development.
In partnership with AmpSurf, Surfability UK, and members of the global Adaptive Surfing community and supported by the Foundation for Global Sports Development, the ISA has developed this International Adaptive Surf Instructor Certification Program. This program is complementary to the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program and accessible for surf instructors, surf schools, and Adaptive Surfing organizations worldwide.
The ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Certification Course ensures those who are engaged in Adaptive Surf Instruction and Therapy are adequately trained and have the necessary knowledge and skillset to improve the skills of the Adaptive Surfers that they are instructing. This enables surf schools to employ certified adaptive surf instructors and offer surf lessons to surfers with physical, mental, cognitive, and behavioral health disabilities. This also provides organizations that run Adaptive Surfing programs and therapy the opportunity to train their staff and volunteers. Overall, this course contributes to a safer environment for Adaptive Surfing instruction and therapy worldwide.
Interested in Organizing or Attending an ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Course? Additional courses to be scheduled based on demand. Inquire below:
Highlights from First-Ever ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Course December 7-11, 2020 for 32 participants from 14 countries: View here.
Military Veterans are eligible for course scholarships via AmpSurf.
To validate an ISA coaching and instructing certification, participants must complete a water safety certification course. The water safety certificate must be maintained by a bi-annual recertification.
Where available, ISA coaches and instructors are encouraged to participate in the ISA/ILS Water Safety Course (see course schedule).
Otherwise, an ISA Instructor or Coach may complete a Lifeguarding/Lifesaving Course endorsed by an ILS Member (see equivalencies) or a course which includes as a minimum the following:
• Action and communication in emergency situations
• Basic first aid and life support/CPR
• Unconscious board specific rescue and aftercare
• Minimum fitness requirement of a timed pool (25m) swim of 200m in less than 5 mins or an equivalent water based fitness test
• Maximum validity of two years, with minimum recertification of a 4 hour refamiliarization and then assessment of the theory and practical skills again. Must include fitness, Life Support/CPR and an unconscious board specific rescue and aftercare
We maintain a public directory of ISA Certification Status so certifications can be verified by third parties. Our directory is updated every 24 hours. If a coaching, judging, or water safety certificate is not listed on the directory, it is either expired or invalid.
For inquiries about the content of our certification directory, please contact us at [email protected].
To ensure the quality of our programs, all new ISA Presenters must follow a mentorship process and be signed off on their competencies to deliver ISA Courses.
Reach out to the ISA Membership and Development Department by submitting an inquiry at the link below:
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