About this Course:

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 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.

Requirements:

• 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

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About this Course:

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

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About this Course:

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.

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

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About this Course:

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

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About this Course:

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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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• Level 2 Judging Certification:
  – How to obtain: Obtain a Level 1 Judging Certification + submit 50 hours of judging experience logged and signed off by head judge*
  – Ability: judge regional/national events
• Level 3 Judging Certification:
  – How to obtain: Obtain a Level 2 Judging Certification + submit 100 additional hours of judging experience logged and signed off by head judge*
  – Ability: judge national/international events
• Level 4 Judging Certification:
  –How to obtain: Obtain a Level 3 Judging Certification + submit 400 additional hours of judging experience (must include experience judging national/international events) logged and signed off by head judge + receive a letter of recommendation from National Federation
  – Click Here to Apply
  – Ability: judge + head judge national/international events
• Level 5 Judging Certification:
  – How to obtain: reserved for judges currently sitting on ISA World Championship panels. May be awarded to elite level judges via Recognized Prior Learning application made to the ISA Membership and Development Team.
  – Click Here to Apply
  – Ability: judge elite level competitions

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD JUDGING HOURS LOG
*To apply for Level 2 or 3, please submit your completed judging log to your ISA Course Presenter.

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.

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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.

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Interested in Organizing or Attending an ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Course? Additional courses to be scheduled based on demand. Inquire below:

INQUIRE HERE >>

Highlights from First-Ever ISA Adaptive Surf Instructor Course December 7-11, 2020 for 32 participants from 14 countries: View here.

CLICK HERE TO RENEW YOUR ISA COACHING CERTIFICATE >>

CLICK HERE TO RENEW YOUR ISA JUDGING CERTIFICATE >>

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).

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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.

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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.

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Reach out to the ISA Membership and Development Department by submitting an inquiry at the link below:

CONTACT US >>