ISA Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate

2026 Dates

Courses run 9.30am - 4pm:

Course Content Outline:

Role of the Coach
Safety of the surfer in your care
Venue analysis
Beginner lesson demonstration (by the course presenter)
Coaching methods
Skill development
Program planning
Lesson planning (and assessment)
Lesson delivery
Surf skills demonstration (and assessment)
Feedback and how to deliver it
Equipment for the beginner surfer
The steps to full accreditation

Assessments

Venue analysis
Lesson planning
Lesson delivery
Surf skills

Prerequisites For The Course

Minimum age 16 (You can be an assistant instructor up to 18 years old after which you can start to lead lessons)

Surfing Level: You need to be able to paddle out in shoulder high surf, navigate the line up and catch waves popping cleanly to your feet, taking off right and left and performing a clear change of direction on the wave face. All this should be done with excellent board control throughout.

Before the ISA qualification is signed off candidates must complete the post course 20 hours of observed (by a qualified coach) teaching and submit the following: Lesson plan, Venue analysis and feedback from each lesson. SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and rescue qualification (or equivalent lifeguard qualification).

Costs

£350 + booking fees
There is the option to pay £50 (non-refundable) deposit to secure your place. Final payment of £300 to be paid via BACS payment 2 weeks ahead of course start date.

If you have any questions re eligibility please get in touch. We love mentoring and qualifying coaches and are happy to talk you through it.

Contact the host of ISA Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate