Foundation
Surf Coaching Course
The role of a Foundation Surf Coach (formerly Level 1 Surf Coach) is to introduce beginner surfers to the sport in a safe, fun and supportive manner that goes beyond the simple instruction of skill.
First and foremost, coaches will learn the importance of safety and how to provide a safe environment through their knowledge of the ocean and their ability to identify and manage risks.
Progression
Surf Coaching Course
Becoming a Surfing Australia Progression Surf Coach (formerly level 2 Surf Coach) is a fulfilling experience where you’ll give intermediate and advanced surfers the opportunity to further develop their skills both in and out of the water.
You’ll support surfers in their technical, physical and psychological development as they transition to more advanced levels of surfing and for some, a competitive career.
Foundation
SUP Coaching Course
The role of a Foundation SUP Coach (formerly Flat Water SUP Coach) is to introduce beginner stand-up paddle boarders to the sport in a safe, fun and supportive manner that goes beyond the simple instruction of skill.
First and foremost, coaches will learn the importance of safety and how to provide a safe environment through their knowledge of waterways and their ability to identify and manage risks.
Surfing Australia Club Coaching Course
The Surfing Australia Club Coaching Course is now available for experienced surfers, boardrider club members, volunteers and teachers who want to run coaching sessions within their boardrider club or high school surfing program.
Free for Nominated Boardrider Members
Members of Surfing NSW-affiliated boardrider clubs can complete the course free of charge when nominated by their club.
SNSW Club Nomination Form
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for experienced surfers who want to support intermediate and competitive surfers both in and out of the water. It is ideal for:
- Boardrider Club coaches and volunteers
- High school surfing coaches and teachers
- Experienced surfers looking to develop coaching skills
What You’ll Learn
- Competition preparation and mental performance
- Inclusive coaching practices
- Surf-specific training and development
- Heat strategy and simulation drills
- Coaching tools and techniques
- Judging criteria and performance analysis
- Ocean safety and risk management
Course Structure
- Online learning modules
- 20 hours of practical coaching experience
- Coaching logbook and supervisor sign-off
Eligibility
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Surf at an intermediate level or above
- Demonstrate sound ocean awareness and surf safety knowledge
Accreditation Requirements
- Surfing Australia Club Coaching Course
- Safeguarding Children & Young People in Sport Induction
- Current Surfing Australia State Membership
You must also hold:
- Approved Ocean Safety Qualification
- Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
- CPR (HLTAID009)
- Working With Children Check (state requirements apply)
Important Information
This course does not qualify coaches to work in a surf school. Coaches seeking employment in a surf school must complete the Level 1 Foundation Surf Coaching Course.
How to Enrol
- Log in or create an account in the Surfing Australia Membership Portal
- Select Events & Courses
- Select Training & Courses
- Choose Club Coach
Foundation Surf Coaching Course
About this Course
Every year, thousands of Australians and visitors come to our shores to experience the joy of surfing for the first time.
The role of a Foundation Surf Coach (formerly Level 1 Surf Coach) is to introduce beginner surfers to the sport in a safe, fun and supportive manner that goes beyond the simple instruction of skill.
First and foremost, coaches will learn the importance of safety and how to provide a safe environment through their knowledge of the ocean and their ability to identify and manage risks.
Course Structure
The Foundation Surf Coaching Course consists of an online learning component and 20 hours of practical experience at a Surfing Australia affiliated surf school.
Course Pre-requisites
In order to gain this accreditation you must be at least 16 years of age.
CLICK HERE to view the list of Surfing Australia affiliated surf schools where you can complete your practical hours.
Accreditation Requirements
To achieve accreditation as a Foundation Surf Coach, you will need to complete the following courses and have the following supporting documents:
- Completion of the Surfing Australia Foundation Surf Coaching Course in the Surfing Learning Centre (including your logbook)
- Completion of the Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction course in the Surfing Learning Centre
- Current State membership – purchased through your Surfing Portal
The following mandatory credentials are completed with external providers:
- Ocean safety qualification (Surfers Rescue courses do not qualify for this qualification, full details of approved Ocean Safety providers are HERE)
- Provide first aid (HLTAID011)
- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009) – this is included in HLTAID011 but has a 1 year expiry
- Working With Children Check*
* Please note: The age requirement for who needs to hold a working with children check varies from state to state in Australia. Check this with your state branch.
How To Enrol
- Login or create an account in Surfing Australia’s membership portal
- Click on Events & Courses
- Click on Training & Courses
- Click on Foundation Surf Coach
Progression Surf Coaching Course
About this Course
Becoming a Progression Surf Coach (formerly level 2 Surf Coach) is a fulfilling experience where you’ll give intermediate and advanced surfers the opportunity to further develop their skills both in and out of the water.
You’ll support surfers in their technical, physical and psychological development as they transition to more advanced levels of surfing and for some, a competitive career.
Course Structure
The Progression Surf Coaching Course consists of an online learning component and 20 hours of practical coaching with an affiliated Progression Surf Coach.
Course Pre-requisites
Before coaches can enrol in the Progression Surf Coaching Course, they must have held a Foundation Surf Coach Accreditation for a minimum of 12 months.
Before coaches can enrol in the Progression Surf Coaching Course, they must have held a Foundation Surf Coach Accreditation for a minimum of 12 months.
To be a Progression Coach you must also demonstrate your surfing skills at a minimum intermediate level where you can consistently perform manoeuvres in the correct section with control. You must be able to perform a bottom turn, top turn and cut-back on both forehand and backhand and you can already demonstrate confidence in all conditions especially in challenging conditions over 3 foot. You must have spent adequate time in the surf and demonstrate your ability to read the conditions at various types of surf breaks and have a detailed understanding of the ocean and its hazards. This will be assessed by your mentoring coach during the practical coaching component of your course.
CLICK HERE to view the list of Surfing Australia affiliated surf schools where you can complete your practical hours.
Accreditation Requirements
To achieve accreditation as a Progression Surf Coach, you will need to complete the following courses and have the following supporting documents:
- Completion of the Surfing Australia Progression Surf Coaching Course in the Surfing Learning Centre (including your logbook)
- Completion of the Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction course in the Surfing Learning Centre
- Current State membership – purchased through your Surfing Portal
The following mandatory credentials are completed with external providers:
- Ocean safety qualification (Surfers Rescue courses do not qualify for this qualification, full details of approved Ocean Safety providers are HERE)
- Provide first aid (HLTAID011)
- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009) – this is included in HLTAID011 but has a 1 year expiry
- Working With Children Check*
* Please note: The age requirement for who needs to hold a working with children check varies from state to state in Australia. Check this with your state branch.
How To Enrol
- Login or create an account in Surfing Australia’s membership portal
- Click on Events & Courses
- Click on Training & Courses
- Click on Progression Surf Coach
Foundation SUP Coaching Course
About this Course
Every year, thousands of Australians and visitors come to our shores to experience the joy of surfing and stand-up paddle boarding for the first time.
The role of a Foundation SUP Coach (formerly Flat Water SUP Coach) is to introduce beginner stand-up paddle boarders to the sport in a safe, fun and supportive manner that goes beyond the simple instruction of skill.
First and foremost, coaches will learn the importance of safety and how to provide a safe environment through their knowledge of waterways and their ability to identify and manage risks.
Course Structure
The Foundation SUP Coaching Course consists of an online learning component and 20 hours of practical coaching at a Surfing Australia Affiliated SUP School.
Course Pre-requisites
In order to gain this accreditation you must be at least 16 years of age.
Accreditation Requirements
To achieve accreditation as a Foundation SUP Coach, you will need to complete the following courses and have the following supporting documents:
- Completion of the Surfing Australia Foundation SUP Coaching Course in the Surfing Learning Centre (including your logbook)
- Completion of the Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction course in the Surfing Learning Centre
- Current State membership – purchased through your Surfing Portal
The following mandatory credentials are completed with external providers:
- Ocean safety qualification (Surfers Rescue courses do not qualify for this qualification, full details of approved Ocean Safety providers are HERE)
- Provide first aid (HLTAID011)
- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009) – this is included in HLTAID011 but has a 1 year expiry
- Working With Children Check*
* Please note: The age requirement for who needs to hold a working with children check varies from state to state in Australia. Check this with your state branch.
How To Enrol
Login or create an account in Surfing Australia’s membership portal
Click on Events & Courses
Click on Training & Courses
Click on Foundation SUP Coaching Course
Surf Coach Essentials
Looking to reaccredit your surf coaching qualifications in just one day?

