Surfing New South Wales

Surf Coaching Courses

Surfing NSW 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's Licenced Surf Schools. There are currently in excess of 70 Licenced surf schools around the country.

Level 1 Surf Coaching Accreditation Pre-requisites

To gain full accredititation, there several qualifications and practical requirements that are required to be completed by the candidate in addition to sitting the accreditation course. Candidates must:

- Hold a current Ocean Safety Surf Coach Award (OSSCA) gained through the Australian Professional Lifeguard Association (APOLA)

- Hold a current Senior First Aid Certificate

- Hold a current Advanced Resuscitation Certificate - available through APOLA

- Complete a Working with Children Check form

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

- Hold a current Surfing NSW Membership (Initial 1 year membership is included in $450 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 gain complete accreditation until they turn 18)

- Be a Competent surfer (you will need to demonstrate this during the course)

OSSCA and ARC Accreditation

APOLA conduct OSSCA and ARC courses on the Friday before each of our Level 1 Coaching Courses which allows candidates to complete most of their accreditation over 3 days. Booking for the OSSCA and ARC courses are made by contacting John from APOLA on 0408 855 267.

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 NSW, renew your Surfing NSW Membership ($55.00 per year) and pay a $55.00 re-accreditation fee to Surfing NSW.

Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation

To obtain the Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation, you need to have held 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 be found under the "Documents" tab.

Becoming a Level 2 Coach takes the coach from learn to surf through a greater understanding of competitive surfing. By gaining your Level 2 accreditation it also opens up greater opporunities to become involved in coaching at a State and High Performance level. To obtain this award an 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 NSW hosts several Level 2 Surf Coaching Accreditation Courses each year. Please contact Carlie Thornton for more information on 02 9349 7055 or carliet@surfingnsw.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 teach the beginner skills of Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Within the module candidates have the option of completing an enclosed flat water accreditation or a beginner surf SUP accreditation, so they have the flexibility to operate in either environment depending on their circumstances.

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 Surf Coaching accreditation will be endorsed for either enclosed flat water or 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 NSW office on (02) 9349 7055 or email Carlie Thornton on carliet@surfingnsw.com.au.

International Surf Judging Courses

Surfing NSW regularly hosts International Judging and Officiating Courses in conjunction 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 NSW 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 Officiating course 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 available for Australian Judges and Officials.

1. Level 1 Club Judge (No judginghours of 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 NSW 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 NSW office on 02 9349 7055 or email Carlie Thornton on carliet@surfingnsw.com.au.

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