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ISA Surf Instructors Course – Level 2

ISA Level Two Surf Instructors Course

Delivered by Surfing New Zealand
Advance your coaching skills and help surfers develop from novice to intermediate levels.


Overview

The International Surfing Association (ISA) Level Two Surf Instructors Course is designed for coaches who want to deepen their knowledge and skills in coaching novice to intermediate surfers. This course focuses on improving surfers’ ocean awareness and developing foundational surfing maneuvers, such as cutbacks, floaters, and re-entries.

To be eligible, candidates must have held an ISA Level One Coaching Award for at least 12 months and possess a good surfing ability, including basic cutbacks, floaters, and re-entries. Upon completion, Level Two instructors are qualified to operate their own SNZ Approved Surf School or coaching business.


Course Details

Duration: 2 days
Typical daily schedule: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Includes: Morning tea (bring your own lunch)
Accommodation: Self-arranged (option to include accommodation for a small fee)
What to bring: Surf gear and pen


Course Content

Day 1: Theory & Coaching Fundamentals

  • Holistic Training for Surfers

  • Planning & Risk Management

  • Understanding Judging Criteria

  • Principles of Training

  • Elements of Fitness

  • Lifestyle & Nutrition

  • Sport Psychology

Day 2: Practical Training & Movement Analysis

  • Balance & Force Fundamentals

  • Core Movement Patterns in Surfing

  • Identifying Common Errors

  • Novice Surfing Skills Development

  • Analytical Skills for Coaches

  • Simulation Training

  • Video Coaching & Analysis

  • Accreditation Process Overview


Surfing Ability Requirement

Participants must demonstrate competent surfing skills during a 30-minute surf session, showing the ability to catch waves and perform basic maneuvers such as cutbacks, re-entries, and floaters. Advanced surfing skills are not required, but competency is essential to effectively coach and guide students.


Post-Course Requirements

To achieve full accreditation, participants must:

  • Have held the ISA Level 1 Coaching qualification for a minimum of 12 months

  • Complete the two-day Level 2 course

  • Plan and deliver 40 hours of coaching to a group of surfers and document the sessions in an assignment booklet

  • Complete an online ISA coaching competencies exam (link emailed post-course)

  • Hold either the Surf Lifesaving beach lifeguard award or complete the Surfers Rescue 24/7 course (before or after the course)

  • Hold a current First Aid Certificate (before or after the course)


Costs

  • Course Fee: $650 (GST inclusive) per person

  • With 2 nights accommodation at Whale Bay: $750


2025 Course Dates

Date Location Status
Wed 24 – Thu 25 Sept Raglan Register interest by email (dependent on demand)

To register your interest or for further information, please contact:

Lee Ryan, Surfing New Zealand Development Manager
lee.ryan@surfingnz.co.nz

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