The coach must wear the following:
- Appropriate clothing for teaching in the surf zone.
- The club colors rash guard.
- The whistle
Land-based Coaching Tips
- Position the students in a semi-circle
- Coach in a sheltered spot out of the wind and direct sunlight if possible
- Position yourself, so students aren’t looking directly into the sun
- Secure all softboards and equipment
- Encourage the surfers to participate in specific activities and help them concentrate and focus on learning.
BEFORE THE LESSON
The coach must:
- Arrive early and complete a venue analysis
- Decide on possible adjustments to the lesson plan based on weather/surf conditions
- Review the emergency action plan
- Ensure all the items are in the emergency mobile bag
- Inspect and organize equipment
BEGINNING OF THE LESSON
The coach must:
- Explain the aims for the day’s surf lesson
- Complete the swim and treading water test
- Inform and demonstrate clear, concise safety and behavior guidelines
- Set and explain physical surf lesson boundaries
- Ask for complete engagement and feedback when providing instructions
- Use class time efficiently
DURING THE LESSON
The coach must:
- Use clear and concise instructions
- Be polite and use appropriate language
- Make the surf lesson fun
- Keep demonstrations short and to the point
- Modify the surf lesson activities to cater to the changing conditions
- Structured surf lessons with repetitions and a variety of learning opportunities
- Create and practice surf safety skills
- Supply frequent positive feedback throughout the surf lesson and recommend improvements
- Ask the participants questions to determine if they understand the lesson goals
- Ask the students for feedback and ways to improve the surf lesson experience
END OF THE LESSON
The coach must:
- Regroup the participants on the beach and summarize the lesson goals
- Give recognition and encouragement to the participants and ask for feedback
- Provide instructions and resources for the next lesson
- Assign roles for carrying softboards and packing away equipment