West Bay Nippers Logo orange red blue black white West Bay Nippers Surf Lifesaving Club logo. Orange setting sun with red sky and blue wavy ocean West Bay Nippers

THE SURF LESSON

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