COACHING OPPORTUNITIES
Coaches play an important role in helping athletes of all ages and abilities build their skills, confidence and performance in surf sports. With opportunities across Foundation, Development, Performance and High-Performance coaching, you can support athletes from their first junior sessions through to elite and international competition while continuing to develop your own knowledge and leadership.
Foundation Coach
What is it?
Foundation Coaches deliver recreational or competitive surf sports sessions for Nippers and junior athletes, with a focus on board, swim and beach disciplines. You’ll learn to plan and deliver engaging sessions within a club environment, communicate effectively with young athletes and teach the basic rules and techniques of surf sports.
This course is specifically designed for coaching junior surf sports. It is not a prerequisite for the Development Coach qualification, which is required to coach athletes aged 13 and over.
Where can it lead?
Foundation Coaches who want to coach athletes aged 13 and over can progress to Development Coach accreditation and Performance.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Hold a current Working with Children Check
Complete the online Introduction to Surf Sports Coaching
Complete the Australian Sports Commission's online General Principles of Community Coaching course
Will I need to get wet? Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
Enthusiastic about surf sports and working with young athletes
Patient, encouraging and able to communicate clearly
Organised and interested in delivering fun, engaging sessions
Comfortable working with parents, Age Managers and other coaches
Committed to creating a safe, positive and inclusive environment
development Coach
What is it?
Development Coaches plan and deliver targeted, discipline-specific training for athletes aged 13 and above preparing for surf sports competition. With a strong emphasis on skill development, you’ll help athletes refine their technique, improve their performance and progress towards their goals at different levels of competition, helping them reach their full potential both in and out of the surf.
Where can it lead?
Development Coach accreditation is the pathway to Performance Coach accreditation.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Will I need to get wet? Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
Experienced in surf sports and knowledgeable in a specific discipline
Passionate about helping athletes develop and achieve their goals
A clear, encouraging communicator who can provide constructive feedback
Organised and able to adapt training for different abilities and goals
Collaborative and committed to a safe, positive training environment
Performance Coach
What is it?
Performance Coaches are highly experienced, discipline-specific experts who guide athletes working towards high-performance outcomes. You’ll use advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills to support athlete development at all levels, while mentoring other coaches and supporting their growth within the surf sports community.
Where can it lead?
Performance Coach experience can lead to High-Performance Coaching opportunities, including working with elite and international-level athletes.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 18 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Current Development Coach accreditation
Will I need to get wet? Possibly - this will depend on the surf sports discipline you choose to coach
This could suit you if you are:
Experienced in coaching competitive athletes within a specific discipline
Technically knowledgeable and able to analyse and refine performance
Strategic and organised when planning targeted training programs
A strong communicator who can mentor both athletes and other coaches
Collaborative, adaptable and committed to continuous improvement
High-Performance Coach
What is it?
High-Performance Coaches are seasoned Performance Coaches recognised as leaders in their discipline, either through the National High-Performance Program or as experts beyond it. You’ll use your advanced knowledge and experience to train and prepare elite and international-level athletes, driving peak performance and success at the highest levels of competition.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 18 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Hold a current Performance Coach accreditation
Will I need to get wet? Possibly - this will depend on the surf sports discipline you choose to coach
This could suit you if you are:
A highly experienced coach with advanced discipline-specific knowledge
Strategic, analytical and focused on achieving high-performance outcomes
A strong leader who can build trust with elite athletes
Comfortable working with support teams and mentoring other coaches
Committed to innovation, athlete wellbeing and continuous improvement
Ready to start your journey?
Find a club
Click here to find a club near you!
Contact us
If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.